Finally drew Sandhill tags

06 October 2020, 20:22

L. David Keith

My home State of TN has only been open to hunting Sandhill Cranes for a few years. Initially, it was by "in person" draw only with 3 tags if you were drawn. Then, TWRA began live drawing for 3 tags or computer draw for 1 tag. This year with the Covid business, only computer drawings were held for 2 tags (2 for the entire season). I had been unsuccessful since the beginning of the computer draw as I wasn't willing to drive 1.5-2 hours for the live drawing. This year I suggested to a friend he put in for the draw (no party, just individual) and if only one of us drew, the other could come along in case we could combine with Goose hunting. As it worked out, we both drew tags. You must be drawn, then pass a 20 question test about identifying Sandhill's vs Whopping Cranes vs Snow Geese vs Great Blue Herons. It is a worthwhile ID test as you wouldn't want to make a mistake and kill/wound a Whopping Crane. I've only taken one Sandhill Crane and it was in Texas while hunting light geese. Should be interesting. LDK

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Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt:
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Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018
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Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running......

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11 February 2021, 22:22

L. David Keith

Two of us took our 2 Cranes while two other hunters took one each as they had taken one each the day before. They waited until the next day to take their remaining one crane in order to extend their hunt. Our guide is a TWRA (game warden) and he is an excellent guide. Hopefully in the near future, the Fed's allow us to join the other States that allow 3 Cranes per day. Currently, it's only 2 per season and you must computer draw for tags (2) pass a ID test, then check in each Crane separately then a week or so later, fill out a report (cell phone or online) in order to be eligible for next years draw. My buddy has tasted one of his birds and said they taste closer to beef than duck or goose. Mine are vacuum packed in the freezer as I want to grill them over charcoal. I tried the thighs and legs; stringy like goat meat and the legs are full of more sinew, bones, gristle, and odd membrane than any bird I've ever encountered. I can assure you, their beaks are not the only thing to avoid: I'm positive they could kick the living Hell out of you and probably rip you open. LDK

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15 February 2021, 19:15

L. David Keith

Thanks Charlie. Bill, I do the same with Turkey thighs/legs; cook in the crock pot until meat falls off the bone. Remove and allow to cool, then take out all bones, veins, sinew etc. Chop the meat finely. Add mayonnaise, spices, onion (any favorites) then 1-2 table spoons of liquid smoke. You want the texture to be similar to commercial chicken salad (smooth). I like to eat on Ritz crackers. It's always been great but that crane was chewy, plus a pain to clean, especially the legs.

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author

17 February 2021, 21:45

scruffy

We just had a crane season in Alberta in 2020. Like Saskatchewan the limit is 5 a day and either 10 or 15 in possession. (I forget right now)

I have hunted them in Saskatchewan a couple of times and I rather shoot them than Canada geese. Maybe because they are more of a novelty to me. Ribeye in the sky, here, too.

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14 December 2021, 02:53

Overland

quote:
Originally posted by Dog Man:
Congratulations on your cranes !
I have a Texas January crane hunt booked. What would be the #1 pick for 3” 12ga ?

Are you inquiring regarding what 3" shell would be best or which 12ga chambered in 3" would be best? Assuming the former, look at what BOSS has to offer. At minimum, go with a quality hevi-shot or bismuth shell.

14 December 2021, 08:53

Dog Man

quote:
Originally posted by Overland:
quote:
Originally posted by Dog Man:
Congratulations on your cranes !
I have a Texas January crane hunt booked. What would be the #1 pick for 3” 12ga ?

Are you inquiring regarding what 3" shell would be best or which 12ga chambered in 3" would be best? Assuming the former, look at what BOSS has to offer. At minimum, go with a quality hevi-shot or bismuth shell.

Was asking what size shot is preferred.
I have 3” #5 Turkey loads ?
3” APEX Turkey Tungsten Super Shot, 12GA, 3" 2 1/4oz #9 ?
3” APEX Tungsten Steel Blend #4-#9 1400fps 1 1/4oz waterfowl ?

Are the Tungsten TSS #9 even an option? Hell, they are $11 per round!