Swan Poacher Case Solved

Swan Poachers Identified/Charged

      In a poaching case that captivated locals, three juveniles have been charged with a number of wildlife violations related to the poaching of a trumpeter swan near the Boise River just west of Star, Idaho last month.

      The initial release of details about the case generated a number of phone calls to Fish and Game, all of which helped officers track down the suspects.

      While four youths – all from Nampa – were involved in the poaching incident, charges were filed against only three. Five citations and four warnings were written for the nine violations. Citations included illegal take of a migratory bird, aid in the commission of a misdemeanor, and hunting without a license. Warnings were issued for illegal take of a migratory bird with an unlawful firearm, and three counts of using a motorized vehicle as an aid in hunting.

      During the course of the investigation, officers learned that one of the suspects had also poached a great blue heron. That suspect received an additional citation for possession of a nongame protected bird. A shotgun and .22 caliber rifle were seized as evidence in the case.

      “Citizen information played a key role in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” Fish and Game regional conservation educator Evin Oneale noted. “It was all good, from the general description of the vehicle to other tips that came in during the days following the poaching incident. We’re very grateful to our citizenry for their assistance with this case.”

      The suspects will appear in Canyon County Court in the weeks ahead.

      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 on trumpeter swans in Idaho.