| Following a series of meetings over the last five months, the Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes approved a proposed bill that creates some relief for farmers and offers the opportunity for a Wisconsin hunting season on sandhill cranes.
The committee was composed of a bi-partisan group of legislators, farmers, along with hunting and non-hunting conservation organizations. Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Vice President Todd Schaller served as a public member of the committee.
Chaired by Representative Paul Tittl (R – Manitowoc), the committee voted 8-4 to recommend legislation that would provide aid for corn growers experiencing damage from sandhill cranes by providing reimbursement for using the seed treatment Avipel. The recommended legislation would also require the Wisconsin DNR to seek approval and establish a framework for a sandhill crane hunting season in the state.
Potato growers and other farmers have no prevention option like Avipel provides for corn. So by incorporating a crane hunting season, potato and other producers will be able to access Wisconsin’s hunter-funded wildlife damage account to offset crane damage.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for using science and data to manage the population health of these migratory birds. Since the early 1900’s the population has rebounded sufficiently to warrant hunting seasons in 18 other states and 3 provinces. USFWS is the final authority and determines whether an individual state can hold a sandhill crane hunting season.
During the committee proceedings, WWA Vice President (and former WI DNR Chief Warden) “I’ve been in conservation for 30 years as a career. If, at any point, I thought that having a season would jeopardize sandhill crane populations, I would not have been a part of this committee.”
This proposed legislation will next be reviewed for introduction by the Joint Legislative Council sometime in 2025. Once introduced, it must still be approved by the full legislature and Governor to become law.
“For the last 40 years, WWA has been a strong voice for waterfowlers and hunters in Wisconsin. We will continue that in 2025 and will be working to educate our elected officials about the science, facts and realities surrounding an ethical and sustainable sandhill crane hunt in Wisconsin,” said WWA Executive Director Bruce Ross. |
