Crow Shot #

Austin Laughlin

Active member
What size shot are you guys using for calling crows? I had some #8 2 3/4” trap loads jsut laying around. Up close they were great. If there was any kind of height it wasn’t so great lol

I didn’t know if maybe 6’s? Some high brass quail/pheasant loads? Or does to really matter? My gun patterns extremely well with 7s and 6s for bird shot. So I’m theory that’s what I’d prolly switch too, but I thought I’d ask the guys with a lot more experience than me and see if I’m missing something.

Gun is a: Escort Magum SA shotgun, Full choke.
 
High brass #6 and a modified choke for me. This time of year they are a little more spooky around this area but there are loads of them around.
 
A good dose of 7's will kill crows as far out as you can put a pattern on them. Sixes work well but I prefer a higher pellet count.

Some days I'll shoot a lot of crows and starlings on the same stands. For a mixed bag, 8's are hard to beat. They're a little light if you're stretching the yardage on crows but overall they work well. Time your shots when you can see their face.
 
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I think I’ll try the #6s. What part of MO are you from Curdog?

Those 8s were just that, to light for the distance I was pushing them lol I’m gonna get some High Brass #6s and see how they shoot out of my IC!
 
A good sporting clays load of #7.5 shot and a modified choke is my pick. #6 in a good field load would be a suitable second place choice.
 
If you can find high brass #5 shot you are good to go. They hit hard. Back in the pre steel days they were my duck hunting shells.
 
We’ve been waxing them. And yes, we’re calling them using my Foxpro. I tried the 6s and they did well. 7.5s seem to be the sweet spot with my patterning though.
 


I use a 20 gauge with 7/8 or 1 oz. loads of #7 1/2 or #6 shot. Put out decoys, have a good "hide", and use electronic calls. Take decoying shots within 30 yards.
 
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