Sandhill Cranes photo by Mary Carlson, courtesy of UW Fish and Wildlife Service.
We know how much birders love to a trip to Horicon Marsh, and this is a great time to visit. Why not come on a day where you can help the birds as well as watch them?
On Thursday, August 1st at 10 a.m., the first public meeting of the Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes will take place at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. These meetings are open to the public and we hope our members will attend.
The study committee is chaired by Representative Paul Tittl, who co-authored the 2021 bill for Sandhill Crane hunting. The meeting agenda includes two DNR migratory game-bird specialists and Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America at the International Crane Foundation.
WSO and the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance both sought representation on this study committee, but were turned down. That is not an end to our engagement, however, and we are urging our members to attend this meeting and show they care about what is being discussed for the future of Sandhill Cranes in this state. Representatives from the International Crane Foundation and Green Fire are seated on the committee, along with those from two hunting organizations – Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Delta Waterfowl – a waterfowl professor from UW-Stevens Point, and grower and farmer interests.
Study committees (usually numbering ten or fewer) are convened during even-numbered years “to study major issues and problems identified by the legislature,” as stated on the Legislative Council website. This committee is charged with reviewing and recommending “options for legislation relating to the management of Wisconsin’s Sandhill Crane population.” This includes whether to make any changes to state law – including seeking federal approval for a Sandhill Crane hunting season – to address crop damages attributed to Sandhill Cranes.
WSO agrees that crop damages and farmer compensation are a worthwhile topic for legislative attention. Our friends at the International Crane Foundation have been working on this issue for years, but the issue has never had drawn enough attention from legislators to move it forward. However, we don’t accept that a Sandhill Crane hunting season (which could only occur in fall and is not supported by a majority of Wisconsin residents) is the solution to the problem. Worse, focusing on a Sandhill Crane hunt will waste a real opportunity to generate actual solutions for farmers.
Please, join us at the meeting to hear these discussions and show your support for our magnificent Sandhill Cranes!
