The Wisconsin Corn Growers Association and other farmers have been among the most vocal supporters of the SB-620, arguing that the Sandhill Crane is a pest that damages their crops. But advocates with the DNR and ICF argue that an autumn hunt will not prevent crop damage, which most frequently occurs in the spring. Currently, farmers in Wisconsin can apply for a federal permit that allows them to kill Sandhill Cranes that are destroying crops after nonlethal deterrents have failed. These permits are approved on a limited basis and according to the University of Wisconsin-Extension, there are no data to support that hunting permits are effective in controlling crane damage to corn fields.
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