A resolution to hunt Sandhill Cranes proposed in the Michigan Legislature by Sen Edward McBroom

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12. Sandhill Crane hunting

is a time-honored tradition in West Texas. Their unique cry and propensity to gather in flocks of up to three thousand birds makes for a thrilling spectacle in the winter months. The great John Graves, in his definitive diary "Goodbye to a River" allows that no other sound conjures homesick yearnings for native Texans than the cry of the Sandhill. As for being good to eat, I'm going to have to disagree. I shot a bunch of them in my high school years, cleaned them, and brought them home to the kitchen. Mother lost interest after our first go-around. Dad and I tried every trick in the book-our best result came with thin sliced breast, marinated in milk, pounded, floured, and chicken fried. (fall back recipe for nearly everything in Texas) Gamey, fishy, stringy-I'm not a fan. So, I leave 'em in the skies. Every fall, though, it happens the same way. I'll be outside, I'll hear the sound, and my head will swivel here and there as I try to locate the traveling flock.