whooping cranes

The Oliver family settled near central Dakota Territory in the 1880s. Large game was disappearing, but wildfowl remained plentiful. While it was easy to shoot most wildfowl, getting close enough to wary cranes was challenging, even when they landed to feed.

Each spring and fall I am anxious to hear any news of whooping cranes in the state. This year is no exception. It seems like each year a few of them are…