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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 
