American Crows are particularly susceptible to WNV, with many specimens confirmed as infected with the disease by government agencies. Although crow populations have been considered steady or increasing, there is a very real possibility that WNV could dramatically reverse that trend.

In March 2003, the Federation sent a letter to the Director of the NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources inquiring about the Division's assessment of American Crow populations and whether any consideration is being given to changing crow hunting seasons or bag limits in light of this new threat to the species.

For more information about West Nile Virus and Crows, see  Kevin McGowan's website.