Manitoba proposed swan and dove hunts face opposition

Six Manitoba hunters and wildlife experts are urging the public to oppose federal proposals to allow a tundra swan season and set limits for mourning doves; the amendments would allow up to 400 tundra swan permits in Manitoba and propose a daily limit of 15 mourning doves.

Six Manitoba hunters and wildlife experts are urging the public to oppose federal proposals to open hunting seasons for tundra swans and mourning doves. Environment and Climate Change Canada has proposed amendments to migratory bird regulations that would allow a tundra swan season in the Prairies and set harvest limits for mourning doves. If passed, a tundra swan season in Manitoba could begin as soon as 2028 with 400 permits issued annually. The proposal has prompted concerns about misidentification of trumpeter swans and about how the change might affect public views of hunters. Key facts: - Six hunters and wildlife veterans from across Manitoba, including James Duncan and Ted Muir, have publicly opposed the proposed changes. - The federal amendments would allow a tundra swan hunting season in Manitoba as early as 2028 with up to 400 permits issued per year. - The Canadian Wildlife Service estimated that issuing 400 tundra swan permits in Manitoba could result in about three accidental deaths of trumpeter swans annually, due to possible misidentification. - For mourning doves, the proposal sets a daily limit of 15 birds and a possession limit of 45 across the Prairie provinces; the Canadian Wildlife Service reported about 2.3 million mourning doves recorded in Manitoba last fall. - Manitoba Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie said the proposals are in an early stage and encouraged public input during consultations, while the Manitoba Wildlife Federation affirmed its support for licensed hunting opportunities. Summary: The proposals have prompted local hunters and conservation veterans to voice opposition, primarily over the risk of misidentifying trumpeter swans and concerns about public perception of hunting. Federal officials describe the amendments as being in an early consultation phase and say no final decisions have been made. Undetermined at this time.