blake
Life Member
From the Iowa DNR:
Know Your Target, Don't Shoot Trumpeter Swans
Posted: September 24, 2009
CLEAR LAKE - With the goose hunting season opening this weekend, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding participants to not shoot trumpeter swans. Trumpeter swans are protected and shooting a trumpeter swan will result in a $1,500 citation and possible loss of hunting privileges.
"This early in the waterfowl hunting season, snow geese will likely not be present so the best advice is to not shoot if the target is white as it will most likely be a swan," said Ron Andrews, with the Iowa DNR's trumpeter swan restoration program. "Besides trumpeter swans, the only other white colored migrating birds are pelicans or egrets which are also protected."
Adult trumpeter swans are all white except for the black bill and feet. Juvenile trumpeter swans are gray in color. Besides the color, trumpeter swans have up to an 8 foot wingspan, weigh up to 35 pounds, have a very long neck and should not be mistaken for any geese or other waterfowl.
Every waterfowl hunter should know their target and be able to identify all waterfowl. Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to help the DNR police shooters or poachers that shoot all protected species and they are encouraged to contact the local conservation or call the TIP line at 1-800-532-2020. Shooting a protected species unnecessarily tarnishes the image of all sportspersons.
