By Erica Peterson
Murray, KY – For the first time in more than a century, hunters in Kentucky will be able to legally pursue Sandhill Cranes starting on Saturday. Two other populations of the birds the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent populations are already hunted in other states, but Kentucky is the first state to allow the hunting of the eastern population of cranes. Coordinator for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Rocky Pritchert says the birds are making a comeback:
"The eastern population has done so well; its numbers have recovered tremendously over the years. Our most recent population count, which was just conducted last November, came up with a population of 72,000. It's just a tremendous wildlife success story."
The birds pass through Kentucky on their way to wintering areas in the south. The hunting season is limited to 400 birds or 30 days, whichever comes first. Several conservation groups have fought the hunting season, arguing that there's no reason to hunt the birds, which aren't overpopulated or pests.