The Minnesota DNR is investigating the shooting of three trumpter swans around the state. Trumpeter swans are a federally protected species. People who shoot them face fines up to $1,700 plus a loss of hunting equipment and hunting licenses for up to three years. Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement director says there is really no excuse for shooting one since hunters won’t encounter any other waterfowl as large. Recent cases include a trumpter swan being shot and killed in Kandiyohi County along a gravel road, one that was shot at killed near Brownton, and one that was shot and killed near Pine River. Anyone with information should call the Turn In Poachers hotline at 800-652-9093.