I didn't realize these birds, and other large species lived this long. This crane was 33 years old.

https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/33-year-old-sandhill-crane/

They can make 70-80 in captivity. A lot of large birds can live long lives.

Also why they're so dang hard and fun to hunt. They are around long enough to get wise.

What is interesting is this bird avoided being killed for so long then just by chance made a fatal mistake. He was the lone bird dropping from the flock, why? No idea. I guess he finally had a bad day.

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing

SteveBott said:

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What is interesting is this bird avoided being killed for so long then just by chance made a fatal mistake. He was the lone bird dropping from the flock, why? No idea. I guess he finally had a bad day.

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Or, the vast majority of hunters are just that bad of a shot. Reference: Texas Dove Season

Well the shooter did say he had lots of pellets in him/her.

Personally if I have a crane in striking distance I'd unload my three shells with abandon.

One down. Reload.

Parrots live long lives too … some 90 years … others in captivity have been said to live 140 years .. talk about plumbing not working … who feeds a bird 140 years ? That's like 4-5 generations ..crazy

I'm a girl and not a hunter… what's the point of shooting a sand hill crane. They sure don't look like birds you'd want to eat.

combat wombat said:

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I'm a girl and not a hunter… what's the point of shooting a sand hill crane. They sure don't look like birds you'd want to eat.

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Ribeye of the sky…

Their nickname is ribeye of the sky

I NEVER would have guessed you'd want to eat that bird. Interesting.

They are considered the best eating bird you can harvest. As said Ribeye in the Sky.

But their meat can be replaced at the local grocery store. and it's a tough hunt. At 33 that bird was a true survivor. Not just from hunters but all the critters that would prey o it if given the opportunity.

Credit given.

Stan Crowch said:

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Their nickname is ribeye of the sky

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Wow.. I've hunted for years and I never knew this .. learn something every day .. these days I only hunt dove .. if I want to eat meat I drive to HEB ..

Great article OP. Thanks for posting.

Ribeye of the Sky

fullback44 said:

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Stan Crowch said:

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Their nickname is ribeye of the sky

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Wow.. I've hunted for years and I never knew this .. learn something every day .. these days I only hunt dove .. if I want to eat meat I drive to HEB ..

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I never understand posts like this on this board.

I don't think he's making a value judgment. I think he's just saying that he doesn't get out to hunt much anymore.

I listened to a Meateater podcast on sandhill cranes. They talk about the 33 yr old crane

combat wombat said:

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I NEVER would have guessed you'd want to eat that bird. Interesting.

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When I have crane in the freezer I'll usually thaw out a couple of breasts on steak night and cook them just like I do my steaks. If I'm not fast enough, my 3 kids will get all the crane meat before I can get my plate made. They will skip over goose every time though.

My kids know that dad gets served first.

combat wombat said:

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I'm a girl and not a hunter… what's the point of shooting a sand hill crane. They sure don't look like birds you'd want to eat.

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As other's have said.

they are the best eating waterfowl by far. if you don't tell people they think it's a sirloin. called ribeye in the sky but closer to a sirloin.

they have incredible eyesight like a turkey.
hard and fun to decoy.
they are big and mean. have had them stand up and try to peck you when you go to pick them up.

everyone in texas should try this. when i first crane hunting very few people did it. now lots of guides etc.
should be on everyone's bucket list for sure.

I buy a 2-day 12-man Crane/Goose hunt near Lubbock every year. It's usually the highlight of my year. This is the 5th or 6th year.