Know Your Target: Don’t Accidentally Shoot Swans This Hunting Season

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to know their target before they shoot and understand the difference between swans and other waterfowl this hunting season.

All wild swans are protected in Wisconsin. thus it is illegal to hunt native trumpeter swans, tundra swans and non-native mute swans. Other large white birds, including American white pelicans and whooping cranes, are also illegal to hunt. Shooting a swan may result in a fine and a revocation of all hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.

Waterfowl hunters may encounter various swan species while afield. Swans are more abundant and widespread in Wisconsin than they were a generation ago and will start migrating through the state over the next few weeks.

The population of the once-endangered trumpeter swan now exceeds 15,000 since their successful reintroduction by the DNR and our partners. Reintroduction efforts started in the late 1980s, and due to the success of their recovery, trumpeter swans were removed from the Wisconsin Endangered Species List in 2009. However, it is still illegal to hunt them.

How To Identify A Swan

• Trumpeter swans are North America’s largest native waterfowl species at 4.5 to 5 feet long, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds with a wingspan over 7 feet.
• Tundra swans are slightly smaller and are best distinguished by their high-pitched quavering call, unlike the deep, trumpet-like call of the trumpeter swan.
• Non-native mute swans are similarly sized to both trumpeter and tundra swans, but can be distinguished by their orange bill – both native swans have black bills – and prominent black fleshy knob extending from the base of the bill to the forehead.

Snow Geese Are Legal To Hunt

Snow geese are significantly smaller than Wisconsin’s swan species. Snow geese are approximately 2 feet in length, weigh 5 to 6 pounds and have a wingspan of 4.5 feet. Further, snow geese have pink bills and black tips visible on the underside of their wings during flight. Snow geese are infrequent visitors to Wisconsin, while the native swans are much more abundant.

For more information about trumpeter swan identification, photos and tips for how to tell trumpeter swans apart from other large white birds, visit the DNR’s Swans In Wisconsin webpage and The Trumpeter Swan Society’s website.

If you see a violation, use the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline or call 1-800-847-9367.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.