Entertaining, informative test mandatory in 2006

Whooping cranes use the same habitats as sandhill cranes, and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area are two of their favorite stops in the Central Flyway. Sandhill crane hunters -- and all migratory bird hunters, especially in central Kansas -- should expect to see whooping cranes and be sure of their targets before shooting.

Hunters who see a whooping crane are asked to report it to the nearest Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) office. Hunters who are uncertain about identification of whooping cranes should go to the Sandhill Crane section. This takes the reader to a page containing information about sandhill crane hunting, including a map of the open unit.

This page also contains a link entitled "Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters." Click this link to take an online test that provides information about identifying whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and look-alike species, as well as the hunter’s ability to choose safe shots. The test is both entertaining and informative and only takes a few minutes. In 2006, all Kansas sandhill crane hunters must pass this test before obtaining a sandhill crane hunting permit.

More information, as well as photos of both species, can also be found in the 2005 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary , available wherever licenses are sold.

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