In case you missed it…Viral Video and Petition Link

For Immediate Release 3/30/25
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance Stands Firm Against Sandhill Crane Hunt Proposal

Fitchburg, Wisconsin – The recent proposal to allow sandhill crane hunting in Wisconsin has sparked significant concerns among conservation groups, farmers, and community members alike. Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance strongly opposes this bill for the following reasons:

1. Lethal Crane Removal Would Still Occur: Despite the introduction of a hunting season, cranes would still be subject to removal through depredation permits. A general hunt is unnecessary when these methods already exist, and it fails to specifically target the root of crop damage issues.
2. Non-Lethal Measures Remain Underutilized: Proven non-lethal methods, such as seed treatment deterrents and habitat management, have not been fully explored or implemented statewide. Supporting farmers with effective, sustainable options should be prioritized over initiating a recreational hunt.
3. Hunting Doesn’t Benefit Farmers but Harms Crane Families: Research indicates that hunting migratory sandhill cranes in the fall will not significantly reduce crop damage occurring during spring planting. Instead, such measures could devastate family units and young cranes, disrupting the species’ life cycle.
4. This Proposal Reflects Sport Hunting, Not Agricultural Necessity: The push for a general hunt appears to be a misguided attempt to frame recreational hunting as a solution for farmers. However, sport hunters frequently leverage farmers’ legitimate grievances to justify their desire to kill wildlife—whether it’s wolves, cranes, otters, or even domestic cats—rather than openly admitting their motivation is recreational hunting. This exploitation undermines the real needs of farmers who require meaningful, non-lethal solutions.
5. Aesthetic Considerations Can’t Be Ignored: Wisconsin does not allow hunting of other iconic or aesthetically unique species, such as songbirds or white deer. Why should sandhill cranes—a species celebrated by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts—be treated differently?
6. Threat of Avian Influenza: Sandhill cranes are already facing grave challenges, including the deadly avian influenza that has claimed the lives of an estimated 150 million birds in the U.S. alone. Adding hunting pressure could exacerbate risks to the species’ health and ecological stability.
7. Climate Change and Extinction Crisis: Our planet is grappling with an ongoing biodiversity crisis, driven by climate change and habitat loss. Now is not the time to introduce additional pressures on wildlife populations that are already at risk of decline.
8. The Tragic Toll on Whooping Cranes: Alarmingly, 47 endangered whooping cranes have been killed during the hunting of over 800 sandhill cranes. This heartbreaking loss represents a devastating setback for the years of sweat, tears, and financial investment devoted to bringing the whooping crane population back from the brink of extinction. The risk to this critically endangered species is not worth the fleeting satisfaction of a few individuals who seem unable to leave any animal in peace.
9. Public Opposition and Violation of Public Trust: The citizens of Wisconsin have spoken—only 17% of respondents in a 2023 survey supported a sandhill crane hunt. This overwhelming opposition underscores the importance of safeguarding the public trust. Our state’s wildlife should not be exploited to cater to the demands of a small group seeking to kill the so-called “ribeye of the sky,” a nickname that sickeningly trivializes the importance of these majestic creatures.
10. Petition and Call to Action: Over 1,000 individuals have already signed our petition, demanding that this misguided and irresponsible legislation be stopped. We urge all Wisconsin residents to call their lawmakers and voice their opposition to this proposal. Decisions about our state’s wildlife should not be influenced by figures like Ted Nugent, whose views do not reflect the values of Wisconsin’s citizens.

Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance urges the Wisconsin Legislature to listen to the voices of conservation groups, farmers, and the broader public. The focus should remain on collaborative, data-driven approaches to supporting our farming community without compromising our natural heritage.

To learn more and join the movement against the sandhill crane hunt, donate to support our efforts and watch this video Together, we can protect these remarkable birds for future generations. Feel free to print and hang up and hand out our crane factsheet made by the amazing Wendy Kraly

For media inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Smith
Executive Director
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance
Phone: 608-234-8860
Email: msmith@wiwolvesandwildlife.org