Story from TPWD
It can be hard to identify birds in flight. But if you hunt waterfowl or other migratory game birds, you need the skills to be able to quickly identify them, since some duck and crane species are protected.
To hone your skills as a wingshooter, learn to I.D. different species with a duck identifier. Taking the wrong duck can cut into your bag limit. If you ever do take a non-targeted duck, don’t dump the carcass – it’s not just unethical, it’s illegal.
Whooping cranes are highly protected birds that winter in Texas. They can be easily confused with sandhill cranes or even geese, so learn to tell the difference by watching our video, Be Sure Before You Shoot, and by reviewing ways to I.D. whooping cranes. Should you accidentally shoot one, call a game warden immediately and explain your error.
