What happened to the trumpeter swans in Hullett Marsh?

Authorities found two trumpeter swans that had been shot and killed in Hullett Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area, a protected area in Ontario.

Who is suspected of shooting the trumpeter swans?

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry believes hunters were likely responsible for the shootings, as the swans were found with steel pellets in their bodies.

How can the public help with the Hullett Marsh swan investigation?

The MNRF is asking the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the individuals responsible for the shootings of the protected trumpeter swans.

Home / Environment / Hunters Suspected in Tragic Slaying of Protected Swans

Hunters Suspected in Tragic Slaying of Protected Swans

18 Oct

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Summary

Two trumpeter swans found dead or injured in Hullett Marsh
Necropsy reveals swans were shot with steel pellets
Authorities seek public's help to identify those responsible

On October 10, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) received a report of a dead trumpeter swan found in the Hullett Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area near Clinton, Ontario. A subsequent investigation revealed that a second swan had also been shot and killed in the same area.

According to MNRF conservation officer Drew Pegrum, the necropsy of the first swan showed it had been struck by multiple steel shot pellets in its upper chest and neck. The second swan was found injured with a broken wing and later died as well.

Pegrum believes the swans were likely shot by hunters who were targeting ducks and geese in the area, which is permitted during the hunting season. However, trumpeter swans are a protected species in Ontario and have no open hunting season.