Crows are a common sight across the United States, easily recognized by their large size, black plumage, and familiar “caw” vocalizations. Though often considered a nuisance by farmers and homeowners, crows are still federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
This has led many to wonder – is it legal to hunt crows in the United States? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no, as there are variations in crow hunting laws between states and other regulations that must be considered.
Federal Laws on Crow Hunting
As mentioned above, crows are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell any migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
So at the federal level, hunting crows is illegal without a permit. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service does issue permits to kill crows in certain circumstances, such as when they become a danger to agriculture or human health and safety.
Depredation Permits for Crow Hunting
Depredation permits are issued by the USFWS to kill crows that pose a threat to crops, property, and livestock. This allows farmers and ranchers to legally hunt crows that damage agricultural areas. Permits may also be issued when large crow populations present a risk of disease transmission or damage to the environment.
To obtain a depredation permit, an individual must submit an application indicating:
- The species and number of crows to be killed
- The location where crows will be taken
- The method of taking
- The reason for the request
- A description of previous non-lethal attempts to resolve the problem
If approved, the permit will specify the allowed methods, seasons, and numbers. Record keeping and reporting of crows killed under the permit are required. Depredation permits for crows are usually only valid for up to a year.
Scientific Collection Permits
Scientific collection permits allow researchers and educational institutions to legally capture and kill migratory birds for scientific studies or museum collections. Like depredation permits, collection permits specify approved methods, locations, numbers of birds, and reporting procedures.
State Laws on Crow Hunting
In addition to federal regulations, individual states can establish their own laws and hunting seasons for crows. These state regulations must still comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but can be more flexible or restrictive.
Most states choose to have crow hunting seasons that align with the federal framework for migratory game bird hunting. During open crow hunting seasons, state rules and bag limits apply rather than federal depredation permit restrictions.
Some states prohibit crow hunting completely. For example, crows are protected year-round in Washington, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the Virgin Islands, with no open hunting seasons. Other states like Hawaii and Delaware have no crow hunting seasons established.
States that do allow crow hunting each implement different daily bag limits on the number of crows that can be harvested by each hunter. Bag limits help regulate crow populations and prevent overhunting. For example:
- Oregon has a daily limit of 20 crows per hunter
- Wisconsin allows 10 crows per day
- Maryland limits hunting to 4 crows per day
- Virginia hunters can take an unlimited number of crows
Be sure to consult regulations for the state in question before undertaking any crow hunting activity.
Methods and Other Restrictions
Both federal and state crow hunting laws establish restrictions on the methods that can be used to take crows:
Prohibited Methods
- Poisons
- Snares
- Live decoys
- Machine guns
- Semi-automatic firearms capable of holding more than 6 rounds
- Traps
- Any method besides shooting with a shotgun, bow and arrow, or pre-charged pneumatic air rifle
Permitted Methods
- Shotguns (typically 12 gauge or smaller)
- Bow and arrow
- Air rifles charged only by muscle power
- Some states allow centerfire rifles and handguns
In addition, there are often limits on hunting hours, use of electronic calls, and other specifics that vary by state. Consult state regulations before crow hunting.
Baiting
Baiting, or the use of decoys and artificial food sources to attract and concentrate crows for easier hunting, is prohibited under the federal baiting regulations for migratory birds.
Most states also have additional rules on crow baiting. Some states allow baiting during certain times and with specific restrictions, while others completely prohibit baiting for crows.
Conclusion
In summary, the legality of hunting crows in the United States is regulated under both federal and state laws:
- Federal: Crows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but can be legally hunted with a depredation or scientific collection permit from the USFWS
- State: Regulations like open seasons, bag limits, and methods vary between states. Some states prohibit crow hunting completely.
- Both federal and state laws restrict hunting methods for crows. Baiting regulations also apply.
It is essential that hunters understand and comply with all federal, state, and local restrictions before undertaking any crow hunting activity. The regulations are intentionally strict to balance hunting opportunity with protecting crow populations across the country.
