**I must profess that I was a hunter before I was a birder. I was brought up around hunting and fishing, which is what led to my becoming a birder. I eventually started paying attention to every natural thing around me and ended up doing very little actual hunting at all.**
Blue Jays are not well regarded by most hunters. When I first started hunting deer, I was told that "If you hear blue jays screaming, do not bother hunting in that spot - they'll give you away!" However, from my own personal experiences, I have found the opposite to be true. Deer are curious animals. I have had more deer come in to investigate all the commotion/scolding put on by jays than be spooked by them.
I have hunter friends that often ask me how they can REPEL Blue Jays! I would ask them in return - "Why would you want to repel a bird as cool as a Blue Jay?"
Of all the many birds that come to my feeders, the Blue Jay is the only bird that my mother will ask me over and over "That is a beautiful bird, what bird is that?"
Not only are Blue Jays intelligent, fun, and interesting to watch, they can lead you to good birds! (My favorite thing about them!)
This Sharp-shinned Hawk was found and was carefully being watched by the local Blue Jays!