By Kentucky Public Radio
Frankfort, KY – The legal hunting of sandhill cranes may soon become a reality in Kentucky. Over the objections of birdwatchers, the state Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to allow 400 of the large, migratory birds to be taken per year, beginning in December. Prior to the vote, former Kentucky Poet Laureate Richard Taylor of Frankfort was among 14 people speaking in opposition to the hunt.
"I think we've learned in recent decades that every decision we make has a cost, and it has a social cost. And opening season on sandhill cranes is a cost we simply can't afford to pay."
Six people at the Frankfort hearing supported the 30-day hunt, which still requires federal approval. Sandhill cranes were almost wiped out in the early 1900's, but rebounded with federal protection. They've been legally hunted west of the Mississippi River for years.