November 8, 2011
From MyFoxTwinCities.com
5 federally-protected trumpeter swans killed
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking information
on a number of recent trumpeter swan deaths, and warns that anyone who
kills one of the federally-protected species will face fines of up to
$1,700 and could be barred from hunting for years.
Each autumn, DNR officials warn waterfowl hunters to avoid mistaking
trumpeter swans for a game bird by printing notices and posting warning
signs on lakes frequented by swans; however, five have been killed so
far this year.
“There’s really no excuse for shooting one because Minnesota hunters
won’t encounter any other waterfowl as large as a trumpeter swan,” said
Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement director.
Trumpeter swans are white with long necks, can weigh up to 28 pounds,
be 59 to 72 inches long and have wingspans of up to 8 feet. In
comparison, snow geese are smaller than the Canada geese, weighing only
6 or 7 pounds and averaging between 25 and 31 inches long.
“It’s like comparing a bus with a minivan," Konrad said.
On top of fines, hunters who mistakenly kill a trumpeter swan run the
risk of having their equipment confiscated and losing their hunting
licenses for up to three years.
Two men are currently facing charges for killing two trumpeter swans
in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area, but there have been three
other shootings that authorities are still investigating:
A trumpeter swan was shot and killed in Kandiyohi County and found
along a gravel road near a large slough.
A trumpeter swan was shot and killed near Brownton.
A trumpeter swan was shot and killed near Pine River.
“Someone out there can help us solve these cases,” Konrad said.
Anyone with information should call the Turn-In-Poachers hotline at
(800) 652-9093.
