Sandhill Cranes

[Wanderer]

Anybody got an opinion about lobbying for a Sandhill Crane season in MN?

Heard any rumblings anywhere that this might be considered?

Just curious as we seem to be a gaining a healthy population in the last few years.

[Neighbor_guy]

Yes, I have an opinion....

Do I have to use a shotgun and call/decoy them in, or can I spot/stalk and shoot them with my bow? If we are making up a new season we can dream about how we can tag them right?

I would preasure a lobbiest to get a lawmaker to let us (hunters) have a limmited draw for tag type season.

[bassphish2005]

walk out in a wheat field/and hit them with a shovel?

[Wanderer]

Really?

I've heard they're pretty cautious. Decoy like geese and paranoid like turkey. I've never went after one in a field so I guess I can't say for sure.

[Wallydog]

They are a hoot to hunt. They decoy fairly well and when you put the wood to one they look like a lawn chair falling from the sky. And we can use LEAD SHOT on 'em in ID. And they make great table fare.

WD

[Wanderer]

What's the preferred shot size - or shovel type?

[Wallydog]

Wanderer,

I shot lead 2's in a 10. Use your favorite goose loads.

WD

[Jmnhunter]

"Ribeye of the sky" I'll be trying for them out here in ND; I was told to scout between their feeding and roosting grounds and get inbetween and they will be there! Steel only for ND

[ec30_06]

I have seen a flock of six in the goose decoys twice this year already. That has been in a hay field.

[RumRiverRat]

I have seen a flock of six in the goose decoys twice this year already. That has been in a hay field.

They seem to love Hay Fields, I am assuming they feed on the bugs and what not in the fields.

[Dilly]

When we hunted them in ND we just scouted and found areas where they were congregated throughout the day and then we snuck in there in the morning and waited, they are very wise, they can pick you out like you wouldn't believe. They have a long nasty bill on them so you may want to be carefull sending your dog out to retrieve one if it's still alive.

[PierBridge]

They are just cool as all heck we had flock looking us over on the Goose opener, love the sound they make. They almost came into our spread twice but landed in the field behind us!

Not sure if we have a huntable population or not but I here they're good eatin!

[Quackaddict9]

There is huntable population where I goose hunt, sometimes there seems more than geese! I have seen many fields that just got combined and bring in hundreds, sometimes thousands in one field. I dislike them so much, don't like the noise and they are annoying...time for a season to open. That's just me.

We talked to a CO last year about it, he said there was talks about it and possibility for this season to have a Sandhill Crane season but it didn't happen.

[brittman]

I dislike them so much, don't like the noise and they are annoying...time for a season to open. That's just me.

Man you would hate hunting in much of ND. Cranes make a great sound ... Love hearing them as I am walking the woods for grouse too.

[Quackaddict9]

I am deaf and these sound don't relate to me so much, I just love that big goose honk over a crane sound. It probably sounds different to me than it is to you! Either way, I would love to shoot one though

[badfisherman]

"Ribeye of the sky" I'll be trying for them out here in ND; I was told to scout between their feeding and roosting grounds and get inbetween and they will be there! Steel only for ND

that works good. but try and find the highest ground in the area as the birds will be much closer to you if you are on top of a hill. I've got one and thats how i did it. you would be amazed how well duck hunting can be on top of a big hill at sun up. I bagged my first and only snow goose the same time I got my first and only sandhill crane. we had some mallards and a sharpie the same day. GOOD LUCK Just don't beat me to my spot now. Crane is good but I think the Rib Eye in the sky deal is an exageration. A little stringy but good flavorfull meat.

[hunter322]

ya know ive been steadily seeing more and more of them around. i wouldnt mind trying on.

[wolfman-k]

I like how they soar on the thermals around noon every day while we're out hunting in North Dakota! You hear them first, then see them way high in the sky circling over and over-cool.

[Musky Buck]

I have tons of cranes in my area, season to come soon ? They sure can make a distinct sound.

[HunterLee]

I have heard some rumors of a season from a good source. They have made a little push on it. May be shooting them next year, but as with the DNR don't hold your breath. We have tons of them go threw the area, and have been seeing them nesting for the last 3-4 years around here.