Despite fewer crows in the area this year, Tom Lennox, an organizer of this weekend's annual and controversial crow shoot, anticipates a successful event.

“If I move my septic tank into your backyard, is it gone?” Lennox said. “They're out there, they're just dispersed.”

The pre-hazing crow roost in the city last winter was about 64,000. This year's initial roost, measured in December, was at about 36,000. After the hazing, the number dropped to about 570 of the original roost in the city. Hunting is not allowed in the city, so the contest is held outside city limits.

There are no set boundaries within the limits of the law, Lennox said. Hunters can go wherever they believe the crows can be found.

Lennox said he's received calls from people near Skaneateles, Marcellus and others: “They can't wait for us to come hunt.”

The contest, which began in 2003, has generated its share of criticism over the years. This year is no different, as individuals opposed to the shoot will protest outside of City Hall on Sunday.

“It's just a gathering of citizens who are opposed to the crow killing contest, because it's wrong,” said Cynthia Ryan, who will be participating in the protest Sunday. “We don't want our city to be known for that.”

The crow shoot contest has garnered a lot of publicity since its inception, and Ryan said it's unfortunate for the city to be known for what she called “the Auburn shame.” She and others planning to protest Sunday hope their message is heard and the contest will not return in following years.

“It's not right to send a message to our children that it's all right to kill for entertainment and fun,” Ryan said.

The contest awards cash prizes to the top six teams. Lennox said the shoot usually draws about 30 to 35 teams.

Staff writer Anne Gleason can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or at anne.gleason@lee.net.