MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin lawmaker wants to let hunters go after sandhill cranes.

Sandhill crane populations have grown dramatically across North America over the last 30 years. The cranes hold a special place in Wisconsin bird lovers' hearts. The state is a key nesting area for cranes that migrate up and down the eastern United States and the International Crane Foundation is based in Baraboo.

But state Rep. Joel Kleefisch, an Oconomowoc Republican, says the population has grown so much that they're causing too much damage to farmers' cornfields. He has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Natural Resources to set up a limited hunt.

Thirteen states already allow people to hunt sandhill cranes. Kentucky launched its first hunt in December. Hunters killed 50 birds over the 30-day season.