Swans

huntinghudson · Jan 19, 2018

You need to try this once at least in your lifetime. In the US, 5 states have permitted swan hunts. My older sons and I hunted them over the holidays around the Pamlico in eastern NC. These were shot in a field over decoys, with 12 and 16 gauge shotguns. We used handloaded goose loads of BB steel in the 12 gauges and #2 bismuth in the 16, and they were all shot within 35 yards.

stripersonfly · Jan 19, 2018

Very nice. A trip that you and your sons will remember for a long time.

B-Boy · Jan 19, 2018

Just curious, how do they taste?

huntinghudson · Jan 19, 2018

We ate the legs the other night, like a pulled BBQ sandwich. They tasted like dark turkey meat.

The breasts are going into smoked bratwurst. I just got the cure, seasoning, and casings. Sounds like a project this weekend with some pork butt. I will report back.

They have a similar diet to Canada Geese, so I expect the taste to be similar.

la angler · Jan 20, 2018

In north carolina you have to apply for a permit to hunt them but there is usually a good draw rate. Usually lots of swan around in the fields. They are pretty hefty birds to tote out . Glad you were successful .How about the young lady does she hunt ?

huntinghudson · Jan 20, 2018

She does with a 22 on small game, but was a little hesitant when practicing with a 20 gauge. She wanted more practice before putting in for the swan permit. Next year.

la angler · Jan 21, 2018

Like to the see the young ones get into hunting and/ or shooting sports especially the ladies as I have three daughters. Thanks for sharing your experience.

hunterdcb · Sep 21, 2018

They certainly have gotten smarter over the years. When NC first started issuing permits years ago, the birds were dumb as a post. I've seen them decoy to a clothes line full of bed sheets. I guess getting shot at wised them up fast.

Swans

huntinghudson

stripersonfly

B-Boy

huntinghudson

la angler

huntinghudson

la angler

hunterdcb

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