JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

Don’t Shoot
Unless yoU’re sUre
M any
protected species of waterfowl, wading birds, and other
waterbirds occur alongside the many species of waterfowl that
can be legally hunted in Tennessee. These species are protected
by both state and federal law, and cannot be legally hunted anywhere
in the state. Some protected species utilize the same habitats, possess
similar coloration, and share the habits of many legally hunted
birds.
Through careful study, accidental shootings of protected species
can be prevented. Please help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
prevent accidental shootings by familiarizing yourself with these protected
species before heading into the field and remember, “Don’t Shoot
Unless You’re Sure.”
The Trumpeter and Tundra Swans are the largest and the only native,
all-white waterfowl occurring in Tennessee. Both species are protected
by both state and federal law in Tennessee and cannot be hunted. Until
recently John James Audubon had reported the last live Trumpeter Swans
in Tennessee during his 1820 flatboat trip down the Mississippi River. As
a result of intensive reintroduction efforts in the eastern United States,
Trumpeter Swans returned to Tennessee in December of 2001 in Lauderdale
County. Reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans is a cooperative effort
between state, federal, and non-governmental organizations including
sportsmen and nonconsumptive user groups. If you see a Trumpeter Swan
in Tennessee, please report it to any TWRA Regional Office.
Historically, populations of both the Sandhill and Whooping cranes
in the eastern United States experienced widespread population declines.
These declines resulted from the loss of wetland habitat and unregulated
market hunting. Both are protected by state and federal law and cannot
be legally hunted in Tennessee. The Sandhill Crane has experienced a
tremendous recovery in recent years and migratory populations crossing
through Tennessee are steadily increasing. Today, the Sandhill Crane is
common in portions of western and eastern Tennessee.
A flock of Whooping Cranes migrating across Tennessee in October
2001 became the first migratory flock of that species in the state in over
100 years. An effort to reintroduce a migratory flock of Whooping Cranes
to the eastern United States includes Tennessee as a vital part of the migratory
journey. An ultralight aircraft serving as a surrogate parent to the
Whooping Crane juveniles is teaching them the long-forgotten migratory
route through Tennessee to wintering grounds in Florida. Additional
Whooping Cranes were led by aircraft in 2002 and several free-ranging
Whoopers can also be expected in the state from October–April.
if YOu have infOrMatiOn regarding anY illegal
aCtivities COnCerning PrOteCted sPeCies Please
Call the tWra POaCher hOtline:
West tn (reg. i) 1-800-831-1173
Middle tn (reg. ii) 1-800-255-8972
cumberland Plateau (reg. iii) 1-800-241-0767
east tn (reg. iv) 1-800-831-1174
trUMPeter SWan
– PROTECTED –
All-white plumage
Long neck
Wingspan: 80”
Length: 60”
Juveniles: gray-brown
SnoW gooSe
White, with black wing tips
Short neck
Wingspan: 53”
Length: 28”
canada gooSe
Gray and white body and wings
Black head and neck with white chin strap
Wingspan: 60”
Length: 45”
Sandhill crane
– PROTECTED –
WhooPing crane
– PROTECTED –
White body with black wing tips
Long neck
Long legs trailing body
Wingspan: 87”
Length: 52”
Juveniles: white mixed with brown
tUndra SWan
– PROTECTED –
Gray plumage
Long neck
Long legs trailing body
Wingspan: 77”
Length: 46”
Juveniles: gray mixed with brown
All-white plumage
Long neck
Wingspan: 66”
Length: 52”
Juveniles: gray-brown
2008 Waterfowl Guide 9