Sandhill Crane hunting - using a blind

[Standing Bear]

Our sandhill crane season opener is fast approaching and I thought of trying my luck at hunting them with my bow. We have a few areas near here where we have small groups of SHC land and feed before taking off again and travelling further south.

I have over the years, tried my chances at getting a SHC with my bow but I quickly realized they were very skittish and the moment they felt something wans't right, they were off like a flash. I know the only way to catch one will be to pattern their feeding habits.

One of the things I noticed about these birds is they rarely give you a broadside shot, very often, you'll get quartering away shots because they know your there and they start making their way away from you.

I know they are protected in some areas where they reproduce however here in the Northwest Territories, they are a game bird covered under the Migratory Game Bird Act.

So September 1st, as I am going out moose hunting, I will be travelling near these big birds and I will give it my best shot. I plan on taking a blind with me in case I can see where they travel to and from.

I know they are really good table fare when roasted with potatoes, ognions and carrots

SB

[Whitetail assain]

should be a fun hunt wish we could hunt them here with a bow.

[WoodySanford]

I hunted them in AK quite a bit during the first part of moose season every year. Usually in areas you see them feeding like the grassy areas in the tailout of beaver ponds and such. A ground blind is the way to go. They are a bit later than the ducks to come iin but thats a good thing, The hard part is waiting for them to wonder into range but when you ge tthem its worth it for the meat, very good eating. I'd take them over duck or goose anyday!

[Standing Bear]

I can't wait to get in that blind, 18 days to go till I'm in there, patiently waiting !!!! LOL

We had an early season visitor in our back yard this morning, as I woke up and walked over to the living room, I seen a dark spot near the tree line, not even thinking twice about it, I thought that spot was a old brush pile I had done a couple of years back.

Its only when I was pouring my first cup of coffee, I told myself, "There's no brush pile on that side of the yard !!!!!!!". As I walked over to the window, I seen a nice cow moose looking back at the house and off she went in the bush.

What a great way to start a morning

SB

[Heavy Hitter]

good luck SB... cranes are sure fun to hunt! I can't imagine trying to do it with a bow

[Standing Bear]

Thanks Heavy Hitter, I've tried before with no luck, like I mentioned before, they are some skittish And after all, who wouldn't be seeing this gorilla from Manilla walking through the bush

I actually practice walking through the bush and the thing I strive on working on, is, you guessed it, PATIENCE!!!!!!!!! I tell myself, take your time, take a look around everywhere and wait before taking your next step.

But on this particular hunt, I'm bringing a blind, did I mentioned I was excited !!!!

SB

[Standing Bear]

10 days and counting !!!!!!!!!!!! Too many sleeps there I say, 10 days to go

[Standing Bear]

Man, yesterday night, I was told by a couple of local gun hunters of my community that getting a Sandhill Crane with a bow was close to impossible and they started laughing when I told them it could be done.................only thing I did to respond was smile and walked away

More people to educate in a positive manner, I told myself....isn't archery fun !!!!!!!!!!!!

Leading people through positive examples

6 sleeps to go !!!! and I seen two small flocks yesterday, good news

Daniel

[yoda4x4]

If you don't mind me taking a quote from the movie A League of Their Own...

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."

So true! And just think how you'll feel when you do accomplish this seemingly impossible task. Of course feel free to remind that guy that you did indeed do the impossible.

David

[Standing Bear]

Season opens tomorrow, I have my blind set up and I will be getting up early, 04:00 am. My blind is only an hour away from home and I've taken the time to clear a nice little path as to ot make too much noise. The site I have choosen, has had a few flocks land in over the past weeks and just today, I seen another two smaller flocks fly over our community in that direction. It's a little slew where you can find a bit of water, cat tails and lots of small frogs, something the SH Cranes love.

The Phoenix broadheads are pretty close to razor sharp and I hope to see a moose in that general area. Its too early to call but some younger bulls will come in and investigate other bulls which is why at this time of year and pre rut, I only use the bull grunt. I am ready, now the final waiting starts.....crossing my fingers !!!!!!!

Daniel

[yoda4x4]

Something tells me that you won't be sleeping tonight.

No matter what, I wish you best Daniel. Now go kill something

David

[Tradgirl]

Daniel left very early this morning and I already have an update for you, I just received a very excited call on our Satellite phone I will let him update you when he gets back

Sylvie

[richa3md]

can't wait to hear and see so,e pictures!

[Standing Bear]

What a morning, wow, things didn't quite turn out like I expected but what a beautiful day it is !!!!!!!

The Phoenix has landed

I'll start another tread for this one, I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo happy right now....

Daniel