The government is contemplating a plan to introduce a fresh hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces, a move that could pose risks to trumpeter swans, a similar-looking and vulnerable species, according to a hunter’s concerns. Proposed alterations to Canada’s migratory bird regulations would establish a new hunting season for tundra swans in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While tundra swans are legally hunted in some U.S. states, they are currently protected in Canada. Hunter and retired biologist David Duncan warns that the proposed hunt could result in inadvertent shootings of trumpeter swans, as the two species share habitats and closely resemble each other.
Duncan emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing between the swans, particularly in flight, making it difficult for most hunters to differentiate them based on features like bill markings and size. Trumpeter swans in Alberta were once classified as a threatened species but are now considered of special concern due to significant population growth across North America. Duncan expresses concerns that hunting tundra swans could inadvertently harm trumpeter swans due to their visual similarities.
Tundra and trumpeter swans are the sole native swan species in Canada, while the mute swan, an invasive species, originates from the Eastern Hemisphere. With a wingspan of up to three meters, trumpeter swans are one of the largest waterfowl species globally and are the heaviest native bird in North America, weighing up to 13.5 kilograms.
Biologist Frédérique Tremblay from the Canadian Wildlife Service assures that the government is mindful of the potential risks to trumpeter swans. Tremblay cites U.S. data showing minimal accidental killings of the wrong species when tundra and trumpeter swans overlap, with some states educating hunters on species differentiation and enforcing reporting requirements for tundra swan kills. The proposed Canadian hunt includes provisions for reporting tundra swan harvests within 24 hours.
If approved, the proposed hunt would allocate 500 tundra swan permits in Alberta, 600 in Saskatchewan, and 400 in Manitoba. The government suggests that a tundra swan hunting season would offer new opportunities for hunters, benefiting outfitters and related businesses. The proposal was prompted by stakeholder interest in a tundra swan hunt and is currently open for public consultation before any definitive decisions are made.
Feedback on the proposed migratory bird hunting changes, including the tundra swan hunt, can be submitted via email until the specified deadline. The government’s proposed amendments also involve introducing mourning dove hunting in the Prairie provinces and expanding sandhill crane hunting in Alberta. The potential adjustments align with science-based wildlife management and responsible hunting practices, as emphasized by Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks spokesperson Michael Plenits. Any future changes will consider population data, conservation concerns, and stakeholder input, with the earliest implementation of new hunting seasons projected for 2028.