Sandhill cranes will be classified as fair-game for hunters in selected areas of Quebec and Ontario during the upcoming fall hunting season. The new designation, effective in 2026, marks the first instance that the species is legally permitted to be hunted in either province.
The decision applies to two specific regions within Quebec and to portions of Ontario, although the precise boundaries have not been disclosed. Under the fair-game status, hunters will be allowed to pursue sandhill cranes in accordance with provincial hunting regulations that will be issued for the fall 2026 season.
This change represents a shift in wildlife management policy, as sandhill cranes have previously been protected from hunting in both provinces. The reclassification to fair-game means that the birds can now be taken legally, provided that hunters comply with any bag limits, licensing requirements, and seasonal restrictions that the authorities will set.
Provincial wildlife agencies are expected to publish detailed rules later in the year, outlining the dates of the season, permissible hunting methods, and any quotas that may be imposed to ensure sustainable harvest. The move follows a review of the species' population status and its impact on ecosystems, concluding that limited hunting could be accommodated without jeopardizing overall numbers.
The opening of sandhill crane hunting in Quebec and Ontario adds a new opportunity for hunters seeking to target a species that has not been available for sport in the region before. It also introduces a new element to the fall hunting calendar, alongside traditional game species.
Hunters interested in participating will need to monitor official announcements for licensing details and specific hunting zones before the season begins.