The first migrating Sandhill Cranes of the season have been spotted in Georgia. Last night, right before dark, two small groups were spotted in central Georgia. Sandhill cranes are often the early migrants of each year. Once the Sandhills pass through and the weather cooperates (hunter style), you will begin to see more varieties of ducks and geese.
Reports out of Kentucky today stated that large flocks of Sandhills were migrating throughout the day. This is great news for the Mississippi Flyway hunters. Some of the best duck and goose seasons in recent history has been in years that large numbers of Sandhills migrate from November 15th – December 15th. This is a little later than most hunters would want to see them, but the duck season runs later than in year’s past, so the timing is still very good.
Sandhill hunting is extremely limited and restrictive. Most hunters have little, if any, interest in hunting Sandhill Cranes. We use them more as a measurement of migratory birds and enjoy the awkward show that they put on. Sandhill Cranes seem to get lost fairly often. They will be flying along and then the flock will spin in circles, fly a little further and do it again. If you ever get to witness large flocks moving south (or north), take time to watch them. It is quite comical to see and hear.
*Photo courtesy of www.ducks.org
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