By Louis Bruno & Steve Gniadek
The Trumpeter Swan recovery story is one of the most incredible conservation stories in American history. By the 1930s, due to market and subsistence hunting, only 69 Trumpeter Swans were thought to be in existence. These birds survived in the Yellowstone area because of the protection afforded by Yellowstone National Park and because they did not migrate. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was designated in 1933 specifically for the protection of these swans. At the time, it was thought they were the only ones in existence. Later, populations were discovered in Alaska and northern Alberta, mostly migratory birds.
In the 1960s, the states of Minnesota and South Dakota began an ambitious effort to restore Trumpeters, and
the Trumpeter Swan Society was founded. In the 1980s, the states of Wisconsin and Michigan came onboard,
followed by Iowa, Ohio, and Missouri. As a result of their efforts, the Interior Population of Trumpeter Swans now numbers over 27,000 birds. Closer to home, there was an ambitious, successful effort by the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Blackfoot Challenge to introduce Trumpeters back into the landscape. The Rocky Mountain Population, which includes Greater Yellowstone and Alberta, now numbers 11,700. The Pacific Coast Population now numbers 24,000, adding up to a continent-wide total of 63,000 birds.
However, this remarkable recovery story is marred by challenges. Despite their growth in some areas, Trumpeter Swans are still absent from a large part of their historic breeding range, and some populations have
stagnated, particularly in parts of Alberta, including the Waterton Biosphere Region of southwest Alberta and the Yellowstone and Red Rock Lakes areas (the Tri-State Flock). These swans are part of what is known as the
Rocky Mountain Population.
Of particular concern is that, despite the Waterton population just to the north, there have been only sporadic
records of nesting swans along the Rocky Mountain Front, and there is no population of breeding swans there. The Waterton population has been holding at six to eight nesting pairs for the past forty years. Based on cygnet
survival in that flock one would expect an increase in numbers. Yet suitable habitat remains unoccupied. What
is keeping the population from thriving?
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issues 500 annual Tundra Swan hunting permits in Toole, Liberty,
Hill, Pondera, Choteau, Cascade, and Teton counties. Our concern focuses primarily on Freezout Lake, where FWP data indicates an uptick in the incidental take of Trumpeters in the past decade. Rumor has it that some
hunters are deliberately targeting Trumpeters as trophies, particularly since there is no resulting penalty. The birds are not confiscated and there are no associated fines.
Other western states assess penalties for killing Trumpeters, and FWP should do the same. Additionally,
FWP should identify the source of harvested Trumpeters to allow for better protection of impacted populations. You can support efforts to protect these beautiful birds by spreading the word and raising awareness of this
unregulated incidental take.
For more information contact Lou at wilderlou1@gmail.com or Steve at grayjaybro@yahoo.com