The Canadian federal government is contemplating a proposal to introduce a new hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces. This move has raised concerns from a hunter who believes it may put trumpeter swans, a similar-looking and sensitive species, at risk.
The proposed modifications to Canada’s migratory bird regulations aim to establish a tundra swan hunting season in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While tundra swans are hunted in some U.S. states, they are currently protected at the federal level in Canada.
Hunter and retired biologist David Duncan warns that a tundra swan hunt could result in unintended shootings of trumpeter swans, which are a protected species in North America. Due to the similarities in appearance and overlapping habitats of the two species, distinguishing between them can be challenging, especially for hunters.
Notably, trumpeter swans were once considered threatened under Alberta’s Wildlife Act but are now labeled as a species of special concern due to population growth in recent decades. Duncan emphasizes the risk of accidentally shooting trumpeter swans during a tundra swan hunt.
Tundra and trumpeter swans are the only native swan species in Canada, with the mute swan being an invasive species from the Eastern Hemisphere. Trumpeter swans, known for their large wingspan and hefty weight, are considered one of North America’s heaviest bird species.
To address concerns about trumpeter swan conservation, wildlife biologist Frédérique Tremblay from the Canadian Wildlife Service mentions that the government is considering steps to protect them during the proposed hunting season. Measures such as educating hunters on species identification and reporting tundra swan kills promptly are being evaluated to prevent accidental shootings of trumpeter swans.
Under the proposed plan, permits for tundra swan hunting would be allocated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The government sees the potential hunting season as a way to provide new opportunities for hunters and boost local hunting businesses. However, the proposal is still in the consultation phase, seeking public feedback before any formal decisions are made.
Additionally, the federal government is considering opening hunting seasons for mourning doves and expanding sandhill crane hunting in Alberta. Stakeholder input and conservation considerations will guide any future adjustments to wildlife management practices in the region. The earliest implementation of new hunting seasons, if approved, would be in 2028.