North Carolina plays a vital role in the yearly cycle of the Eastern Population of tundra swans, wintering more swans, by far, than any other state on the East Coast. Each fall, approximately 65 - 75 thousand swans migrate to northeastern North Carolina to take advantage of the abundant food sources found in our lakes, sounds and farms. The approximately 25 thousand remaining swans in this population winter in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey. A separate Western Population exists that winters in several western states including California, Nevada, and Utah.
The large, white, readily observable bird, is a favorite among birders and considered a trophy to hunters. North Carolina is one of only a few states where the hunting of tundra swans is allowed. Swan hunting here follows strict guidelines with only 5000 permits issued annually. Because of our large wintering flock and permit allocation, North Carolina waterfowlers harvest more tundra swans than any other state. Virginia is currently the only other state along the eastern seaboard to hold a limited hunting season. Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota also have limited hunting seasons while swans are passing through on their fall migration.
Tundra swans should not be confused with the larger trumpeter and mute swans. Trumpeter swans are found almost exclusively in the mid-west and western states. Mute swans are generally non-migratory and can be found scattered throughout North Carolina. They are a non-native species that can be quite aggressive when approached.
Currently, tundra swan populations are monitored in several ways. Each year, all states along the East Coast conduct a mid-winter waterfowl inventory. This low-level aerial survey occurs in early January and all waterfowl are counted in selected areas.
Productivity surveys are also conducted each fall to give biologists an indication of the previous years breeding and nesting success. These surveys indicate that while there are annual fluctuations in population size and productivity, the Eastern Population of tundra swans has greatly increased over the last 40 years.
North Carolina along with other swan hunting states also estimate their annual harvest of swans. This information provides us with long-term insight into the effects of hunter harvest on overall population size and growth.
Although all of our current data suggests that the tundra swan population in recent years is stable, it is incumbent upon North Carolina to take the lead in the proper management of this resource. In 1999, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission initiated a 5-year multi-agency project looking at several aspects of tundra swan ecology. Specifically, we hope to gain a better understanding of annual survival rates, local wintering ground movements, migration chronology, and key breeding areas. While North Carolina will be providing the lion's share of the data, other states that winter tundra swans are involved and the project will provide a comprehensive look at the entire Eastern Population of tundra swans. Cooperators in the project include: Delta Waterfowl Foundation, New York Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Each year, many bird watchers make visits to northeastern North Carolina to view our abundant migratory waterfowl. Tundra swans are a favorite among many birders as the large white birds can be easily spotted in large flocks and can be approached relatively closely. While large numbers of swans may be observed at numerous locations within the primary wintering range in North Carolina, there a several areas which provide optimal viewing opportunities. Both the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Pocosin Lakes (Pungo Unit) NWR in Hyde and Washington Counties, respectively, winter large numbers (>20,000) of swans. The numerous walking trails and service roads also allow for a diversity of viewing locations. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, in Dare county winters fewer swans, but it's ease of access from Highway 12 and trail system also allows for excellent bird watching possibilities.
National Wildlife Refuges
Hunting Opportunities
Tundra swan hunting in North Carolina follows strict guidelines. A special permit/tag is required to hunt tundra swans, and currently a random draw of 5,000 permits is conducted each year in early October. Successful permit holders are allowed to harvest one swan and the tag must be immediately affixed to the harvested bird. Permit holders also are required to fill out and return a questionnaire each year stating their hunting effort and success. Applications for the draw are accepted between July 1 and September 30 each year. The non-refundable application fee is $10 and no permits will be issued to non-licensed hunters. Those persons wishing to apply for a permit can do so at 1 of approximately 1,200 Wildlife Service Agents (WSA) [formerly known as license agents] in the state. You may locate a Wildlife Service Agent here. Out-of-state hunters unable to get to a North Carolina WSA may write: Hunt Permit Applications, Division of Wildlife Management, 1722 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1722 and obtain an application form. You can see more information regarding swan permit applications as well as other special hunt opportunities by reviewing the annual North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest or visiting the Special Hunt Opportunites section. A Regulations Digest booklet is available for free at any Wildlife Service Agent.
Average county harvest of tundra swans
Range of tundra swans in North Carolina
