The federal government is contemplating a plan to introduce a fresh hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces. This move has raised concerns from a hunter who believes it could pose a risk to trumpeter swans, a visually similar and sensitive species.
The proposed adjustments to Canada’s migratory bird regulations aim to establish a new hunting season for tundra swans in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While tundra swans are hunted in certain U.S. states, they are currently protected at the federal level in Canada.
David Duncan, a hunter and former biologist, warns that a tundra swan hunt may result in the accidental shooting of trumpeter swans, which cannot be hunted in North America. Due to the overlapping habitats and visual similarities between the two species, distinguishing them can be challenging for most hunters.
Trumpeter swans were previously classified as a threatened species in Alberta but are now considered a species of special concern due to significant population growth across North America. Duncan emphasizes the risk of unintentionally shooting trumpeter swans while hunting tundra swans.
Tundra and trumpeter swans are the only native swan species in Canada, with the mute swan, a species native to the Eastern Hemisphere, being classified as invasive. Trumpeter swans, known for their impressive wingspan of up to three meters and substantial weight of up to 13.5 kilograms, are among the largest waterfowl in the world.
Wildlife biologist Frédérique Tremblay, employed by the Canadian Wildlife Service, assures that measures to protect trumpeter swans are being considered in the proposed hunting season. Data from the U.S. indicates a low rate of accidental killings of the wrong species, and some states educate hunters on species identification and require reporting of swan kills.
The proposed hunt would allocate permits for tundra swan hunting in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The government believes that implementing a tundra swan hunting season would offer new opportunities for hunters and benefit hunting outfitters and related businesses.
The consultation phase for the suggested hunting season is ongoing, allowing for public feedback before a formal decision is made. The government encourages stakeholders to provide input on the proposed migratory bird regulatory amendments, including the new hunting seasons, via email until Feb. 15.
In addition to the tundra swan hunting proposal, the government aims to open a hunting season in the Prairie provinces for mourning doves and expand the sandhill crane hunt in Alberta. These changes align with science-based wildlife management principles and stakeholder input, with potential implementation slated for 2028.