On Sun, 01 Jun 2003 19:28:10 GMT, "Jared" wrote:

Is there anything I can do to keep the crows out of my vegetable garden?
They rip everything up, and if they don't eat something, they poke holes in
it with their beak so it is still no good. Any tricks? Thanks

Good information at this site....

http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/...ent/BD519.html

Since they are very smart it won't take long with a pellet rifle, just
make sure of your State DNR rules.

I use...
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/pentagon...co2sinsh1.html

cut and paste from first link.....

"Crows are common in North America due to their intelligence and
ability to adapt to different food environments. Forming huge flocks
during winter and fall is an important aspect of the crows' behavior.
This behavior pattern leads to human objection because of the odor of
the bird droppings and health concerns, such as the spread of disease.
There are accepted methods to repel nuisance birds.

DAMAGE PREVENTION AND CONTROL METHODS

Lines - This technique is done by stretching cord or fine wire at
intervals across a field at heights of 6-8 feet. Aluminum strips,
Mylar strips and/or pie tins could be tied to the wire. Studies have
shown that different species react differently from lines. Generally
adult birds are more repelled by lines than juveniles.

Tree Roosts - Thinning the branches on specific roosting trees make
the trees less attractive and disperse nuisance birds from roosting.

Frightening - Frightening is effective in getting nuisance birds to
disperse from roost sites and some crop areas. Recorded distress or
alarm calls can be used. Other frightening devices include:

battery operated alarm clocks
shell crackers and bird bombs subject to local ordinances
lights, bright objects, clapper devices, and/or a variety of noise
makers
hanging Mylar tape in roosting trees.
Changing the location, intensity and types of scare devices will
improve their effectiveness.

Crows are protected in Minnesota by state or federal laws, but may be
taken as authorized. Crows may be taken without a license in season or
at any time when they are dong or are about to do damage. The crow
season in Minnesota is March 1 to March 31 and July 15 to October 15 .
.. . There is no limit. Get a copy of the current Minnesota Hunting and
Trapping Regulations Handbook for complete information. It's available
from most licensing agents. An online copy can be found at
www.dnr.state.mn.us.





"Nature, left alone, is in perfect balance.
Harmful insects and plant diseases are always present,
but do not occur in nature to an extent which requires the use of poisonous chemicals.
The sensible approach to disease and insect control is to grow sturdy crops in a healthy environment."

Masanobu Fukuoka, One Straw Revolution--1978