Proposed tundra goose hunting season on the prairies raises hunter concerns

is the federal government consider a proposal Establishing a new hunting season for tundra swan in the prairie provinces — A hunter says the move could put him in danger trumpeter swanA similar-looking, sentient species.

Proposed changes to Canada’s migratory bird rules would create a new tundra swan hunting season in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Tundra swans are hunted in some US states, but in Canada they are currently a protected species at the federal level.

David Duncan, a hunter and retired biologist, says this type of hunting can cause people to accidentally shoot the trumpeter swan, a sensitive species that cannot be hunted anywhere in North America.

This is because, in addition to the two species having similar habitats, the birds look incredibly similar.

“A good bird watcher can tell the difference between swans, but … most hunters won’t be able to tell the difference between swans,” Duncan said.

This is especially true when swans are flying overhead, making it difficult to get a good look at their beaks or other defining features like their shape, he said.

Duncan worked with swans during his tenure as a biologist, including as part of the federal government’s Canadian Wildlife Service, which is where the hunting season comes from.

Trumpeter swans in Alberta were once considered a threatened species under the province’s Wildlife Act. After dramatic population increases throughout North America over the past several decades, they are now considered a species of special concern.

“When you hunt tundra swans … you’re going to accidentally shoot some trumpeter swans,” Duncan said.

Tundra and trumpeter swans are the only swan species native to Canada. A third species found in Canada, the mute swan, is native to the Old World and is considered an invasive species.

With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, trumpeter swans are one of the largest waterfowl species in the world. They are also considered to be the heaviest birds in North America, weighing up to 30 pounds.

Steps to protect swans will be considered during hunting season

wildlife biologist Frederick TremblayThose working for the Canadian Wildlife Service say the federal government has taken into account the potential threat to trumpeter swans.

Tremblay pointed to data from the United States, where populations of tundra and trumpeter swans also overlap, as showing the numbers Accidental killings of the wrong species are “very rare”.

To protect trumpeter swans, some US states educate hunters about distinguishing the two species, and require reporting of all tundra swan kills to confirm they are the correct species.

The Canadian government proposal considers a similar requirement for provincial reporting of tundra swans within 24 hours of harvest.

Under the proposed hunt, 500 tundra swan permits would be allocated in Alberta, 600 in Saskatchewan and 400 in Manitoba.

The federal government says the tundra goose hunting season will create new opportunities for hunters, while boosting hunting organizations and businesses.

Tremblay said the proposal was put together after stakeholders expressed interest in tundra swan hunting.

The suggested hunting season is currently in the consultation phase, meaning public input is still being sought before a formal proposal or decision is made.

Public feedback to the federal government’s suggested migratory bird regulatory amendments, including the proposed hunting season, can be submitted by email to MbregsReports-Rapports-Omregs@ec.gc.ca. Till 15th February.

The federal government’s proposed migratory bird hunting changes also include opening hunting seasons in the Prairie provinces mourning dove — Which can already be hunted in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia — and expanding the existence of Alberta sand crane Hunt in more parts of the province.

“Alberta supports science-based, sustainable wildlife management, including regulated hunting opportunities where they can be expanded responsibly,” Michael Plenits, spokesperson for Alberta’s Ministry of Forestry and Parks, wrote in an email.

“Any future adjustments will be informed by population data, conservation considerations, stakeholder input and jurisdictional alignment. Alberta will support the proposed changes and will continue to work with our federal and provincial partners to make informed decisions.”

The earliest any new hunting season could be implemented would be 2028, Tremblay said.