The Canadian federal government is contemplating the introduction of a new hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces, a move that raises concerns about potential risks to trumpeter swans, a closely resembling and delicate species. 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 legally hunted in some U.S. states, they are currently protected at the federal level in Canada.
David Duncan, a retired biologist and avid hunter, warns that such a hunting season could lead to inadvertent shootings of trumpeter swans, a species that cannot be hunted in North America. Due to the overlapping habitats and striking similarities in appearance between the two species, distinguishing them can be challenging, especially for hunters in flight. Duncan, who has extensive experience working with swans, including within the Canadian Wildlife Service, emphasizes the risk of mistakenly targeting trumpeter swans.
Trumpeter swans in Alberta were previously classified as a threatened species but are now considered a species of special concern following significant population growth in recent decades. Duncan emphasizes the potential accidental shooting of trumpeter swans if a tundra swan hunting season is established. The proposed hunt would allocate permits for 500 tundra swans in Alberta, 600 in Saskatchewan, and 400 in Manitoba.
Wildlife biologist Frédérique Tremblay from the Canadian Wildlife Service acknowledges the concerns regarding trumpeter swans and cites data from the U.S. where measures are taken to educate hunters on differentiating between the two species. To safeguard trumpeter swans, some U.S. states require hunters to report all tundra swan kills promptly. The Canadian government’s proposal includes a similar reporting requirement for provincial confirmation within 24 hours of a tundra swan harvest.
The federal government suggests that a tundra swan hunting season would offer new opportunities for hunters, benefitting hunting outfitters and associated businesses. Stakeholders expressing interest in a tundra swan hunt prompted the proposal. The consultation phase is ongoing, seeking public feedback before a formal decision is reached. Proposed migratory bird hunting changes also involve a mourning dove hunting season in the Prairie provinces and expanding Alberta’s sandhill crane hunt to additional areas.
The Alberta Ministry of Forestry and Parks expressed support for science-based wildlife management and responsible hunting expansions. Any adjustments will be guided by population data, conservation factors, stakeholder input, and jurisdiction alignment. The potential new hunting seasons are not expected to be implemented before 2028.