Sandhill Crane · State-by-state

Sandhill Crane hunting regulations.

Sandhill cranes are tall, gray, long-legged migratory birds that breed across the Northern US and Canada and winter from Texas and New Mexico into Mexico. Continental populations have rebounded to the point that several states now offer hunting seasons, primarily targeting the Mid-Continent population. Mature birds weigh 8-12 pounds.

Huntable in 20 US states

Quota-restricted draw permits are the norm. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky run various crane hunts. The hunt is similar to goose hunting — decoys, blinds in flooded ag fields, calling. Crane meat is highly regarded and widely called "ribeye of the sky."

State-by-state legal status

50 states + DC

Tap a state to view sandhill crane regulations and other species huntable there. Bield Hunt does not yet publish specific season dates or bag limits — verify with your state F&W agency before hunting.

Status legend

  • YGeneral season
  • DDraw / limited entry
  • PPrivate land / specific zones
  • SSpecial permit / depredation
  • RRestricted (subspecies / units)
  • -Not huntable

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