Being an iconic Wisconsin bird species and an amazing conservation success story is not enough to protect Sandhill Cranes.

Update: In summer 2024, there will be a Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes. Read more in our July 1 blog post.

Sandhill Cranes still need your help. Here's why.

*Sandhill Cranes in flight (photo by Arlene Koziol).*

In October 2021, a package of bills that included a variety of hunting-related proposals was fast-tracked for consideration by the Wisconsin Legislature. The package, and especially the Sandhill Crane hunt bill, was introduced without input from experts, conservation groups, and stakeholders (like YOU). This brought widespread opposition from the public, conservation groups (including our organization and the International Crane Foundation), and many in the hunting and fishing community.

Wisconsin provides critical breeding grounds for these beautiful, iconic birds, and a hunt opens a can of uncertainties and dangers to Sandhill Cranes. Numerous Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) members answered the call that fall when we asked you to contact your legislators and join us to testify at the Senate hearing—thank you! Despite the growing public opposition, the Senate committee voted to move the crane hunt forward for consideration by the Wisconsin Senate or State Assembly. These two companion bills (SB-620 and AB-667) were considered by legislature, but neither passed in March 2022 (read more in the Wisconsin State Journal).

A statewide survey conducted in 2023 by the International Crane Foundation (ICF) showed that the vast majority of Wisconsinites are against a Sandhill Crane hunting season. However, in 2024, the Legislative Council announced the formation of a study committee on Sandhill Cranes. The committee’s purpose is focused on addressing the agricultural impact of cranes in our state, with part of the stated scope to “consider whether the Department of Natural Resources should seek federal approval to establish a hunting season for sandhill cranes.”

Once again, bird conservation organizations were not included in the initial discussions or planning of the committee and its objectives. Research has shown that a Sandhill Crane hunt is not an effective way to prevent crop depredation.

Along with other bird and crane experts at ICF and the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSO), Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance was invited and proactively applied to join the committee. We are disappointed that neither SoWBA nor WSO were selected, but our partners at ICF and Wisconsin’s Green Fire were. Both will be able to present science-based information about crane biology, behavior, and conservation, in addition to proposing actually successful solutions that are proven to reduce crop depredation (read more here).

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance is staying in close communication with our partners on the committee and with the broader alliance of bird conservation organizations throughout the state on this important issue.

Be an Advocate for Sandhill Cranes

*Two Sandhill Cranes bugling (photo by Monica Hall).*

Update (July 25, 2024): We want Sandhill Cranes to continue to thrive in Wisconsin! Meetings for the Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes are open to the public, and participation is encouraged. The first meeting (full agenda here) will be held on Thursday, August 1 at 10AM at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.

Wherever you may live in Wisconsin, if cranes are important to you please contact your legislators to tell them why, and ask them to vote against a Sandhill Crane hunt. We recommend touching on each of these points, using your own experiences and words:

That you want them to vote against a Sandhill Crane hunt.
Why Sandhill Cranes matter to you, and/or a strong memory of experiencing something incredible relating to Sandhill Cranes.
What it would mean to you if Sandhill Crane populations declined.
If you are a hunter and/or angler and/or farmer, please describe this.

Find your legislator

Wisconsin Audubon Chapters opposing the crane hunt

Local Audubon chapters work to conserve and celebrate birds and habitats. The Wisconsin chapters listed below, collectively representing 45 counties and 6,500+ members across the state, oppose the Sandhill Crane hunt.