Hawks are like any other predator, they hunt when they're hungry. That could be any time from sun up to sun down. You're only safe from hawks after dark, but then you have owls and other predators to worry about & your chickens should be put up anyway.
For those considering shooting any bird of prey I offer words of caution. Many of these birds are micro chipped and tracked by DNR. If you get caught, the fines and punishments are extreme and expensive. You'd be able to pay to build a chicken fort knox or two with the amount. Far better to take cost effective methods/steps to negate the threat. It's really not that difficult.
For those considering shooting any bird of prey I offer words of caution. Many of these birds are micro chipped and tracked by DNR. If you get caught, the fines and punishments are extreme and expensive. You'd be able to pay to build a chicken fort knox or two with the amount. Far better to take cost effective methods/steps to negate the threat. It's really not that difficult.