First of all you have to get the crows close before you can shoot them. Carry a hand call as well as an e-caller with you and learn how to use it. Then when the crows get close you can do a little calling to bring them in the last few yards. I sometimes use a decoy hooked to a spring and with a string attached to it that I can pull. It really brings them in. If they still stay back it is more than likely YOU. Wear full camo (Face mask, gloves, ect.). Get hidden, the crows are looking for you so make yourself hard to find. Crow can detect movement even when they appear to be looking away. Have your gun up and be in a position to shoot before they arrive. Also remember that crows, like turkeys, can see UV brightener, something most detergents have. I learned that the hard way! Wait till you can see the feet or beak of the crow. That's when you know he's in range. Shot size is the most debated question in crow hunting. It really all comes down to personal preferents. However, the general rule of thumb is that for longer shots, 30-40yds., use a tighter chock (full, or X-tra full) and a bigger shot (#4-#7 1/2). For shots 30yds. and under, use a more open chock (Mod. or I.C.) and a smaller shot (#7 1/2-#9). How ever I have known crow hunters who use a full chock and #9 or an I.C. and #4. You will just have to find out what works best for you. I shoot a 12ga. semi-auto with an X-tra full turkey chock loaded with #6. These are just a few tips that might help, but I think your real problem is over leading! Crows are not fighter jets traveling a two hundred miles an hour! I have over lead and missed so many crows that I'm embarrased to tell you how many. Aim for the tip of the beak or just a few inches in front of it. I have killed many crows aiming at the body. You will know when you shoot behind the crow, but if the crow appears he is flying through the shot pattern, chances are he's to far away or you are over leading him.
Hope that was helpful. There is so much more to crow hunting than it first appears. I suggest you go to www.crowbusters.com to learn more. Have fun and good luck.
"Crowgunner"
