In a groundbreaking move, sandhill cranes will be allowed for hunting in specific regions of Quebec and northern Ontario for the first time. Quebec’s hunting season will span 14 days from September 12 to September 25, limited to farmland in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. These regions were selected following a nearly decade-long assessment by the Canadian Wildlife Service under Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to evaluate the species’ growth.
Mathieu Tétreault, a game bird biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Service, revealed that the assessment was prompted by concerns raised by agricultural unions about the birds damaging crops. Hunting organizations also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to hunt a new game species. After an eight-year assessment, the team determined that a controlled harvest of the bird would be sustainable across both provinces.
The sandhill crane population has flourished, increasing from about 30,000 birds to over 100,000 in 20 years, as highlighted by Tétreault. Despite their current thriving status, Kyle Elliott, an ornithology professor at McGill University, noted that the cranes were on the brink of extinction a century ago due to unsustainable hunting practices. However, Elliott expressed confidence in the government’s stringent regulations for the fall hunting season.
Hunters with migratory bird permits and small game permits can hunt one sandhill crane per day and hold only one at a time, requiring consumption before shooting another. ECCC has developed a visual aid to help differentiate sandhill cranes from other bird species to avoid accidental targeting by hunters.
ECCC’s assessment emphasizes that the harvest is not expected to significantly reduce crane numbers to prevent agricultural damage but aims to enhance outdoor enjoyment for hunters, citing the cranes as excellent table fare. Wallace Metcalfe, president of the Union des producteurs agricoles for Témiscamingue, expressed optimism among farmers despite the restrictions, citing instances where farmers had to replant fields due to crane damage. Farmers can request a Damage and Danger permit outside the hunting season to manage disruptions caused by cranes, with a requirement to report the number of cranes killed.
In Quebec, eight permits were issued in 2024, resulting in the deaths of eight cranes, allowing locals to sample the crane meat. Hunters and officials are anticipating the upcoming hunting season, with Marc Renaud, general manager of the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs, expecting widespread participation. Renaud emphasized the importance of hunters respecting farmers’ land by seeking permission before entering fields.
Although the hunt is currently confined to two Quebec regions, Tétreault mentioned that the Canadian Wildlife Service will reassess the season after four years, evaluating its sustainability. He hinted at the potential for expansion based on population trends, stating that an extension to other areas might be considered if deemed sustainable.
