Guide:

About Your Trip

Hunting Type

Crane

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Hunting sandhill cranes in the South Texas brush is an experience steeped in tradition and excitement, offering a unique challenge to even the most seasoned hunters. Known as the "ribeye of the sky" due to their exceptional table fare, sandhill cranes are large, wary birds that require a blend of skill, patience, and strategic planning to hunt successfully.

The day begins in the early pre-dawn hours, with hunters gathering their gear and preparing for the journey into the brush. The South Texas landscape, characterized by its vast open fields, mesquite thickets, and rolling plains, provides the ideal habitat for sandhill cranes. The first light of dawn is just breaking as you head out, the cool morning air filled with anticipation.

Arriving at the hunting location, the guide selects a spot that offers both concealment and a clear view of the sky. Sandhill cranes have keen eyesight and are notoriously cautious, making it crucial to set up a well-camouflaged blind. The decoy spread is carefully arranged to mimic a feeding or resting flock, a crucial element in drawing the birds within range. Motion decoys can be particularly effective, adding realism to the setup and attracting the attention of passing cranes.

As the sun rises, the distant calls of sandhill cranes can be heard, a haunting and distinctive sound that echoes across the landscape. The sight of these majestic birds flying in formation against the backdrop of the Texas sky is both awe-inspiring and a signal to get ready. The cranes typically fly in from their roosting areas to feed in the fields, making this prime time for hunting.

Patience is key as you wait for the cranes to approach. The birds often circle high above, scrutinizing the decoy spread before committing to land. When a group finally descends, the excitement is palpable. You wait for the right moment, then take aim and fire, the challenge of hitting such a large but wary bird adding to the thrill. The sound of a successful shot, followed by the sight of a crane falling, is immensely satisfying.

Throughout the morning, the patterns continue, with flocks of sandhill cranes flying in and out of the area. Each opportunity requires careful coordination and timing, as cranes can quickly detect any irregularities and change their flight path. The broad, open skies of South Texas offer plenty of opportunities, but they also mean that the birds can see you from far off, demanding a high level of stealth and precision.

Aside from the hunt itself, the experience of being immersed in the South Texas brush is memorable. The rugged beauty of the landscape, with its mix of open plains and dense mesquite, provides a picturesque backdrop. The diversity of wildlife in the area, from deer and javelina to a wide variety of bird species, adds to the overall richness of the experience.

As the hunt concludes, the successful harvest of sandhill cranes is celebrated. These birds, known for their delicious meat, are highly prized, and the effort put into the hunt is richly rewarded. Cleaning and preparing the cranes for a future feast is part of the tradition, with many hunters savoring the anticipation of a meal that is as unique as the hunting experience itself.

Hunting sandhill cranes in the South Texas brush is not just about the thrill of the chase, but also about the connection to the land and the camaraderie among hunters. It’s an adventure that combines skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world, making it a cherished tradition for those who partake in it. The memories of this hunt, from the haunting calls of the cranes to the shared successes, create stories that will be told for years to come.

Amenities

Hunting Type

Crane

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Gear

You will need your own guns and gear.

Gun Rental

You will need your own guns.

Game Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 Hours
1 Person	$1,200.00
2 People	$1,200.00
3 People	$1,200.00
4 People	$1,200.00
5 People	$1,800.00
6 People	$1,800.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know the area like the back of their hand.

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know the area like the back of their hand.

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

I was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1985 and raised in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where I naturally embraced a love for the outdoors.

From a very young age, I discovered my passion for hunting, calling, and shooting. Growing up and living in the South Texas region has given me the opportunity to develop and hone the knowledge and skills of an avid outdoorsman. Having had the privilege to help guide on several ranches has provided me with a deeper insight into the importance of predator control and wildlife management.

For the past six years, I have been guiding fishing trips, specializing in wade fishing, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and flounder gigging. I also offer unique adventures with airboat excursions in brackish waters targeting alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. My experience and dedication ensure an unforgettable and successful fishing experience for all my clients.

I devote the majority of my summers hitting the waters of the Lower Laguna Madre as a captain for my charter, Waist Deep Fishing.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Edinburg, Texas

Trip Details & Amenities

Hunting Type

Crane

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Gear

You will need your own guns and gear.

Gun Rental

You will need your own guns.

Game Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Shotgun Hunting
Decoy Hunting

Everything Else to Know

You will be responsible for your own gear. Once you book your trip, we'll connect you directly with Leevi to discuss details.

You'll need to buy a hunting license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.