Illinois Trumpeter Swans: Identify then Shoot
The Illinois Waterfowl Digest booklet contains the rules and regulations for harvesting waterfowl. For example, page 7 contains the image below. It is pretty self explanatory.
During the 2013-2014 waterfowl season several Trumpeter Swans were shot at Horseshoe Lake over a months time. We shared this article on the January 1, 2014 Capitol Outdoors Bulletin. Reading about this made our emotions stir and blood pressure rise. These unmentionable moments are becoming more frequent. This appalling action effects everyone from the retailer to the outfitter to the average public hunter. One person can ruin it for everyone. Acts like this are the ones non-hunters see.
Capitol Outdoors understands how someone can misidentify waterfowl; ask any early teal hunter how Wood Ducks can play tricks on you. Any waterfowler with the proper teaching, and years of experience can tell the difference between a swan and a snow goose. The size, sound, and color under the wings, just to name a few.
Capitol Outdoor recommends buying a waterfowl identification book and study it throughout the year and on your scouting adventures. Remember to identify then shoot not shoot then identify
Good Luck and Stay Safe