For the very first time, hunters in certain regions of Quebec and northern Ontario will have the opportunity to hunt sandhill cranes legally. The hunting season in Quebec is set for 14 days, specifically from September 12 to September 25, and is limited to farmland in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. These regions were selected following a nearly decade-long evaluation of the bird species and its population growth conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service for Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
Mathieu Tétreault, a game bird biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, mentioned that the assessment was initiated due to concerns raised by agricultural unions regarding the damage caused by sandhill cranes to farmers’ crops. Hunting organizations also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to hunt this new game. After eight years of assessment, the team concluded that a controlled harvest of the bird would be sustainable in both provinces.
The sandhill crane population has significantly increased from around 30,000 birds to over 100,000 birds in the span of 20 years. Kyle Elliott, an ornithology professor at McGill University, highlighted the historical struggle of the sandhill cranes, which were nearly extinct a century ago due to unsustainable hunting practices. However, with the current government’s strict regulations for the fall hunting season, there is confidence that history will not repeat itself.
Hunters with a migratory bird permit and a small game permit will be allowed to hunt one sandhill crane per day, with possession limited to one bird at a time. This ensures that each crane taken must be consumed before another can be hunted. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has also developed a visual aid to help hunters distinguish sandhill cranes from other bird species to prevent accidental targeting.
ECCC’s assessment emphasized that the controlled harvest is not expected to significantly reduce crane numbers to prevent agricultural damage but aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for hunters, noting that sandhill cranes are considered excellent table fare. Farmers, although optimistic, have faced crop losses due to sandhill cranes, leading to the issuance of Damage and Danger permits outside the hunting season to manage disruptions caused by the birds.
In 2024, eight permits were issued in Quebec, resulting in the harvest of eight cranes. Wallace Metcalfe, president of the Union des producteurs agricoles for Témiscamingue, mentioned that some individuals in the region have enjoyed the crane meat, referring to it as the “champagne of birds.”
Looking forward, hunters are anticipating the upcoming season. Marc Renaud, general manager of the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs, expects a high interest in hunting sandhill cranes across Quebec, emphasizing the importance of respecting farmers’ land. The current hunt is confined to two Quebec regions, with plans for a review by the Canadian Wildlife Service after four years, potentially leading to an expansion of the hunting areas based on sustainability assessments.