SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Wildlife Board cleared a new species for hunting in Utah, and starting this fall Utah hunters can set their sights on crow.
Wildlife officials said crow populations have grown steadily over the years and that the crows are a nuisance in some areas, which is why they’ve approved the addition of crows.
According to a press release from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, crows can damage fruit, corn and grain crops in parts of Utah. The animals also raid nests and steal eggs from other birds. Officials also said crows damage trees and cause disturbances in urban areas.
Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah, said they oppose the measure.
"Our organization has always been opposed to the killing of any animal or bird simply for the sake of killing,” he said in a statement to FOX 13 News.
The 2014 crow hunt runs September 1 through September 30 and December 1 through February 28.
The board also made changes to rules regarding doves. “This fall, you can take a combined total of 15 mourning doves and white-winged doves a day. And the amount of time you can hunt has been doubled,” according to the press release.
Click here for more information about hunting rules in Utah.
