AWA Statement: Sandhill Crane Hunting Expanded Despite Strong Opposition

July 30, 2026

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• Birds
• News Release
• Wildlife
• Wildlife Management

Sandhill Crane Hunting Expanded Despite Strong Opposition

The Government of Canada has released the Migratory Birds Regulations in Canada for 2026, which expands the Sandhill Crane hunting season in Alberta.

In their report on consultation for these changes, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) acknowledges, “Comments from individuals, a conservation organization, and an animal rights group predominantly opposed the expansion of the geographic hunting areas,” highlighting the risks to endangered whooping cranes. A minority of comments were noted to support the expansion.

However, the expanded hunt is justified as, “ECCC selected the range of expansion to avoid commonly used Whooping Crane migratory routes while targeting areas of recent Sandhill Crane use to mitigate crop damage concerns raised by Alberta agricultural producers.” The expanded areas do avoid Whooping Crane breeding habitat, but it does not avoid their autumn migratory pathways. As Whooping Crane populations grow, vagrancy may increase and their recent breeding success could allow for expansion back into their historical ranges. [1]

AWA is disappointed to see this hunt proceed despite the concerns raised, although we are encouraged by the promise that, “ECCC continues to closely monitor and track any effects from the loss of breeding habitat and the spread of avian influenza in wild bird populations, and management actions will be adjusted if needed.”

We also commend ECCC on acknowledging and releasing a summary of comments received during the consultation process including comments that disagreed with their decision. The consultation process was open to the public.

We continue to ask for transparent, science-based and sustainable wildlife management regulations.

See AWA’s letter to ECCC in regard to the expansion of the Sandhill Crane hunt 

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Background

In February, a proposal to amend the Canadian Migratory Bird Regulations was released. For Alberta, this proposal suggested expanding Alberta’s sandhill crane hunting season to 14 Provincial Wildlife Management Units (PWMUs), increasing the area in which sandhill cranes could be hunted by 25 percent. The proposal also considered establishing hunting seasons for tundra swans and mourning doves in Alberta. Comments on these proposed changes were invited.

AWA wrote to express concerns with these proposals. We indicated that the expanded hunting area would overlap with whooping crane habitat, and reminded ECCC that sandhill cranes were still classified as a sensitive species in Alberta. We also indicated alternatives to hunting that could be considered.

In addition, we commented on the proposed expansion of tundra swan habitat, and the risks of accidental trumpeter swan harvest. We asked that reporting be immediately established to determine incidental trumpeter swan harvest.

In early July, ECCC reported that they still intended to expand sandhill crane hunting areas. There was no mention of opening hunting on tundra swans or mourning doves.

Sandhill cranes are a large migratory bird found throughout most of North America. They breed in parts of Canada, and overwinter in the southern United States and Mexico, migrating in flocks of thousands or tens of thousands of birds. As a migratory bird, these animals are under federal jurisdiction and managed through the Migratory Birds Act.

These birds are mainly found in grasslands and wetlands. They are generalists and opportunistic feeders, eating grains, seeds, tubers, insects, snails, small amphibians, fish and rodents. They nest in or near wetlands, building nests from plant materials. Sandhill cranes mate for life and select mates based on elaborate dances.

[1] Tonelli BA, Youngflesh C, Tingley MW. Demography and dispersion: evaluating the causes and consequences of vagrancy in North American migratory birds. Proc Biol Sci. 2026 Mar 11;293(2066):20252811. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.2811. PMID: 41818811.

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