Sandhill Crane Quota Hunts
Sandhill Crane statewide drawing, application period: September 3-24, 2025.
These tags will be valid statewide, including the SE Crane Zone. Only individuals with a Tennessee Sandhill Crane Tag may hunt.
Sandhill Crane Tag Application: Applicants must be at least thirteen (13) years of age to compete in the drawing. Each application must be accompanied by a non-refundable handling fee, except for Sportsman License holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, and persons possessing an Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License. Tags are non-transferable.
Computer Draw: A total of 2,500 tags (2 tags/hunter) will be issued for statewide use through a computerized drawing. The application period for the statewide drawing is Sept. 3– 24, 2025. These tags will be valid statewide, including the SE Crane Zone.
Sandhill Crane Identification Test: All sandhill crane hunters must pass an internet-based crane identification test each year before hunting. All tags issued are invalid until the “Sandhill Crane Test” validation code is written on the tag. The purpose of this test is to improve the hunter’s awareness and ability to distinguish between sandhill cranes and other protected species that may be encountered while hunting.
Be sure the bird you intend to shoot is a sandhill crane. Accidental or intentional shooting of a whooping crane is considered a dual violation and is subject to state and federal laws. Don’t shoot unless you’re sure.
Harvest Reporting: Each harvested crane must be accompanied by a completed kill tag (each tag allows harvest of one (1) crane) and be checked in by the end of the calendar day of harvest by any TWRA-approved check-in method. Also, hunters issued sandhill crane tags MUST fill out and submit a post-season survey before Feb. 10, regardless of whether they hunted or harvested a sandhill crane. Failure to submit the post-season survey results will result in hunters not being eligible to apply for a sandhill crane tag in future draws.
Hunting Hours: Hunting hours for sandhill cranes are from sunrise until 3:00 pm local time.
Federal Regulations: No shotguns larger than 10 gauge or capable of holding over 3 shot shells. A federally approved non-toxic shot is required.
General Application. Party and Draw Instructions can be found on the Quota Hunt webpage. You may apply via GoOutDoorsTennessee, the On The Go APP, at a TWRA Licensed Agent, or at a Regional Office.
Sandhill Crane Quota Hunt Specifics
- Applicants must be at least 13 years old by the end of the application period to enter the drawing.
- This hunt utilizes priority points. If applying as a party, priority points are averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number.
- Parties may have up to 5 applicants, including the party leader.
- When applying for a Sandhill Crane Quota Hunt as a party, all party members' points will be averaged to determine the point value of the party.
- Up to 1250 total quota permits will be issued for this hunt.
Draw Results
Results will be displayed after the draw
| Priority Points | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 17 | 388 | 1665 | 2124 |
| Applicant Party Size | ||||
| 1 Party Member | 13 | 279 | 914 | 1354 |
| 2 Party Members | 0 | 22 | 89 | 89 |
| 3 Party Members | 0 | 5 | 62 | 69 |
| 4 Party Members | 1 | 10 | 53 | 40 |
| 5 Party Members | 0 | 2 | 35 | 45 |
| Successful | 17 | 388 | 845 | 0 |
| Successful Party Size | ||||
| 1 Party Member | 13 | 279 | 457 | |
| 2 Party Members | 0 | 22 | 48 | |
| 3 Party Members | 0 | 5 | 30 | |
| 4 Party Members | 4 | 10 | 28 | |
| 5 Party Members | 0 | 2 | 18 |
