Sand Hill Crane = flying tenderloin...Geo
Known to some of us as "rib eye in the sky." Smart, tough, and mean. A cripple can turn your dog into the same with that stiletto beak. I don't let Cocoa near them, though she has tried to haul some in. In our area, the only deeks that worked were full body taxidermy mounts. Most interesting aspect to me is their call, which can be heard from incredible distances. Frozen in your blind, you think they are right on top of you and you crane your neck (sorry
) to get a look for the shot and they're still a thousand yards off.
You need a crane endorsement on your license (no extra charge), lead is allowed and they are not considered waterfowl but are definitely migratory: I believe the ones we hunt come to Texas all the way from Siberia. My friend Milton claims he's seen several banded that said "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could."
My son several years ago with his first:
