Two injured whooping cranes were actually "shot"

[Ken Kinman]

Update:
     Unfortunately, the more severely wounded whooping crane died early this morning.  Hopefully the second will survive, but due to a broken wing, it is uncertain if it will ever fly again.

     A group of hunters has reportedly admitted to accidentally shooting at the group of "three" whoopers.  Whether the third whooper escaped unharmed is unclear.  The shooting occurred just a few miles outside of Quivira Federal Wildlife Refuge.  I still cannot understand why sandhill crane hunting is allowed so close to this refuge, especially at such an early date.  Hopefully it will not be allowed in the future.
         ------ Ken Kinman