Alabama To Allow Sandhill Crane Hunting After More Than 100 Years

[douglas9]

Sandhill cranes were once on the verge of extinction. That influenced the U.S. to implement laws in 1916 to protect the species. But now that these migratory birds have made a steady comeback in recent years, Alabama has decided to permit hunters to kill three sandhill cranes each.

The state hasn't had a new species to hunt in about 13 years — the last was an alligator in 2006.

Starting in September, Alabama residents can register for a hunting permit. The registration process will be open for several weeks and is limited to residents 16 years or older or Alabama lifetime license holders.

However, not everyone will be guaranteed a permit.

"The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division will conduct a draw hunt of 400 permits to hunt sandhill cranes," David Rainer with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said.

Hunters will be chosen at random through a computer-controlled drawing set to begin in October. Those who are drawn will still "have to take an online test that includes species identification and regulations," Seth Maddox, WFF Migratory Game Bird Coordinator said.


https://www.npr.org/2019/08/09/749796720/alabama-to-allow-sandhill-crane-hunting-after-more-than-100-years

[Rhiannon12866]

1. What is the point of this? Do they want them "on the verge of extinction" again??

[DinahMoeHum]

2. WTF for? Are sandhill cranes good eating?

like ducks?

Wild duck makes for tasty gumbo, btw.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. Why would they do that? Are they good to eat or just as trophies?

[democratisphere]

4. How can anyone want to hunt such a beautiful bird?

Alabama again.

[douglas9]

6. Don't Forget Texas

Sandhill Crane Bag and Possession Limits

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/migratory-game-bird-regulations/sandhill-crane-limits

[douglas9]

7. Oklahoma

The Central fly away is the migration path of the Mid-Continent Sandhill Crane, with populations over 500,000 birds. Here are some statistic from the 2011 reports. The total US Sandhill Crane harvest was 16,059, from that amount, 14,442 was from the Central Fly away. Western Oklahoma is virtually an untapped gold mine for hunting Sandhill Crane. The Oklahoma Crane numbers are massive, and there are only 418 estimated active crane hunters in the state.
We believe there are a couple of key reasons these amazing birds are not being pursued more by waterfowl hunters. One reason, in our opinion, the Sandhill Crane has simply been over looked or not seriously considered. The other reason is the Sandhill Crane is an extremely attentive and observant bird and hard to hunt and kill, for most. Whatever the reasons may be, now is the time to learn more about hunting these amazing birds, and get you on a hunt. It's a thrill you will not soon forget.

http://www.cranewreckers.com/

Hard to look at pictures

[sinkingfeeling]

5. And exactly how do they cook cranes? I assume the reason

for killing these birds is for food.

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. Killing things. Nice "sport", there.

We as a species are not so evolved at all...

[elleng]

9. DAMN!

[msongs]

10. blood thirsty gun owners gotta blast away at any living thing that moves nt