The federal government is currently reviewing a proposal to introduce a new hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces. This move has raised concerns from a hunter, David Duncan, who believes it could put the similar-looking trumpeter swan species at risk.
The proposed changes to Canada’s migratory bird regulations would allow hunting of tundra swans 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.
David Duncan, a hunter and retired biologist, warns that the resemblance between the two swan species could lead to accidental shootings of trumpeter swans, which are a sensitive species and cannot be hunted in North America. Given the overlapping habitats and visual similarities between the swans, distinguishing them could be challenging for most hunters, especially when the birds are in flight.
Trumpeter swans in Alberta were once considered a threatened species but have seen population increases in recent years. Duncan emphasizes that hunting tundra swans may inadvertently result in the shooting of trumpeter swans.
To address concerns about potential harm to trumpeter swans, the federal government’s proposal includes measures to educate hunters on distinguishing between the two species and requires reporting of tundra swan kills to confirm the correct species.
The suggested tundra swan hunting season, which is still in the consultation phase, aims to provide new opportunities for hunters while supporting local outfitters and businesses. Stakeholders’ interest in a tundra swan hunt prompted the proposal, with public feedback being sought before any final decision is made.
Apart from the tundra swan proposal, the federal government is also considering opening a hunting season for mourning doves in the Prairie provinces and expanding the sandhill crane hunt in Alberta. These proposed changes are part of the government’s efforts to promote science-based wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices in collaboration with provincial partners.
If approved, the earliest implementation of the new hunting seasons would be in 2028.
