The Canadian federal government is evaluating a proposal to introduce a fresh hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces, a move that raises concerns about the potential harm to trumpeter swans, a closely resembling and vulnerable species. The proposed modifications to Canada’s migratory bird regulations would establish a new hunting period for tundra swans in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While tundra swans are permissible to hunt in certain U.S. states, they are currently safeguarded at the federal level in Canada.
David Duncan, a retired biologist and hunter, warns that a tundra swan hunt could inadvertently result in the shooting of trumpeter swans, as both species share similar habitats and physical characteristics. Despite distinctions such as tundra swans being slightly smaller with yellow markings on their bills, distinguishing between the two while hunting can be challenging, especially when they are flying overhead.
Trumpeter swans in Alberta were previously classified as a threatened species but are now considered a species of special concern due to their population growth in North America. Duncan emphasizes the risk of mistakenly 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.
Wildlife biologist Frédérique Tremblay, from the Canadian Wildlife Service, assures that measures to safeguard trumpeter swans are being considered in the proposal. Drawing from U.S. data where both swan populations coexist, Tremblay notes that accidental killings of the wrong species are minimal. To protect trumpeter swans, some U.S. states educate hunters on species identification and require reporting of all tundra swan kills.
Under the proposed hunting plan, permits would be allocated for tundra swan hunting in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The government aims to provide new opportunities for hunters and support hunting businesses. The proposal is currently under consultation, welcoming public feedback until the specified deadline. Additionally, the suggested migratory bird hunting amendments include opening hunting seasons for mourning doves and expanding the sandhill crane hunt in Alberta. The potential implementation of new hunting seasons is anticipated by 2028.
