This is the most recent data available from USFWS. It appears that TN is only reporting about 1/4 harvest of their total tag allotment per year. Perhaps issuing each hunter 3 tags instead of 2, or increasing the amount of available 2-tag opportunities would increase that "opportunity" the TWRF is so in love with these days.
Looks like TN Should be Able to Increase Sandhill Crane Numbers
- Thread starter TAFKAP
- Start date
That would make too much sense and no commission family members would get paid so screw that
Buzzard Breath
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I know at one time TRWA wasn't the ones that set the limit. It was a federal agency that did. I'm not certain if it's the same way now.
Pioneer1789
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Twra can request more tags from the feds based on harvest data. That's how they increased the number of tags a few years back.
Pioneer1789
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3 tags per person would make it worthwhile.
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Hey, I drew one of those tags this year. I have no idea how to get one!
What part of the state are you? I can direct you to the guide I've used near Martin in West TN if that's nearer to you
TAFKAP, can you PM me the guide's information? My son drew a tag and he might be interested.
I
Chris Knight is the contact, and his service is called Southern Knights' Retrievers. Check them out on FB if you're so inclined.
(731) 592-5740
He's charging $200/gun to guide Sandhill crane hunts in the vicinity of Martin, TN. I hunted with him last year, and he set up in a cut corn field using an a-frame ground blind for about 8 folks. He sets out decoys, calls and works the birds, and retrieves them.
There aren't any DIY options I'm aware of in the area, since the birds spend a lot of their time in a refuge area, then feed in private farm fields throughout the day. This guide service scouts throughout the week, and selects their hunting site based on the birds' behaviors. No guide service guarantees success, but based on what I experienced the past 2 years hunting, you can count on a good probability of taking home some cranes.
I'll tell you now
Chris Knight is the contact, and his service is called Southern Knights' Retrievers. Check them out on FB if you're so inclined.
(731) 592-5740
He's charging $200/gun to guide Sandhill crane hunts in the vicinity of Martin, TN. I hunted with him last year, and he set up in a cut corn field using an a-frame ground blind for about 8 folks. He sets out decoys, calls and works the birds, and retrieves them.
There aren't any DIY options I'm aware of in the area, since the birds spend a lot of their time in a refuge area, then feed in private farm fields throughout the day. This guide service scouts throughout the week, and selects their hunting site based on the birds' behaviors. No guide service guarantees success, but based on what I experienced the past 2 years hunting, you can count on a good probability of taking home some cranes.
I know a guy that hunted with them last year. Top notch from all information I can get.
That's who I'm planning on using this year.
Pioneer1789
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Southeast crane zone was an in person draw for 3 birds. They haven't done it since COVID. They made all tags 2 bird statewide tags on a computerized draw.
