The federal government is considering allowing sandhill cranes to be hunted in northern Ontario, potentially starting this autumn. The Canadian Wildlife Service is proposing a controlled hunting season in specific northern regions, which would be the first legal opportunity to hunt these birds in Ontario.
After years of pressure from hunters and farmers, who claim that the growing crane populations are causing crop damage, this proposal has been put forward. Christopher Sharp, a population management biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, mentioned that data collection was conducted to assess the situation with sandhill cranes in Ontario and Quebec, leading to the evaluation for a potential hunting season.
Sandhill cranes have two main populations in Canada, with the eastern population residing in Ontario and Quebec having grown significantly over the years to a level where limited hunting could be sustainable. The species has rebounded from near extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to unregulated hunting and habitat destruction.
The proposed hunting season would be confined to certain areas in northern Ontario where sandhill cranes are most prevalent during their fall migration. The season would last for two weeks, with hunters allowed to harvest one crane per day in designated areas. Hunters would need specific licenses to participate in the hunt.
Interest in hunting sandhill cranes is anticipated to be moderate, with some hunters referring to the bird’s meat as the “ribeye of the sky” due to its quality. Sharp emphasized the need for a cautious approach to ensure sustainable hunting practices. Public feedback on the proposed hunting season is being accepted until February 12.