The Sandhill crane is one species that Birdtail Waterfowl guests and guides truly cherish. Hunting Sandhill cranes in Manitoba is easily the most unique waterfowl hunting experience available, and it just might be the most rewarding opportunity we offer. Their oversized stature and vocal engagement are literally awe-inspiring, which makes every hunt nothing short of dynamic. What really puts Sandhill crane hunting into a league of its own is their mysterious ability to spot something out of the ordinary, their unpredictable flight paths, their captivating numbers, and their phenomenal table fare! It’s like hunting “the big game of birds”, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Their pursuit is extremely challenging and requires the very best in field decoys, blinds, and the most rigorous scouting efforts. But when all the stars align… the experience is purely remarkable, and it’s one that we consistently chase from early September to mid October.
Sandhill Crane Hunt Details
Sandhill Crane Hunting Season & Limits
- Resident and Non-Resident (Canadian): September 1st to December 6th.
- Foreign Resident (US Citizen / International): September 1st to December 6th.
- Sandhill Crane limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
- We hunt Sandhill cranes from mid-September until mid-October (weather dependent).
- Legal shooting times are ½ hour before sunrise.
- Sandhill Crane hunts are ‘morning only’ at Birdtail Waterfowl.
- Note: Sandhill Crane hunts must be booked in advance and are a $75 additional charge per hunter.
- Note: Please let us know if you are planning to mount one of your Sandhill Cranes. See our Taxidermy Page for more details.
Hunt Departure
- Guests will meet their guide at the change house.
- Morning departures can be from 3:45 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Departure times will vary based on season and travel times (travel times average 1 hour).
- Guides will confirm departure times before each hunt.
Hunt Logistics & Set-Up
- Guests are transported to and from the field in crew cab trucks with enclosed trailers.
- Hunting groups are 4 to 5 guests with one guide for the morning hunt.
- Hunts take place in pre-scouted fields (wheat, barley, oats or peas).
- Full body, Deception Outdoors Sandhill Crane decoys, and mobile blinds with natural cover are used.
- We do not use coffin style layout blinds.
- Guests help with decoy and blind set-up.
- Guides manage the hunt and call the shots.
- Morning hunts will usually conclude around 11:00 a.m.
