Trumpeters in Minnesota

In the 1930’s we thought only about 40 Trumpeters still existed - hidden in the Red Rocks Lakes area of Montana; extinction seemed eminent. America’s largest native bird had been heavily hunted for skins and meat. Fortunately, a robust population was discovered in the Copper River Delta region (SE part) of Alaska.

Trumpeters have been reintroduced to many parts of their former range (Indiana west). Minnesota reintroductions began in 1987 with an initial goal of establishing 15 breeding pairs. That goal is way back in the rearview mirror. The 2022 statewide survey estimated a population of 51,860 Trumpeters. Yikes, what a success! Maybe too much – elaboration tomorrow.

-Frank