Paula - The Migratory Bird Treaty Act does apply to Sandhill Cranes, just
like it applies to Canada Geese, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Mourning Doves, and
every other migratory game bird, and all the nongame birds.  It does not
apply to resident game species like grouse, turkey and bobwhite.  We used to
think it didn't apply to non-native species, but the courts have decided it
applies to Mute Swans.  The Act does not prohibit the hunting of migratory
birds, in fact it allows for the establishment of seasons etc. for the game
species by the federal government.  $6 might not seem like much, but those
dollars are what is paying for the wildlife conservation programs of state
wildlife agencies.

Mark L Hoffman
Associate Director, Administration
Wildlife and Heritage Service


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Paula Sullivan
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 7:48 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Endangered Cranes Shot - not in MD

On Nov 11, 2004, at 6:28 PM, Mark Hoffman wrote:
>
> Sandhill Crane hunting has been legal for probably about close to 20 
> years
> in most of the western states.

I couldn't believe it until I found the Kansas Hunting Regulations 
online. In addition to a hunting license, a special federal Sandhill 
Crane hunting permit must be obtained. It costs just $6, cheap by 
anyone's standards. From looking at the map, it appears that cranes can 
be hunted in Kansas only west of I-81. I would love to know why the 
Migratory Bird Treaty does not apply to Sandhill Cranes.

Paula Sullivan
Alexandria, VA