Sandhill Cranes are a treasured, iconic bird species, appearing in Wisconsin’s art and literary traditions, bringing bird lovers from far and wide to our state. These beautiful birds were once on the brink of extinction due to hunting, pollution, and habitat loss. Through careful planning, effective allocation of resources, and lots of dedication, the people of Wisconsin supported this species’ resurgence. Thanks to more than a half-century of hard work, Sandhill Cranes have become a true conservation success story—a blueprint for the recovery of other species, including their rare, endangered relatives: Whooping Cranes.
While the Wisconsin State Assembly considers a package of bills that includes the creation of a hunting season for Sandhill Cranes, Madison Audubon will continue our work to protect and celebrate birds. As a conservation organization made up of thousands of nature-enthusiasts, we are concerned that this proposal is being rushed through without any fact-based analysis or public discussion. Any proposal considered by the legislature must not ignore these necessary perspectives.
An adult Sandhill Crane stands in a grassland, foraging with its young colt. Photo by Arlene Koziol.
We know there are many different ways of experiencing and appreciating nature. Hunting is an activity that many of our members enjoy, and it has a tradition of supporting effective, sustainable, and long-lasting conservation goals in our state. Much like other properly regulated hunting practices, a proposed Sandhill Crane hunt must include both input from our community and thoroughly conducted scientific research. Indeed, Wisconsin has abundant and healthy hunting and fishing opportunities because of great partnerships between citizen-conservationists and the highly-trained and dedicated staff in the Department of Natural Resources, some of whom have spent their entire careers studying wildlife and our state’s ecosystems.
Another Wisconsin-based organization, International Crane Foundation, is influential in the study and recovery of Sandhill Cranes. Their statement includes critical information about cranes, scientific investigations into the effects of hunting cranes, and how we can all live in community with nature. Here are a few important points worth considering:
There is no evidence that a hunting season will address crop depredation in a meaningful way; however, there are other effective solutions available.
Unlike most game birds, Sandhill Cranes reproduce very slowly. In the past, hunting wiped out Sandhill Cranes in the Midwest and led to the near-extinction of Whooping Cranes.
A crane hunt threatens the successful reintroduction of endangered Whooping Cranes in our state, as they can be difficult to distinguish in flight.
We encourage our members and all Wisconsin bird lovers: let your voices be heard! Contact your legislators, write op-eds or letters to the editor, and share the stories of these incredible avians with your families, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can protect cranes today and for future generations.
Written by Madison Audubon. Cover image by Arlene Koziol. Sandhill cranes fly across a blue sky full of pinkish, fluffy clouds.
