Wisconsin lawmakers are debating whether to establish the state’s first Sandhill Crane hunting season in over a century, in response to nearly $2 million in crop damage reported by farmers in 2023. This contentious proposal comes as wildlife advocates warn that hunting could jeopardize crane populations and fail to effectively mitigate damage, pointing instead to a nonlethal seed treatment called Avipel that significantly protects crops without harming the birds.
Avipel, developed by the International Crane Foundation, makes seeds unappealing to cranes while still allowing them to access other food sources in the fields. Despite its effectiveness, the cost of the treatment has hindered widespread adoption, prompting a push for potential legislative reimbursement for farmers. As the debate unfolds, only 17 percent of Wisconsin residents support crane hunting, illustrating a clear divide between conservationists and agricultural interests.
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