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State house passes resolution in support of hunting Sandhill Cranes

Bob Jensen
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https://flic.kr/p/SSUiV5

A resolution adopted by the State House this week requested the US Fish and Wildlife Service to create a hunting season for Sandhill Cranes.

Supporters of the resolution say Sandhill Cranes are no longer listed as endangered and should be opened to hunting.

Republican State Representative Jim Lower sponsored the resolution. He said farmers are allowed to shoot the birds for harming their crop, but can’t harvest the meat.

“Why be able to shoot them and not be able to harvest the meat is what I was thinking. So one it helps with this crop damage issue but two it makes sure the birds aren’t going to waste.”

Rachelle Roake is with the Michigan Audubon Society. She said even though Sandhill Crane populations are rising, that doesn’t make a hunting season a good idea.

“And the argument that that meat goes to waste is not enough to open up an official hunting season. In 2015 there were only 74 take permits issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service, to me that doesn’t indicate a statewide dire issue for a hunt.”

The final decision will be made by the Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan’s Natural Resource Commission.