It is illegal to hunt native trumpeter swans, tundra swans, and non-native mute swans, as well as other large white birds like American white pelicans and whooping cranes.
Tom Koerner/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges hunters to accurately identify their targets before taking a shot, especially when it comes to distinguishing swans from other waterfowl this hunting season.
All wild swans are protected in Wisconsin. This means that hunting native trumpeter swans, tundra swans, and non-native mute swans is prohibited. Additionally, other large white birds, such as American white pelicans and whooping cranes, are also off-limits. Shooting a swan could lead to fines and the loss of all hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.
Waterfowl hunters may come across various swan species while out in the field. Swans are now more prevalent and widespread in Wisconsin than they were a generation ago, and they will begin their migration through the state in the coming weeks.
The population of the once-endangered trumpeter swan has now surpassed 15,000, thanks to successful reintroduction efforts by the DNR and its partners that began in the late 1980s. Due to this recovery, trumpeter swans were removed from the Wisconsin Endangered Species List in 2009. However, hunting them remains illegal.
Identifying a swan
Trumpeter swans are the largest native waterfowl species in North America, measuring between 4.5 to 5 feet in length and weighing between 20 to 30 pounds, with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet.
Tundra swans are slightly smaller and can be recognized by their high-pitched, quavering call, which contrasts with the deep, trumpet-like call of the trumpeter swan.
Non-native mute swans are similar in size to both trumpeter and tundra swans but can be identified by their orange bill—both native swans have black bills—and the prominent black fleshy knob that extends from the base of the bill to the forehead.
Snow geese are legal to hunt
Snow geese are much smaller than Wisconsin’s swan species, measuring about 2 feet in length, weighing 5 to 6 pounds, and having a wingspan of 4.5 feet. They also feature pink bills and black tips that are visible on the underside of their wings while in flight. While snow geese are less common visitors to Wisconsin, the native swans are more abundant.
For additional information on identifying trumpeter swans, including photos and tips on distinguishing them from other large white birds, visit the DNR’s Swans in Wisconsin webpage and The Trumpeter Swan Society’s website.
If you witness a violation, please report it using the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline or by calling 800.847.9367.
Source: https://www.apg-wi.com/spooner_advocate/sports/outdoors/don-t-shoot-swans-this-hunting-season/article_b139c501-8d2c-4135-ac86-d7040c9b7efb.html
