Prevent the Sandhill Crane hunting season in Wisconsin

Issue update: please pause any pending advocacy efforts for the time being. See below for more information!

Good news for cranes (for now)

(Issue update: March 31, 2022)

“Lawmakers this year considered two companion bills – Senate Bill 620 and Assembly Bill 667 – to create a sandhill crane hunting season managed by the state Department of Natural Resources. Neither passed before the Legislature finished its regular business for the year, which is good. But expect the issue to return.” READ MORE!

Thank you for your passion and coordinated efforts.

Sandhill Cranes need you... Here's why:

Original information, posted November 5, 2021

*Sandhill Cranes in flight, photo by Arlene Koziol*

Being an iconic Wisconsin bird species and an amazing conservation success story is not enough to protect Sandhill Cranes.

In October 2021, a package of bills that included a variety of hunting-related proposals was fast-tracked for consideration by the Wisconsin Legislature. The package, and especially the Sandhill Crane hunt bill, was introduced without input from experts, conservation groups, and stakeholders like YOU, and brought widespread opposition from the public, conservation groups (like Madison Audubon and the International Crane Foundation), and many in the hunting and fishing community.

Wisconsin provides critical breeding grounds for these beautiful, iconic birds, and a hunt opens a can of uncertainties and dangers to Sandhill Cranes. Many Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) members answered the call in October when we asked you to contact your legislators and join us to testify at the Senate hearing. Thank you!

But despite those efforts, a Senate committee voted 3-2 to move the crane hunt and other bills in the "Sportsman's Freedom Package" forward for consideration by the Wisconsin Senate or State Assembly. If the bill passes, it would land on Governor Evers' desk. The fate of Sandhill Cranes is unclear.

A Sandhill Crane hunt is neither an effective way to prevent crop damage (the dominant argument for establishing the hunt), nor does it ensure proper safeguards to prevent crane populations—now stable after decades of work—from declining.

Contact your legislator

Find your legislators

*Two Sandhill Cranes bugling, photo by Monica Hall*

Act today to help Sandhill Cranes continue to thrive in Wisconsin. NOW is the best time to make your voice heard.

Wherever you may live in Wisconsin, if cranes are important to you please contact your legislators to tell them why, and ask them to vote against the bill. We recommend touching on each of these points, using your own experiences and words:

That you want them to vote against a Sandhill Crane hunt.
Why Sandhill Cranes matter to you, and/or a strong memory of experiencing something incredible relating to Sandhill Cranes.
What it would mean to you if Sandhill Crane populations declined.
If you are a hunter and/or angler and/or farmer, please describe this.

Thank you for standing up for Sandhill Cranes!

Find your legislator

Wisconsin Audubon Chapters opposing the crane hunt

The Wisconsin Audubon Chapters listed below oppose the Sandhill Crane hunt, and collectively work to conserve and celebrate Wisconsin’s birds and habitats across the state and represent 45 counties and 6,500+ members.