MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) - As the waterfowl hunting season persists, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters to know their target, especially as wild swans are a protected species.

According to a DNR release, all wild swans in the state are protected, making it illegal to hunt any type of swan species, along with American white pelicans and whooping cranes.

Shooting swans can prompt fines or a complete loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges. Swans are more abundant in the state than in the past, and are likely to start migrating over the next few weeks.

There are over 15,000 trumpeter swans in the state, despite being endangered for a time. That increase is credited to reintroduction efforts during the late 1980s, and they were taken off the endang

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