Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill cranes from three North American populations winter in Arizona and provide hunting opportunities in November and December. Cranes in hunted areas arrive in or after late September and occupy playas near harvested grain fields in southeastern Arizona. Deemed the “ribeye of the sky” by many hunters, sandhill cranes require permits or tags and may only be harvested in one of many hunts available through the annual draw. Successful draw applicants are each awarded three tags, and any harvested birds must be presented for measurements and classification at mandatory check stations.