Wis. DNR warns hunters to lay off swans, cranes

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Trumpeter swans came off Wisconsin's endangered species list in 2009 but it's still illegal to kill them under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.   File photo

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MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin wildlife officials are urging duck hunters to make sure they don't kill trumpeter swans and whooping cranes.

Trumpeter swans came off the state's endangered species list in 2009 but it's still illegal to kill them under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. DNR officials report two trumpeter swans were shot last year. One died. The other recovered at a Minnesota rehabilitation center and was released.

Whooping cranes are protected under state and federal endangered species laws as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Whooping crane chicks are currently moving through the state behind an ultra-light plane on their way to their winter home in Florida.

The Department of Natural Resources is warning duck hunters to make sure they identify their targets before pulling the trigger.