������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • November 2020 • 15 (Continued from page 14)
certain lake. In this case, the isotope levels did not match Like Powell, but rather reflected the levels in Quail Creek Reservoir, about 180 miles west, where witnesses saw the two men fishing in the days just before the Lake Powell tournament. The men were fined $3,000; they are required to perform community service; and they lost their fishing and hunting licenses. —
Sandhill Crane on her nest in a hayfield in the early spring. Photos by Dan Dugan
Sandhill Cranes – Maine’s Next Gamebird? by Dr. Birney Dibble Special to The Maine Sportsman Sandhill cranes continue to be rare spring and fall migrant visitors to the State of Maine. In 2000, the late ornithologist Scott Melvin confirmed that a pair had successfully nested in the extensive marshes at the southern end of Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade. There have been sandhill cranes there virtually every year since then. Now, 20 years since the first confirmed nesting, there are probably at least 10 or 12 breeding pairs in the state, ranging from Fryeburg in the west to Corinna and Plymouth in the east. It is rather amazing how the birds
Meanwhile, other Sandhill Cranes practice their dance moves.
can keep such a low profile during the breeding season. Along with the ones in Belgrade, birds have also been seen at Smithfield and on Torsey Pond in Kents Hill. A little research suggests that these birds may have recently broken off from a population of 30,000 – 60,000 birds known as the Eastern Flyway Population. An offshoot of this group first showed up in New Jersey, moved into New England and now breed in Maine.
Farmers, landowners and conservationists have worked together to help these birds make a fairly strong come back after being nearly extirpated by the 1930s. With the number of sandhills increasing in Maine each year and the increasing number of states allowing hunting*, it’s reasonable for us who have considered them non-game all our lives, to ask why anyone would want to hunt them. The answer is simply: for the same reasons you hunt any other animal. Plus – a very big plus – they are, according to a Manitoba rancher friend of mine, by far the tastiest and tenderest bird he has ever eaten! *Editor’s note: Hunting seasons for sandhill cranes are now held annually in portions of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Nebraska is the only Central Flyway state that does not offer a sandhill crane sport hunting season —
Maine Deer Hunters Facebook Group Plans “Biggest Deer” Contest In cooperation with The Maine Sportsman, Maine Deer Hunters is holding a Biggest Deer contest. (Continued on next page)
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