MT Sandhill Crane 2017

[icebreaker12]

With just 600 or so birds in existence, I don't know how any would be considered experimental/non-essential. What is the citation for that quote?

I also can't find anywhere where a crane was shot while legally pursuing other game. Although, I wouldn't call it vandalism. It is poaching to shoot an animal illegally. That case in TX the guy got $25K fine, 5 years probation and community service.

Generally, all illegal hunting acts are referred to as poaching. Vandalism is often given to those acts that are egregious and intentional (as opposed to someone making a mistake). Shooting a whooper with a rifle is what I refer to as vandalism.

Wisconsin now has a population of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana). Technically this species has endangered status, although the birds that are part of the Wisconsin flock have a somewhat different legal status (“experimental, non-essential”).

These birds were reintroduced. And to afford protections to the state, landowners, and hunters they are given the “experimental, non-essential” status. Should someone shoot one and it is determined to be an accident there will be no ESA prosecution. Similarly, that designation has been given to many areas where black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced.

https://wsobirds.org/sandhill-crane-hunt

https://www.fws.gov/midwest/whoopingcrane/pdf/FinalRuleFR.pdf

 

[sethkuhl]

This is from the regs, Steel or non toxic is not required unless I am reading it wrong and have broken the law a couple of times!
Nontoxic Shot – No person may take ducks, geese, swans or
coots while possessing shot (either in shot shells or as loose
shot for muzzle loading) other than approved non-toxic shot.
For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see:
http://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php
Nontoxic shot is not required for webless migratory birds
(Sandhill Crane, Mourning Dove and snipe) except on national
wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas. However, it
is unlawful for anyone to use or possess a shotgun shell or
ammunition loaded with or containing other than federally
approved non-toxic shot while hunting, taking or attempting
to take ducks, geese, swans or coots. If hunters have specifi c
questions regarding this regulation, please inquire at the local
refuge offi ce.

 

[brymoore]

Boys and I have Idaho Sandhill tags.

 

[Coyotes-R-Us]

This is from the regs, Steel or non toxic is not required unless I am reading it wrong and have broken the law a couple of times!
Nontoxic Shot – No person may take ducks, geese, swans or
coots while possessing shot (either in shot shells or as loose
shot for muzzle loading) other than approved non-toxic shot.
For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see:
http://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php
Nontoxic shot is not required for webless migratory birds
(Sandhill Crane, Mourning Dove and snipe) except on national
wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas. However, it
is unlawful for anyone to use or possess a shotgun shell or
ammunition loaded with or containing other than federally
approved non-toxic shot while hunting, taking or attempting
to take ducks, geese, swans or coots. If hunters have specifi c
questions regarding this regulation, please inquire at the local
refuge offi ce.

Thanks I thought it was that way.
How about a plug?

 

[icebreaker12]

Thanks I thought it was that way.
How about a plug?

Yes plugs are required of all migratory game bird hunters.

 

[archer wapiti]

This is from the regs, Steel or non toxic is not required unless I am reading it wrong and have broken the law a couple of times!
Nontoxic Shot – No person may take ducks, geese, swans or
coots while possessing shot (either in shot shells or as loose
shot for muzzle loading) other than approved non-toxic shot.
For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see:
http://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php
Nontoxic shot is not required for webless migratory birds
(Sandhill Crane, Mourning Dove and snipe) except on national
wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas. However, it
is unlawful for anyone to use or possess a shotgun shell or
ammunition loaded with or containing other than federally
approved non-toxic shot while hunting, taking or attempting
to take ducks, geese, swans or coots. If hunters have specifi c
questions regarding this regulation, please inquire at the local
refuge offi ce.

News to me. Thanks!
Check your state laws too though.

 

[406LIFE]

FWIW,
These birds will be in areas where there are other migratory birds. So to carry nontoxic shot would be twofold in my eyes: see a duck or goose, shoot it. And doing something good for the other waterfowl that might be around and pick it up.

 

[Coyotes-R-Us]

Yes plugs are required of all migratory game bird hunters.

You need a plug for doves and crows ???

 

[icebreaker12]

You need a plug for doves and crows ???

Well crows don't fall under MGB, but yes you need one for doves.