Sandhill Crane in Tennessee
hunting regulations.
Hunting regulations change. The information on this page reflects what we know about species presence and hunt availability based on state agency listings. For current season dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, tag requirements, and reporting obligations, verify directly with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Sandhill Crane is draw / limited entry in Tennessee. The agency above sets season dates, bag limits, and zone boundaries — those change yearly. Verify before you hunt.
About the species
Sandhill cranes are tall, gray, long-legged migratory birds that breed across the Northern US and Canada and winter from Texas and New Mexico into Mexico. Continental populations have rebounded to the point that several states now offer hunting seasons, primarily targeting the Mid-Continent population. Mature birds weigh 8-12 pounds.
Quota-restricted draw permits are the norm. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky run various crane hunts. The hunt is similar to goose hunting — decoys, blinds in flooded ag fields, calling. Crane meat is highly regarded and widely called "ribeye of the sky."
Other waterfowl in Tennessee
Want the picture for this species across every state? See Sandhill Crane regulations by state. Or browse every huntable species in Tennessee.