As some of you may know, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is currently proposing a new sandhill crane hunting season in northwestern Colorado to hunt the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of sandhills. We currently have a season in the eastern half of the state to hunt the Mid-Continent Population. Story Here
Of the 7 states encompassing the RMP, Colorado is the only state that does not have a hunting season. Therefore, our harvest quota is re-distributed among the other 6 states by the FWS.
In response to this proposed hunting season, the non-hunting portion of the birding community is mobilizing their ranks to vigorously oppose this hunt. If you support the idea of this new opportunity for hunters in the western half of the state, please take the time to write a quick email of support to the Wildlife Commission. Please address it "regarding" the sandhill crane hunting proposal they will be hearing at the May 10 meeting.
Wildlife Commission email addresses:
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I am a member of a birding email list and began receiving many emails in opposition of this proposed hunt. In an effort to provide factual information to counter the emotional responses and inaccurate claims being made on the email list, I sent out the following email. This will provide you some information about how this population is managed:
Of the 7 states encompassing the RMP, Colorado is the only state that does not have a hunting season. Therefore, our harvest quota is re-distributed among the other 6 states by the FWS.
In response to this proposed hunting season, the non-hunting portion of the birding community is mobilizing their ranks to vigorously oppose this hunt. If you support the idea of this new opportunity for hunters in the western half of the state, please take the time to write a quick email of support to the Wildlife Commission. Please address it "regarding" the sandhill crane hunting proposal they will be hearing at the May 10 meeting.
Wildlife Commission email addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
I am a member of a birding email list and began receiving many emails in opposition of this proposed hunt. In an effort to provide factual information to counter the emotional responses and inaccurate claims being made on the email list, I sent out the following email. This will provide you some information about how this population is managed:
I think it is important for everyone to be aware of some facts regarding the Rocky Mountain population (RMP) of Sandhill Cranes, and the current structure of hunting seasons for that population.
The population objective set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for the RMP is 17,000-21,000 cranes, as noted in the RMP Cooperative Flyway Management Plan (2007). That plan contains a formula for estimating annual allowable harvest of cranes throughout the RMP range, while keeping the overall population within the set population objective.
The RMP population estimate is established from September pre-migration counts conducted at staging areas throughout the five northern states encompassing the RMP. Those pre-migration counts have resulted in counts within or above the population objective every year except one between 1997 and 2010. The counts during the most recent 5 years have been above 20,000 each year.
Cranes are currently hunted in all states within the RMP range except Colorado (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho). The allowable harvest quota for the RMP is split among all states in the RMP region with a crane season. Individual states issue hunting permits to Sandhill Crane hunters, which provides a sampling frame for harvest estimates and allows for assignment of harvest quotas by state. Colorado's harvest quota is currently re-allocated among the other 6 states where hunting occurs. The harvest quota throughout the RMP for the 2010-2011 hunting season was 1,970. Ultimately, 1,336 cranes were harvested.
Opening a hunting season in northwestern Colorado will not result additional harvest of Sandhill Cranes. The FWS will simply return Colorado's harvest allocation, which will in turn be managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). A crane season will create additional opportunity for Colorado hunters, as well as an additional source of revenue for CPW through hunting permit sales and matching Pittman-Robertson funds.
While it is sometimes difficult to see birds that we love to watch be hunted, I think it is important to remain objective when commenting on proposals such as this. There is no biological reason to oppose the new season, the season will not result in additional crane harvest, the season will provide additional opportunity for Colorado hunters and it will provide additional revenue for CPW.