Crane talk

NMPaul · Nov 29, 2020

We drew crane tags in Deming area on Jan 2nd and 3rd.
Not bird hunters, but, sure would like to just see one of those big dinosaurs fall out of the sky if lucky enough to hit one and then eat it.
Plan was to get there a day early and try to find birds and then ask the farmers if we can hunt the next day.
If you got any better ideas let us know. I cant give you any bird advice in return, but, maybe some help with some other type of NM hunting. We will probably miss any birds we shoot at. But, I can promise I wont share your spots with anyone else.

elkantlers · Nov 29, 2020

That's a good plan. Find the fields they are heading to. Then get someplace in their path and shoot some. Lead them a couple feet if they flying fast.
They are excellent eating if you do get one. Good luck

Muleman · Nov 30, 2020

Don’t pass over Columbus area. Can be a lot of them down there. Big farms across the Mexico border to the west. They bounce back and forth

live4muleys · Nov 30, 2020

Use a blind. We had no luck on crane for five years then we made us a blind out of PVC and camo burlap, it was a game changer. We use the sock decoys, they seem to work well for the price. Good luck. They are delicious. Crazy to see such a big bird falling out of the sky.

NMPaul · Nov 30, 2020

Thanks guys. In all seriousness we are not taking this to seriously, we are probably taking our bows and skedaddle to AZ for the OTC archery deer season the second we realize we suck at bird hunting. It would be great to whack one, but, just probably not gonna put the necessary effort into it. Would prob ably be more willing to pay a trespass fee for a place that has birds consistently in it and blinds since we will probably only bring shotguns no decoys or blind.

deadon · Nov 30, 2020

I’ve never hunted down in Deming so I can’t help out with spots. They’re really tough to attract without decoys but if you find a field they’re feeding on or flying to/from you can knock em down, just make sure you are concealed well in tall grass, weeds, etc. They’re very wary if a blind stands out. If they see you, you have no chance. Wear a camouflage face mask. If you find a crane call get one (Amazon). I’ve turned groups of crane from several hundred yards out to fly over my decoys just by calling. Heck, even without a call or decoys, don’t be afraid to mimic their calls if you see or hear them. Use your binos. If you see them in the distance, they are curious and will come check you out if you sound like a crane (more so if you have decoys out). I prefer to shoot BB size shot with a long range choke built for steel shot. Good luck. They are a blast.

NMPaul · Dec 1, 2020

deadon said:
I’ve never hunted down in Deming so I can’t help out with spots. They’re really tough to attract without decoys but if you find a field they’re feeding on or flying to/from you can knock em down, just make sure you are concealed well in tall grass, weeds, etc. They’re very wary if a blind stands out. If they see you, you have no chance. Wear a camouflage face mask. If you find a crane call get one (Amazon). I’ve turned groups of crane from several hundred yards out to fly over my decoys just by calling. Heck, even without a call or decoys, don’t be afraid to mimic their calls if you see or hear them. Use your binos. If you see them in the distance, they are curious and will come check you out if you sound like a crane (more so if you have decoys out). I prefer to shoot BB size shot with a long range choke built for steel shot. Good luck. They are a blast.

Good stuff. I just want to see one of those Pterodactyls cart wheel out of the sky