Sandhill cranes are large migratory birds in the family Gruidae that are native to North America. There are six subspecies of sandhill cranes, the lesser sandhill crane, greater sandhill crane, Mississippi sandhill crane, Florida sandhill crane, Cuban sandhill crane and Canadian sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes are considered a game species and are hunted for sport in many parts of the United States during regulated hunting seasons. Hunting seasons and regulations for sandhill cranes vary by state, with some states allowing hunting and others prohibiting it. Overall sandhill crane populations remain healthy with over 700,000 birds across North America. However, some subspecies like the Mississippi sandhill crane are endangered and have very limited hunting.
Sandhill Crane Populations and Status
Sandhill cranes have healthy populations across much of their range in North America. The total population is estimated at over 700,000 birds. The three main subspecies hunted are the lesser sandhill crane, greater sandhill crane and Canadian sandhill crane. Populations statuses are:
- Lesser sandhill cranes – 650,000+ birds, increasing population
- Greater sandhill cranes – 80,000 birds, stable population
- Canadian sandhill cranes – 70,000+ birds, increasing population
Other sandhill crane subspecies have much smaller populations or endangered statuses, including:
- Mississippi sandhill cranes – 800 birds, endangered
- Florida sandhill cranes – 4,000-5,000 birds, endangered in Florida
- Cuban sandhill cranes – 500-800 birds, endangered
The overall large population sizes and increases in common subspecies like the lesser sandhill crane allow for regulated sport hunting in many states. However, endangered subspecies have strict protections.
Overview of Hunting Seasons by State
Regulations for hunting sandhill cranes varies significantly by state across their range. Hunting seasons are allowed in western states as the birds migrate down from northern breeding areas in fall through wintering grounds further south. Central states often allow more limited seasons or have prohibitions on hunting sandhill cranes. Regulations by state include:
States Allowing Sandhill Crane Hunting
- Alaska – August 10 to October 30
- Arizona – September 1 to September 15, bag limit 3
- Colorado – October 1 to January 31
- Idaho – September 1 to January 31
- Kansas – September 16 to December 18
- Kentucky – December 3 to January 31, bag limit 2
- Montana – September 1 to December 1
- New Mexico – October 22 to November 20, bag limit 3
- North Dakota – September 1 to November 13
- Oklahoma – October 21 to January 31
- South Dakota – October 15 to January 14
- Tennessee – November 26 to February 28, bag limit 3
- Texas – November 3 to February 6, bag limit 2
- Utah – September 1 to December 31
- Wyoming – September 1 to December 1
States Prohibiting Sandhill Crane Hunting
- Arkansas
- California
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Some states like Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming have specific limited quota sandhill crane hunting seasons requiring special permit drawings. Most other states are open or have long seasons from September through January. Daily bag limits when allowed are 2 or 3 sandhill cranes per hunter most commonly.
Federal Regulation of Sandhill Crane Hunting
At the federal level, sandhill crane hunting is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service sets overall hunting framework and season timing that individual states must follow. Framework dates for sandhill crane hunting set by USFWS are from September 1 to February 28. States must set hunting seasons and bag limits within this federal framework.
Some key elements of federal sandhill crane hunting regulation include:
- Hunting limited to Lesser, Greater and Canadian subspecies
- Mississippi and Whooping Cranes fully protected
- Daily bag limit of 3 sandhill cranes per hunter
- Possession limit of 6 sandhill cranes per hunter
- Requirements for special permit and tagging in some states
The Fish and Wildlife Service works with state wildlife agencies to monitor sandhill crane populations and set hunting regulations responsibly based on harvest rates and population data.
Population Impacts of Hunting
Regulated hunting of sandhill cranes is not believed to pose significant risks to overall crane populations. Allowable harvest rates are conservative and closely tracked. The total annual sandhill crane harvest by hunters in the U.S. is estimated at 30,000-40,000 birds per year. This represents less than 10% of the total population.
Hunting removes a small percentage of the population that is compensated for through natural reproduction. Sandhill crane numbers remain high and the populations stable or increasing in most areas, indicating hunting is sustainable.
However, subspecies like the Mississippi sandhill crane with endangered statuses have no allowed hunting due to their small, fragile populations. Hunting of the common subspecies is also prohibited in some central states where it could potentially interact with endangered cranes. Overall hunting is limited to abundant populations like lesser sandhill cranes and sustainably managed.
Hunting Methods and Regulations
Sandhill cranes are most often hunted in early morning and evening as they leave nighttime roosting areas or return to them. Hunting is done passively by waiting in natural habitats along the migration routes. Decoys and bird calls are sometimes used to attract the cranes within range.
Shotguns with steel shot ammunition are the typical method used to hunt sandhill cranes. The birds are large so 10 or 12 gauge shotguns are common. Non-toxic shot is required to prevent lead poisoning of scavenging raptors like eagles that may feed on shot birds.
Sandhill cranes are hunted on the ground like geese or ducks. Shooting a flying bird is challenging due to their size, speed and wariness. Most opportunities come when they are landing or taking off within 40-60 yards. Maximum shotgun ranges are generally 40 yards or less for the best chances of clean kills.
Strict regulations apply to sandhill crane hunting on top of general state hunting rules:
- No baiting or use of electronic calls
- Non-toxic shot required
- No use of boats or floating blinds for concealment
- Tagging requirements for carcasses in some states
Adhering to hunting seasons, limits, methods regulations and identifying the targeted crane subspecies is essential to maintain sustainability.
Special Considerations When Hunting Sandhill Cranes
When hunting sandhill cranes, hunters must take extra precautions to avoid prohibited and endangered species. The endangered whooping crane migrates through some of the same areas as sandhill cranes. Whooping cranes are white birds around 5 feet tall, while sandhill cranes are gray birds 3 to 4 feet tall. Identifying cranes properly is mandatory.
Sandhill cranes have tan colored heads while whooping cranes have red heads. Whooping cranes travel singly or in small family groups, compared to large flocks of sandhill cranes. Hunters must know the field marks and behaviors that distinguish the two before any attempt to harvest a crane. Penalties for taking a protected whooping crane are severe.
The Central Flyway and Platte River in Nebraska requires special care due to presence of endangered Whooping and Mississippi sandhill cranes. The Mississippi subspecies only has 800 individuals remaining, making it essential to avoid during western sandhill crane seasons. A crane hunting permit and exam are required in regions where different subspecies mix. Education on proper identification, even when birds are flying, is critical.
Eating and Cooking Sandhill Crane Meat
While some hunters choose to mount sandhill crane trophies, the meat is widely considered excellent eating. Sandhill cranes feed on grains, various plant foods and insects or rodents, giving the meat a flavor resembling lean beef or grass-fed venison. Meat from the body and thighs is dark while the breast meat is lighter. The meat has little fat.
Care must be taken during cleaning and preparation to avoid exposure to potential disease from raw wild bird meat. Wearing gloves when handling carcasses is recommended. The meat should be thoroughly cooked to at least 160°F minimum internal temperature to kill any bacteria or parasites present.
Sandhill crane is versatile for many cooking methods:
- Roasting
- Grilling
- Stews or braising
- Jerky
- Smoking
It takes well to marinades and spices with bolder flavors like juniper berry that complement the taste. The lower fat content makes overcooking a risk so chefs advise pulling it from heat at 140-145°F internal temperature then letting it rest to finish. Portioning the meat properly for uniform cooking also helps avoid drying out. Sandhill crane can provide a unique and delicious wild game dining experience.
Controversy and Opposition to Sandhill Crane Hunting
While sanctioned hunting of sandhill cranes is supported by wildlife agencies in many states, it remains controversial and opposed by some environmental and animal activist groups. Arguments made by opponents include:
- Hunting cranes is inhumane and unethical as they mate for life, have intricate social behaviors and are revered symbols for some cultures.
- Shooting cranes solely for sport is unnecessary killing of intelligent wild animals.
- Hunting causes unnecessary suffering if birds are crippled and die slowly from injuries.
- Limiting crane hunts would not significantly harm state conservation funding or agencies.
- Claims that crane populations can withstand hunting are exaggerated or speculative.
However, state wildlife professionals counter that hunting seasons are based firmly on crane population data and modeling. The vast majority of crane subspecies remain at healthy levels that can easily sustain conservative regulated harvests. The hunting tradition also provides substantial funding for habitat protection and overall benefits to sandhill crane populations through management.
The debate involves ethical arguments over hunting for sport versus sustainable use and management of game animals. Though controversial, sandhill crane hunting seasons remain authorized in states across the western U.S. where populations are most abundant and harvests monitored. Pressure from opponents may threaten tradition over time but seasons continue currently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sandhill cranes are legally hunted for sport during regulated seasons in 17 U.S. states, primarily in the West and Midwest along migration routes. Seasons generally occur in fall and winter between September to February. Daily bag limits per hunter are 2-3 birds in most states. Total crane harvests are carefully limited to around 30,000 to 40,000 birds per year or under 10% of crane populations. Hunting is prohibited for endangered subspecies like the Mississippi sandhill crane. Overall sandhill crane populations remain healthy and the hunting is considered sustainable by wildlife professionals. Controversy exists over the ethics and necessity of sport crane hunting but seasons continue under close monitoring and regulation. Sandhill crane hunting provides a unique wild game hunting opportunity when done legally and sustainably.