Fair Game: Licensed hunters can soon kill mute swans

(FOX40.COM) — It will soon be legal to hunt and kill mute swans anywhere in California, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed state legislation into law earlier this month.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, licensed hunters will be able to target invasive mute swans at any time of the year, without restrictions.

The legislation, Assembly Bill 764, was introduced by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio, to combat growing concerns about the spread of the destructive species, which is not native to the area.

Additionally, the new law allows landowners or lessees to capture or kill mute swans on their property without being required to possess a hunting license.

The invasive species was first brought to North America from Europe in the 1800s to beautify city parks, zoos and large estates.

Mute swans are territorial and extremely aggressive, and do not mix well with other waterfowl species native to the area.

They do not generally migrate and prefer to feed on primarily submerged aquatic vegetation in wetlands, which are limited across California, and are essential for many wetland-dependent birds, native to the state.

The mute swans are now the third invasive nongame birds listed in the California Fish and Game Code, Section 3801, that can be taken at any time by licensed hunters. The English sparrow and the European starling are the two others listed.

Mute swans were first found in the Suisun and Napa marshes during the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey in 2007. According to the CDFW, they’ve since expanded their range with the most current population at 6,900 birds.

The mute swans are one of at least three types of swans seen in California. Tundra and Trumpeter swans are both native to North America. Tundra swans typically migrate to California in the winter. The Trumpeters are less commonly seen in the state.

While it is not required, the public is encouraged to (insert hyperlink here) report any capture or kills of a mute swan to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Invasive Species Program online or by email at invasives@wildlife.ca.gov.