The swan was captured Friday by DNR conservation officers and biologists with assistance from employees of the Clinton County Conservation Board.
While the bird was still alive, it was obvious that one of the wings was injured and it appeared to be dehydrated as well as extremely dirty “like it had been hiding in the mud,” according to Jeff Harrison, a conservation officer for the DNR.
Harrison said it was difficult to determine how badly the wing of the bird may have been damaged.
“I’m going to leave that to the pros to handle,” said Harrison of the medical treatment that lies ahead for the swan.
The swan will be housed overnight in Clinton and then transported to a wildlife rehabilitator near Clear Lake.
Two men have been charged after allegedly shooting this swan and another that was killed at Princeton Wildlife Area on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.
Levi Young, 25, of Davenport, and Kyle Munson, 25, of Eldridge, allegedly shot the two swans while waterfowl hunting, killing one and injuring the other. Both Young and Munson were each charged with one count of unlawful taking of a protected game species and one count of attempted taking of a protected game species. Both also received two charges of abandoning the swans after they were shot. In addition to penalties associated with the charges, Young and Munson each face a civil penalty of $1,500 restitution for shooting the swans if convicted.
In addition to the charges, DNR law enforcement officers seized three shotguns, shotgun shells, shell casings, a boat, motor and trailer.
The incident took place shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3rd. The two were charged by the DNR following an investigation.
Why would anyone shoot those wonderful birds?? Damn fools.
Because, they’re responsible gun owners LVS!
Glad these two are going to learn their lessons through civil forfeiture. I hope they lose their hunting rights for life.
Way to go DNR !! Happy they got caught !!
If your waterfowl hunting, you better be able to identify what your shooting at. While the trumpeter swan adult/juvenile, look somewhat like the snow goose, they are easily distinguishable. But maybe it wasn’t an accident, either way it’s a costly lesson. And I’m glad they got caught.
Allen, I agree with your post except these two fools must have never seen a snow goose. The swan is a very identifiable bird, they are very majestic as well. One thing that I have been very happy to see is the huge comeback of the trumpeter swans. It is great to see and is starting to rival the Bald eagle comeback.