Does anyone have any recomendations on decoys or calls/tactics? Looking at Cabelas and they have some Flambeaus and a call from Haydell. Looking to get my first crane this yr and there seems to be a lot this yr, so figure I'll get serious about it. Any advice on hunting them would be much appreciated.

I'd post advice, but this will be my first year on crane, too. From what I'm told, you set up a lot like you would a goose spread, or at least that's what I understood - and of course, go where the cranes are! lol I'm sure someone who knows more will chime in...

If your not hunting over water, you can use buckshot to drop them. They have some serious armored plating so bring a lot of rounds. As far as calls go, we use a goose call and make a rolling sound with your tongue.

True don't need steel loads,

Make sure you hide really well...and then hide some more. I swear they have x-ray vision

So if you are hunting over water then you have to use steel? Found some nice looking decoys to get myself for Christmas. Hopefully I'll get my first Ribeye this year.

Where is water coming into this equation?

Ive always seen them in the fields, not in ponds. If you use steel you have the option to shoot geese on the same hunt.

Everytime I have gone we have used silhouettes and wind socks. Last hunt we wore stalk colored ghillie suits. Sure helped because they do have awesome eyesight.