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 U1TITSD STATES DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE /aS^I 
 
 .Bureau of Biological Survey 
 
 7,' ildlife Researc h and Management Leaflet 
 Washin gton, P. C 
 
 
 * ITo>qghjBg J- 
 
 5* 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR P0IS0NII1G PINON JAYS 
 Prepared in Section of Food Habits, Division of Wildlife Research 
 
 lIso known as squawker, pinon squawker, "blue crow, 
 
 The rinon jay, 
 
 and cedar bird, at times does considerable damage to corn (maize) and 
 wheat in some sections of the Rocky Mountain States. Pamage occurs 
 mainly in fields near the pinon— cedar covered hills that form the 
 natural abode of these birds. In such sections isolated fields of 
 grain in close proximity to the hills are almost certain to be damaged, 
 while fields in the center of broad agricultural areas seldom are 
 visited by the birds. Consequently the problem of controlling the pinon 
 jay is associated most frequently with the small and pioneer ranch and 
 is especially serious in areas of narrow creek valleys. 
 
 Corn is sometime- damaged in the roasting-ear stage, but serious 
 loss seldom occurs until it is ripe enough to be readily shelled off by 
 the birds. Upon first entering a cornfield, the jays are likely to scatter, 
 but within a few days they are inclined to settle down to a definite sec- 
 tion of the field where they have previously opened ears, and to return 
 again and again to that soot. That is the place to carry out effective 
 poisoning operations, and, until such a feeding area is established, it is 
 useless to distribute poisoned bait. 
 
 Effective poisoning during the period when wheat is in the shock is 
 more difficult and is complicated by the fact that at that time mourning 
 doves are extremely abundant, feeding in the stubble while the jays are 
 feeding both on the shock and in the stubble. Baits placed in wheat stubble 
 are sure to kill large numbers of doves. As yet, no method that is both 
 effective and economical has been discovered for placing suitable baits on 
 
 shocks. The extent of damage to whea 
 pensive control measures. 
 
 is not 
 
 ;reat as to warrant ex 
 
 Pinon jays are not protected by Eederal law, but before undertaking 
 poisoning operations attention should be paid to protective State laws and 
 care should be taken to comply with State and local regulations relating to 
 the use of poisoned baits. 
 
 Preparation of the Poisoned Bait 
 
 Use as a base whole shelled corn, well cured and dry, if it can be 
 obtained, and powdered strychnine alkaloid as the poison. The poison is 
 applied to the outside of the grain in a mixture with starch paste. The 
 
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 
 
 III 111 
 
 3 1262 08927 9920 
 
 -proportions of these elements for varying quantities of "bait are: 
 
 lied corn Strychnine alkaloid Starch uaste Glycerin 
 
 5 quarts 
 10 ~ '' 
 20 " 
 
 l/4 ounce 
 l/2 " 
 1 m 
 
 l/2 pint l/2 tablespooxx 
 1 11 1 tt 
 
 1 quart 2 tablespoon: 
 
 Make a starch paste "by dissolving a quantity of ordinary laundry 
 starch in a little cold water and stir well as enough boiling water is 
 added to make the paste of the consistency of ordinary cream. To the quan- 
 tity of strychnine required add a like bulk of this starch paste and mix 
 thoroughly; then add enough more of the paste and the glycerin to make up 
 the quantity needed. After stirring well, pour this poison mixture over 
 the corn in a box or tub and mix thoroughly until the kernels are evenly 
 coated. Let the bait dry for a few hours or over night before using. 
 Poisoned grain thus prepared will withstand a shower or two', but exposure 
 to prolonged or repeated rains will cause it to lose its effectiveness* 
 
 Distrj buting the B ait 
 
 The poisoned grain should be scattered in stands of corn by taking 
 a handful at a time and, holding it either zo one side or behind, letting 
 it filter slowly through the fingers while walking at a moderate pace be- 
 s. One handful of shelled corn thus spread ■..ill cover about 
 linear feet in the row, and, except in small fields, poison scattered 
 very other row is sufficient. Usually 5 to 10 quarts of poisoned grain 
 will cover the damaged section. These baits should not be placed in fields 
 which turkeys, ducks, geese, and young chickens have access. Chickens 
 ess a marked immunity to strychnine poisoning but the other birds men- 
 Led are susceptible and must be kept out of baited fields. When the 
 • is scattered as directed there is no danger to stock that subsequently 
 may be pastured in the fields. 
 
 
 univ or fl up. 
 
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