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 permit hunting opportunities by reviewing the annual North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest or visiting the Permit Hunting 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

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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
www.ncwildlife.org