Statement Regarding the Wisconsin Legislative Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes

CONTACT: Ryan Michalesko, Communications & Advocacy Specialist , 608-356-9462 ext. 113

December 11, 2024

The International Crane Foundation participated in the Legislative Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes, hopeful for a serious discussion about how we can support Wisconsin’s farmers with real solutions to solve crop damage caused by cranes. We are disappointed by the outcomes of the committee.

During the final meeting on Tuesday, the committee voted eight to four to recommend introducing combined legislation rather than separate bills on reimbursement for farmers and a Sandhill Crane hunt. Members voted seven to five against the bill that would provide subsidies to farmers, and the committee declined to vote on the hunting bill.

Though it is only a recommendation, the bill approved this week by a non-unanimous vote of the committee does less to address crop damage and more to subsidize an unpopular hunting season on cranes.

The committee was charged “to review and recommend options for legislation relating to the management of Wisconsin’s sandhill crane population,” according to the committee scope published by the Legislative Council, and to “examine population trends and determine whether any changes to state law would effectively address the incidence and consequences of crop damage caused by sandhill cranes in this state.” 

Advocates for a Sandhill Crane hunting season have long promoted it as the solution to crop damage, but we know a hunting season is not going to help farmers.  The science presented to the committee made clear that hunting will not provide meaningful assistance to farmers, not by way of population management nor financially.  

We were hoping the main recommendations of the legislative committee would reflect a common understanding among committee members regarding crop damage, rather than push immediately for a hunt that is unpopular, divisive, and offers little support to farmers. Instead of focusing on meaningful solutions to crop damage for Wisconsin’s farmers, some committee members chose to focus on a prefixed agenda to promote a crane hunting season. 

Our research tells us that now is absolutely not the time for a hunt in Wisconsin—no matter how strongly some feel about the issue. Further, the Eastern Population Sandhill Crane management plan, which is 15 years out-of-date, should be updated prior to any discussion of a hunt. In addition to these biological reasons, Wisconsinites overwhelmingly oppose a hunting season, as made clear by a 2023 study by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center and the International Crane Foundation.

We are grateful for the leadership of Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America at the International Crane Foundation, in her role as a public member of the committee. 

Since our founding over 51 years ago, the Foundation has been devoted to science-based conservation of cranes and the wetland and grassland habitats upon which they rely. As next steps are taken in regard to these issues in Wisconsin, we remain committed to these central tenets of our mission.