By Tony McVeigh
Frankfort, KY – The legal hunting of sandhill cranes in Kentucky has moved another step closer to becoming a reality. But as Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh reports, final approval is still months off.
Earlier this month, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved a sandhill crane hunting season in Kentucky. The season, with a mid-December start, would last for 30 days, or until 400 of the huge, migratory birds have been killed, whichever comes first. The plan also needs federal approval, and has cleared its first hurdle.
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Service Regulations Committee approved the Kentucky hunt proposal, which is considered a three-year, experimental hunting season."
Brian Blank with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says the hunt is still months away from final approval on both the state and federal levels.
"The public comment period is from July 1st to August 1st. There would be public hearings, if requested. They would probably occur between July 21st and July 29th."
The hunt is strongly opposed by numerous environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society and the Kentucky Coalition for Sandhill Cranes.