MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSVN) — Alabama has set the first hunting season for sandhill cranes in 103 years.
According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, officials will conduct a draw hunt of 400 permits to hunt sandhill cranes, making them the third state east of the Mississippi River to hold a hunt for the birds.
The state said it last allowed sandhill crane hunting in 1916. However, the species has been making a steady comeback to allow for them to be hunted again.
The hunt will be split into two periods with one taking place from Dec. 3 to Jan. 5 and the other from Jan. 16-31.
Hunters will be allowed to kill a maximum of three birds.
Kentucky and Tennessee are the only other states east of the Mississippi River to allow hunting of these birds. Over a dozen Western states have crane seasons.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sandhill cranes are designated as a threatened species in Florida.
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