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California to Allow Year-Round Mute Swan Hunting Starting 2026

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

California will allow year-round hunting of mute swans without a license starting January 1, 2026, following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill 764.
The mute swan population has increased dramatically from 1,150 in 2022 to over 12,000 in 2023, prompting the need for control measures.
Mute swans, originally from Europe and Asia, threaten local wildlife and exhibit aggressive behavior.
The bill permits hunting on private land and encourages reporting to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Mute swan meat is described as lean and mildly gamy, with preparation methods similar to duck or goose.

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Story summary

California will allow year-round hunting of mute swans without a license starting January 1, 2026, following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill 764.
The mute swan population has increased dramatically from 1,150 in 2022 to over 12,000 in 2023, prompting the need for control measures.
Mute swans, originally from Europe and Asia, threaten local wildlife and exhibit aggressive behavior.
The bill permits hunting on private land and encourages reporting to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Mute swan meat is described as lean and mildly gamy, with preparation methods similar to duck or goose.