Sandhill Crane Hunting in Texas

Every year tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes winter in the same areas we lease for our duck and goose hunting operation here in Texas.  At RiceLand Waterfowl Club, Sandhill Cranes are managed in the same way as other duck and geese.  In the sense that sanctuaries are created and maintained in order to give our seasonal lease members and their guest the best possible opportunities to take part in this unique and very memorable hunting experience.

Sandhill Cranes are gaining a lot of popularity in our waterfowl club.  This year alone more waterfowl members shot Sandhills from the duck hunting blinds as a bonus, in addition to the ducks and geese already taken.  Many requests have come in at RiceLand Waterfowl Club for us to find spots solely to hunt  sandhill cranes on.  Our duck and goose hunters appeared to have found a new waterfowl species to pursue, and because we believe in listening to and accomodating our seasonal  lease members as much as possible.  We gave them what they've asked for!  Lease members are now purchasing Sandhill Crane decoys for next year’s crane season.  If you’ve never hunted Sandhill Cranes out of a crane decoy spread, all it will take is just one time and you’ll be hooked from that very first moment they decoy in.  The Sandhill Crane decoys are placed in a most similar way to a small goose hunting spread.  As you lay hidden amongst the decoys waiting in ambush, the adrenalin rushes in as with any waterfowl hunt when they approach!  They may look rather large and in range at first, but wait till they look more like a pterodactyl flying at you, with feet -out before you lift your gun!  These gaint birds have majestic wingspans that approach +7 ft.  When you shoot your first one this way then you’ll  understand why it’s a very fast growing waterfowl sport.  The Texas limit on Sandhills is only two for now, and you will need a special Sandhill Crane hunting permit.  However, the thrill of the hunt and the size of the Sandhill cranes are worth it.  Not to mention the table fair - we like to call - (Rib Eye in the sky!)