A committee vice-chaired by a local state representative will be talking about sandhill cranes in the new year.
State Representative Paul Tittl of Manitowoc stated on the WCUB Breakfast Club last week that the Sporting Heritage and Outdoors Committee will have a hearing on two bills during the first full week of January.
“If you’re wanting to come down and testify, you’re more than welcome to,” he explained. “You can contact our office. Our toll-free number is 888-529-0025.”
The Wisconsin State Senate could also be voting on two sandhill crane-related bills in the future.
One bill would create a hunt for the birds, while a second would create abatement assistance for corn producers.
Previously, Rep. Tittl stated that the cranes flying into farmers’ cornfields and eating the seedlings, ruining the crop.
Senate Bill 775 would require the Wisconsin DATCP to administer a program that reimburses eligible applicant farmers for the purchase of seed treatment to deter cranes from eating the seeds.
The Manitowoc Republican also noted that if the bill passes the Wisconsin Assembly and is signed into law by Governor Evers, the hunt will not begin for at least another two years.
The abatement program could also not be created without the hunting bill being signed into law.
