The federal government is considering adding sandhill cranes to the list of game species in northern Ontario, possibly starting this autumn. The Canadian Wildlife Service is recommending a controlled hunting season to permit the harvesting of sandhill cranes in specific northern regions, marking the first legal hunting opportunity for this species in Ontario.
This proposal comes after years of advocacy from hunters and farmers who argue that the increasing crane populations are causing significant crop damage. Christopher Sharp, a biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Service, mentioned that they have been approached by the agricultural and hunting communities since 2003 to address the issue. Extensive data collection on sandhill cranes in Ontario and Quebec by Environment and Climate Change Canada has provided insights into population dynamics and conflict levels with farmers, leading to a comprehensive evaluation.
The sandhill crane populations in Canada are primarily divided into two groups. The eastern population, residing in Ontario and Quebec, has witnessed a significant surge in numbers over the past few decades, now reaching levels that can sustain limited hunting. This growth is a remarkable recovery for a species that faced near extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to unregulated hunting and wetland destruction.
The proposal suggests a short, two-week hunting season in select areas of northern Ontario where sandhill cranes are most abundant during fall migration. Hunters would be allowed to harvest one crane per day in designated farmland areas to avoid disturbing cranes in the boreal forest. The Hudson and James Bay District are also included in the proposed hunting zones.
To participate in the hunt, hunters would need both a provincial small game license and a federal migratory bird hunting permit. Public feedback on the proposed hunting season is open until February 12.
Interest in hunting sandhill cranes is anticipated to be moderate but consistent. The meat of sandhill cranes, sometimes called the “ribeye of the sky” by hunters, is known for its quality and taste. Sharp emphasized the need for a cautious approach to ensure sustainable hunting practices.
Overall, the proposal aims to address the conflicts between sandhill cranes and agriculture while providing an opportunity for hunters to engage in sustainable harvesting of this species.
