Know your target before shooting waterfowl birds

It is illegal to hunt native trumpeter swans, tundra swans and non-native mute swans. Other large white birds, including American white pelicans and whooping cranes, are also illegal to hunt.

Shooting a swan may result in a fine and a revocation of all hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.

Waterfowl hunters may encounter various swan species while afield. Swans are more abundant and widespread in Wisconsin, than a generation ago and will start migrating through the state over the next few weeks.

The population of the once-endangered trumpeter swan now exceeds 11,000 since their successful reintroduction by the DNR and partners. Reintroduction efforts started in the late 1980s.

Trumpeter swans are North America’s largest native waterfowl species, at 4.5 to 5 feet long, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds, with a wingspan over 7 feet. Tundra swans are slightly smaller and are best distinguished by their highpitched quavering call, unlike the deep, trumpet-like call of the trumpeter swan.

Non-native mute swans are similarly sized to trumpeter and tundra swans, but can be distinguished by its orange bill – native swans have black bills – and prominent black fleshy knob extending from the base of the bill to the forehead.

Snow geese are significantly smaller than Wisconsin’s swan species, but are legal to hunt. Snow geese are 2 feet long, 5 to 6 pounds and have a wingspan of 4.5 feet. Snow geese also have pink bills and black tips visible on the underside of their wings during flight.

Snow geese are infrequent visitors to Wisconsin, while the native swans are much more abundant.