In 1984 North Carolina opened the first tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) hunting season in modern times in the Atlantic Flyway. During this first season, 1,000 permits were issued. Subsequently, 6,000 permits/year were allowed and issued. A 4-year study using aerial, ground, and hunter surveys was established in 1984 to monitor this hunting season. Estimated total annual kill beginning with the 1984-85 season was 334, 2,783, 2,579, and 3,007 for each year of the study, respectively. The harvest averaged slightly over 5% of the state's and about 3% of the Flyway's midwinter population. The ratio of permits issued to swans harvested was 2.2, and was comparable to results reported from Utah. Crippling rates (x = 11.3) were less in the North Carolina season than those reported elsewhere. Hunter success rates were not related to immature/adult ratios. Hunting under a permit system at current quota levels is not adversely affecting the Eastern population (EP) of tundra swans and probably will not reduce the number of swans wintering in North Carolina.
