Wisconsin Sandhill Crane Season Makes Progress, But Falls Short as Legislative Session Ends

Authority to establish hunting season passes State Assembly, stalls in Senate 
 
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Wisconsin Assembly Bill 117, which would authorize the Department of Natural Resources to establish a sandhill crane hunting season, failed to be taken up by the Senate after passage in the Assembly. Despite this roadblock, Delta Waterfowl remains hopeful about the future of sandhill crane hunting in the Badger State.  
 
“While we’re certainly disappointed at this resolution, this is the closest we have come to establishing a sandhill crane hunt in Wisconsin in 16 years,” said Cyrus Baird, Delta’s vice president of government affairs. “This was our key priority for Wisconsin this session, but we believe we can build on the progress we’ve made for future legislative sessions.” 
 
Delta members, volunteers and staff testified in support of this legislation and joined a Camo at the Capitol Lobby Day to advocate for a sandhill crane season during this legislative session. While the Wisconsin State Assembly has not officially adjourned this session, general business has ended. However, according to Baird, this is not the end of Delta’s advocacy for a sandhill crane season. 
 
“The science supports our position to allow Wisconsinites the chance to hunt sandhill cranes, and we will continue to work to build support and bring this across the finish line,” Baird said. “We have momentum, and we’re hopeful on delivering for the hunters of Wisconsin.” 

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit  deltawaterfowl.org. 

For more information, contact Cyrus Baird.