The federal government is reviewing a proposal to introduce a new hunting season for tundra swans in the Prairie provinces, a move that has raised concerns about potential risks to trumpeter swans, a similar-looking and vulnerable species according to a hunter.
The proposed adjustments to Canada’s migratory bird regulations would establish a hunting season for tundra swans in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While tundra swans are hunted in some U.S. states, they are currently protected in Canada at the federal level.
David Duncan, a hunter and former biologist, warns that a tundra swan hunt could result in the accidental shooting of trumpeter swans, a species that cannot be hunted across North America. Due to the overlapping habitats and striking similarities in appearance between the two swan species, distinguishing them can be challenging for most hunters.
The proposed hunting season has sparked concerns as trumpeter swans in Alberta were previously listed as a threatened species under the Wildlife Act but are now considered a species of special concern due to significant population growth in recent decades.
To address the potential risks to trumpeter swans, the Canadian Wildlife Service, represented by wildlife biologist Frédérique Tremblay, has considered measures to minimize inadvertent killings of the wrong species. Similar initiatives in the U.S. have successfully reduced accidental kills through hunter education and mandatory reporting of tundra swan harvests to confirm species identification.
Under the proposed regulations, a limited number of tundra swan permits would be allocated in each province, with measures in place to safeguard the trumpeter swan population. The government aims to provide new hunting opportunities while supporting local outfitters and businesses through the proposed hunting season.
Stakeholders have expressed interest in a tundra swan hunt, leading to the current consultation phase where public feedback is being sought before final decisions are made. The proposed changes, including opening a mourning dove hunting season in the Prairie provinces and expanding sandhill crane hunting in Alberta, are part of a broader effort to enhance wildlife management based on science and sustainability.
The federal government is accepting public input on the proposed migratory bird regulatory amendments, including the suggested hunting seasons, via email until Feb. 15. Any potential implementation of new hunting seasons resulting from these proposals is not expected before 2028.