Sandhill Crane Hunting in Nebraska - Predicted Economic Effects

Following the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 a major rebound in the Mid-Continent Sandhill Crane population began. States allowing hunting have seemingly profited from this segment of wildlife management, except for Nebraska. Being the only state in the Central Flyway not to allow hunting of Sandhill Cranes, Nebraska has been ignoring possible gains from this economic sector. Although the current economic gain from recreation and tourism of Sandhill Cranes is near $10.33 million, the predicted profits of hunting could add more inflow to the economy. Using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Status and Harvest Report on Sandhill Cranes from 2013 data on Sandhill Crane active hunters and estimated harvest will be used. This data along with data gathered from reviewed articles will lead to an estimated total economic profit. A discussion on ‘hunting as a disturbance’ will also be included.