Public's Help Sought in Swan Poaching Case

Fish and Game is asking the public for information regarding the poaching of a trumpeter swan on the Boise River just east of Middleton. The swan appeared to have been killed on or about December 26th. Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case and callers can remain anonymous. Contact CAP at 1-800-632-5999 twenty-four hours a day. At more than 20 pounds, and with a wingspan of eight feet, the trumpeter swan is the largest waterfowl in North America and the largest swan in the world. There is no hunting season for trumpeter swans in Idaho. The juvenile swan was discovered along the Boise River just upstream from the Lansing Lane Sportsman's Access area on the afternoon of December 26th. A waterfowl hunter called into the CAP hotline to report the find. Fish and Game conservation officer Matt O'Connell collected evidence at the scene, but hopes to learn more about the case from others who have knowledge of the poaching incident. "I am very interested in visiting with anyone who has information regarding this poached swan," O'Connell stated. This case is eerily similar to another trumpeter swan poaching case that occurred near the Boise River just east of Middleton in early 2013. In that case, several witnesses provided key information that led to the prosecution of the four swan poachers and a substantial reward for the witnesses. In addition to the CAP hotline, persons may also contact their local Fish and Game office with information regarding this case.