9/27/2006

DNR cautions hunters not to mistake a swan for a goose

Media contacts: Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor (651) 259-5104; or Nancy Huonder, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, (651) 259-5108.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters not to mistake a swan for a goose during the regular waterfowl hunting season that takes place Sept. 30 through Nov. 28.

According to Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor, "All swans are protected in Minnesota. Penalties for accidentally shooting a swan can be severe."

People who shoot swans face stiff fines up to $1,000, possible confiscation of the shotguns, and restitution charges of $1,000 for a trumpeter swan.

Henderson said the trumpeter swan disappeared from Minnesota in the l880s. The restoration efforts of many partners, including the Minnesota Zoo, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program and the Three Rivers Park District have brought Minnesota's flock back to more than 2,000 adults and at least 500 young of the year. Because of their increased numbers and expanding range, trumpeter swans may be found in areas where they were never seen before and could show up virtually anywhere in the state.

To avoid accidentally shooting a swan, hunters need to become familiar with the differences in both size and markings between protected swans and legal geese.

Swans are three to four times the size of a Canada goose. The all-white adult swans and the light gray swans (cygnets) are much larger than geese and have necks equal to their body lengths. The much smaller, dark gray Canada goose has a distinctive black head with white cheek patches and its neck is half of its body length.

Snow geese are much smaller than swans; their necks are shorter and they have black wing tips. Trumpeter swans usually travel in small family groups of two adults and two to six cygnets. In contrast, geese usually travel in large flocks of up to 100 birds.

Henderson urges hunters to be sure of their targets and help ensure the safety of Minnesota swans. To learn more about identifying trumpeter swans and their calls, visit the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program at www.dnr.state.mn.us or call (651) 296-6157 in the Twin Cities metro area or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).