The common loon is a large waterbird found across North America. Known for its eerie, wavering calls, the loon spends its summers on lakes and ponds across Canada and the northern United States. While loons may seem abundant, their populations are actually declining in many areas due to habitat loss and disturbance. This has led some states and provinces to restrict or ban loon hunting. So can you hunt loons in the US? The answer depends on where you are.
Federal Regulations on Loon Hunting
At the federal level, there are no restrictions on hunting common loons. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects migratory birds, their eggs, and nests from being harmed without a permit. However, the common loon is not on the list of migratory bird species protected under this act. The loon is also not on the list of federally threatened or endangered species. So federal law does not prohibit loon hunting in the US. Regulation of loon hunting is left to the state and local governments.
State Laws on Loon Hunting
Many states with significant loon populations have imposed restrictions or bans on loon hunting. These include:
Minnesota
Minnesota banned the hunting of loons in 1957. This was one of the first protections established for loons in the US. In the 1980s and 90s, Minnesota undertook extensive loon conservation efforts. Loons became a state symbol and the loon population rebounded. Hunting loons remains illegal in Minnesota.
Michigan
Michigan established a moratorium on loon hunting in 1979. This temporary ban became permanent in 1995. Michigan’s loon population had declined sharply, reaching a low of around 3000 pairs in the 1970s. Conservation efforts helped the population recover to over 12,000 pairs by the 2010s. Hunting loons is prohibited statewide.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin banned loon hunting in 1997 to protect its small loon population. Only 200-250 pairs were nesting in the state at the time. Loon numbers have increased modestly since. Hunting or harassing loons is illegal in Wisconsin.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire first established protections for nesting loons in 1979. This included a ban on shooting loons. In 1999, the state passed a comprehensive Loon Preservation Act. This prohibited hunting, killing, or harassing loons in New Hampshire. The law remains in place to protect the state’s loon population.
Other States
In addition to the states above, loon hunting is illegal or restricted in:
- Maine – Illegal to hunt or kill loons.
- New York – No open hunting season for loons.
- Vermont – Prohibited to shoot or kill loons.
- Massachusetts – Loons are a protected species.
- Connecticut – No open season; harassing loons is illegal.
Some states still allow loon hunting but have tightened regulations around it:
- Alaska – Permit required and bag limits imposed.
- Montana – Bag limit of 1 loon per season.
- North Dakota – Bag limit of 2 loons.
Why States Have Banned Loon Hunting
States have restricted or prohibited loon hunting for several reasons:
- To stop population declines and promote recovery. Many states banned loon hunting when populations dropped dangerously low from hunting pressure, habitat loss, and environmental toxins like lead fishing weights.
- Because loons are sensitive to disturbance. Loons abandon nests and young when repeatedly flushed by boats or other intrusions. Hunting disturbs loons and disrupts breeding.
- For conservation. Loons are indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Protecting them conserves lake habitats and other wildlife.
- Because loons are a public resource. Loons attract tourism revenue and spending for lake communities and businesses.
- Due to public support. Loons are popular with birdwatchers and the public who want protections for them.
By banning loon hunting, states hope to reverse population declines, maximize loons’ economic and ecological benefits, and satisfy public demand for their preservation.
Current Status of Loon Populations
Banning loon hunting, along with other conservation measures, has helped loon numbers recover in many parts of the US. Current loon population estimates by state include:
State | Estimated loon population |
---|---|
Minnesota | 12,000 pairs |
Wisconsin | 2,300 pairs |
Michigan | 6,000-7,000 pairs |
New York | 3,000-4,000 pairs |
Maine | 3,500-4,000 pairs |
New Hampshire | 800-1000 pairs |
Vermont | 400-600 pairs |
Massachusetts | 650-800 pairs |
Alaska | 50,000-70,000 birds |
Canada | 450,000-600,000 adults |
While loon populations remain stable or increasing in most states, threats persist. Mercury pollution, lead poisoning from tackle, boat disturbances, and habitat loss continue impacting loon survival and reproduction. Ongoing conservation efforts are needed. Bans on hunting remain critical for maintaining loon numbers in the US, especially in states with smaller populations.
Exceptions to State Bans on Loon Hunting
While many states prohibit hunting loons, some exceptions exist. These include:
- Subsistence hunting by Native Americans – Some tribes are granted exceptions to hunt loons for sustenance and ceremonial purposes.
- Nuisance permits – A few states can issue permits allowing removal of specific problem loons that endanger humans or property.
- Accidental killing – Hunters who unintentionally kill a loon during legal pursuit of other waterfowl may be exempt from penalties in some states.
- Federal lands – In rare cases, loons could be hunted on federal national wildlife refuges located within an otherwise restrictive state.
However, these exceptions are carefully regulated and not widely available. Most loon hunting remains completely banned under state laws.
Penalties for Illegally Hunting Loons
Although some exceptions exist, hunting loons is generally illegal across the upper Midwest and Northeast. There are penalties for violating these state laws:
- Up to $700 in fines and 90 days in jail in Wisconsin for shooting or harassing loons.
- Fines up to $15,000 and 6 months imprisonment in Michigan for killing loons.
- Fines up to $10,000 and a year in jail in Minnesota for hunting loons.
- Up to $5000 in fines and a year in prison in New York for killing protected birds like loons.
States want to deter people from shooting loons, so most impose stiff fines and the possibility of jail time. Checking regulations is important, as unlawfully hunting loons carries serious consequences.
Conclusion
In summary, loon hunting regulations vary across the United States:
- Federal law does not restrict loon hunting.
- But many northern states ban loon hunting due to low populations, conservation needs, and public support.
- Bans help loon numbers recover but ongoing threats remain.
- There are limited exceptions for subsistence, nuisance, and accidental kills.
- Penalties for violating state loon hunting laws can include heavy fines and jail time.
So while loon hunting is still allowed in some parts of Alaska and Canada, it is generally prohibited across the lower 48 states where loons breed. Carefully checking state and local regulations continues to be essential for responsible loon management across North America. With sufficient protection, loons can make a thriving comeback from the brink of extinction.