CRANE

PRE-HUNT CLIENT BRIEFING

Welcome to Open Plains Outdoors and thank you for trusting us with your Sandhill crane hunt!

We’re excited to have you in the field and want to make sure everyone is prepared for a safe, successful, and enjoyable hunt. Please read through the following information carefully prior to your hunt.

What to Expect

Sandhill crane hunting is often referred to as the “ribeye of the sky” (although we often think of it as more of a filet) and for goos reason. These birds are large, loud, smart, and very wary, making for a challenging and rewarding hunt. Patience and discipline in the blind are key. Weather can be unpredictable, we recommend booking 2 days of crane hunting to increase your chance of success.

The Game Plan

We’ll be hunting feeding fields after birds leave the roost at daylight. Expect early mornings, changing conditions, and bursts of fast action when birds commit. Some mornings are steady, others are a waiting game - either way, stay ready.

Meet-Up & Timing

We’ll confirm meeting time and location the day before at sunset. Expect an early start. Most hunts run through the main morning flight, but we’ll adjust based on bird movement.

Please park and move exactly as directed - keeping pressure low is key to keeping birds working.

What to Bring

Required:

  • Valid hunting license and Sandhill Crane permit

  • Shotgun (12 or 20 guage recommended)

  • Non-toxic shot (as required by law)

Recommended:

  • Ear & eye protection

  • Camo clothing

  • Warm layers (West Texas mornings bite)

  • Gloves & face covering

  • Snacks, water, and any personal necessities

*DO NOT WEAR ANY ORANGE CLOTHING OR HATS!

RESPECT LAND & BIRDS

Respect all bag limits and regulations.

3 CRANE PER MAN/DAY

We hunt with landowner permission so please treat property with respect. No trash or shells left behind in the field.

Do your best to get a clean kill but ethical shots are expected at all times.

Firearm Safety

We keep it relaxed, but safety is non-negotiable.

Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. No loading until in the blind and directed by your guide.

Identify your target clearly - know your shooting lanes. Wait for the shot call, no freelancing. No sky-blasting, let the birds work.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE HUNT!

In the Blind

Remain still and quiet - cranes have excellent eyesight. If you can see them, they already saw you.

Follow your guides commands closely, especially during the shot call. Do not sit up or move until the guide calls the shot. Cranes are very wary of movement and concealment is a must.

When it’s on, it’s on - be ready!

Weather & Reality

Hunts proceed rain, wind, or shine unless deemed unsafe. Weather and bird movement may affect success which is part of fair-chase hunting. We want to put you on birds just as much as you want to shoot them but we cannot guarantee bird movement. We do our best but unfortunately, there are no fences in the sky. We appreciate your understanding!

Final Notes

Our goal is to provide a safe, professional, and memorable hunting experience. Ask questions, listen to your guide, trust the process, and enjoy the hunt. Sandhill cranes are a special species to pursue and we are grateful to share the opportunity with good people. We look forward to having you in the field with us!

See y’all in the blind!

- Colton Oliphint, Open Plains Outdoors

Get in Touch

Whether you have a question, are ready to book, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out - we’re here to help!