Tom Stehn Reports from Aransas: March 12, 2004

Dear Journey North,

In my last report I was glowing with news of the remarkable year that the whooping cranes had. Now I want to mention the low point of the year.

An adult whooping crane was shot and killed November 14th, 2003 south of Dallas, Texas. Four whooping cranes had been present for several days feeding in a cornfield during the day and presumably roosting at night on a nearby reservoir. One crane was shot about 15 minutes before sunset, apparently as it flew to roost. Locals heard shots, and with the waterfowl season closed, the local game warden was called. A Texas Parks and Wildlife warden responded and apprehended the hunter with 3 ducks plus 1 whooping crane hidden in a bag tucked under the bow of his boat. The hunter admitted he had shot a white crane. The necropsy showed the bird to be an adult female whooping crane with about 20 shot pellets in her. The 3 remaining cranes resumed migration 2 days after the shooting incident.

In early February, the suspect pleaded guilty. Sentencing is not expected until at least April. The maximum sentence could involve a large fine of up to $100,000 and 1-year in jail, but will probably be less. Any shooting of a whooping crane is an unfortunate situation. In this case, the shooting was done by a hunter during a closed waterfowl season and closed sandhill crane season and without the required reservoir hunting permit from the Corps of Engineers. This person was certainly closer to being a "poacher" rather than a sportsman that follows regulations.

This was the 7th known whooping crane to be shot in North America dating back to 1989, an average of nearly one loss every other year. However, only three of the shootings were connected with hunting seasons. In general, illegal shooting is NOT believed to be a significant source of mortality for whooping cranes. But that doesn't make it easier when one is killed. Efforts need to be continued to inform hunters and all citizens about whooping cranes--including annual press releases, brochures, Web pages, hunter education classes, and law enforcement presence.

Tom Stehn, Whooping Crane Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Aransas NWR
P.O. Box 100
Austwell, TX 77950

Copyright 2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form