sandhill cranes ??

[FIJI]

anyone hunted them before?

We pulled tags for our ND trip (to give the dogs a day of rest)


Any advice on how to hunt this tiny lil birds ????

[M.T. Pockets]

I hunted near Rugby, ND a few years ago. I think you'll get a passing shot most days while you're hunting ducks & geese. We didn't have tags, but would have had opportunity to take many.

[FIJI]

what is recommended for shot size & choke?

wonder if we have to use steel?

hmm

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I found this on the ND fish and game website:

"19. Nontoxic Shot Regulations

The possession or use of shot other than federally approved nontoxic shot is prohibited while hunting ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, tundra swans, mergansers, snipe and coot statewide. For a list of approved nontoxic shot, visit http://www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html.

Nontoxic shot is required for all hunting on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, including federal refuges and waterfowl production areas. This regulation applies to all hunters using shotguns, except while hunting turkeys and big game. These shot requirements are in addition to current statewide nontoxic shot requirements for migratory birds as listed above."

So, Yes...you need to use nontoxic shot. I would also make sure that your guns are plugged as well.
Good luck!

[M.T. Pockets]

I'd shoot whatever is in your shotgun at the time. Within a reasonable range I wouldn't think you'd have a problem with any good waterfowl load (I must admit, I've never shot a crane). I reall think you'll get good opportunities just while you're hunting ducks & geese. We saw an awful lot of swans too.