Are they truly protected against shooting? Or can you shoot one that is ripping up your crops? Does New Mexico have a year-round crow season?

My wife unit just about had kittens a few days ago when something with crow-like footprints took out part of her garden. It only ate some brand-new shoots, not the well-developed fruits.

lol I wish I could let my "predators" out into the yard, but they'd get et by one of the raptors in the area, or jump the fence into a coyote's mouth.

Too many doves for him to catch right now, so no rentals at this time.

I was told they aren't crow, but ravens, several years ago.  This was told to me by the game warden who caught my brother and I shooting them out on the West mesa.  We were lucky, no fine or shotguns confiscated.  Being humble and showing respect to his authoritay went a long way.

Any animal, bird, etc., damaging your crops may be dispatched by you legally.  I've found the best way to get rid of these asshole birds is to purchase a couple of the large wooden, spring loaded rat traps.  Tie a chunk of meat to the triggers and set them out where they can be seen.  Keep your dogs and cats away while they are set.  You may catch stray animals, but that's part of life.

Does that include private crops (i.e. my garden plot), or only commercial crops?

A crop is a crop is a crop.

My granddad showed me the trick.  Kills 'em dead.  Of course, he lost quite a few chickens after he showed me this one.

Hear it works on squirrels as well.  Paint them black attach to a tree and used Peanut Butter as bait.

MAHA