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How are swans captured? Compared to some other waterfowl species, we have found tundra swans to be relatively easy to capture, although capturing large numbers of swans has proven at times to be more difficult. We use rocket nets in North Carolina to capture swans, while other states have also used swim-in traps, net guns, and night-lighting with dip nets. Our nets vary in size, but the typical net is approximately 100' x 50' with as many as 8 rockets attached. Trap sites are located near loafing or feeding areas. After swans locate and begin feeding, sites are usually baited several times each week. Each rocket contains an explosive charge that when detonated by a remote blaster, propels the net over the feeding swans. The response of swans to baited sites varies greatly. Swans at some sites may be attracted to and begin feeding within several days while other sites may take 2 or more weeks to attract adequate numbers of swans for trapping. Multiple "shots" may be made at some sites, while only 1 catch may be made at others. After capturing, we remove the swans from the net and place them in temporary holding pens. Each swan is aged by examining plumage and other characteristics. Adult swans are solid white, while juvenile swans are gray in coloration. The appearance and size of genital features may also be used to determine age and sex of the birds.
We have attempted to capture swans at many different places and distribute our trapping locations throughout the wintering range in North Carolina. Most of the trapping has occurred in Hyde and Washington counties at Mattamuskeet and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges; however, we have captured swans in other counties including: Bertie, Currituck, Dare, Halifax, Hertford, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. The assistance and cooperation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge personnel as well as private landowners has been vital to our trapping success.
North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
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