Trump Jr. Accused of Shooting a Protected Duck in Italy

If you thought bearing the Trump name only got you some heat here in America (or maybe Mexico or Canada earlier this week), think again. In a story that is developing out of Italy, an anti-hunting politician is going after Don Jr. after a video surfaced of him alongside what looks to be a protected species of duck.

In a film produced by his outdoor publication, Field Ethos, Don Jr. and a few other hunters are seen traveling to Venice for a special duck hunt. Set up through a private landowner rather than an outfitter, the hunt was led by Oliver Martini, who has taken other notable Americans on hunts in the past as well. Located on a private marsh, it’s been reported that Don Jr.’s group was among a few hunting parties present on the day the camera recorded what is now being touted as evidence of a possible illegal duck killing.

The release of the teaser for the aptly titled Italian Job - Field Ethos’ forthcoming short film depicting the hunt in the venetian countryside - one ornery politician spotted what could be a questionable kill. 

“This is actually a rather uncommon duck for the area,” Trump Jr. tells the camera as he pats a large copper-bellied duck. “I’m not even sure what it is in English.”

While Don Jr. was seemingly unaware of what kind of duck was sitting alongside him in the blind that day, one Italian politician - with a long history of advocating against hunting - offered his assistance in identifying the fowl. 

Italian politician Andrea Zanoni went on to accuse Donald Trump Jr. of shooting a ruddy shelduck, a protected species in the EU and one that does not reside on their list of 82 huntable birds. Making most of their home range in the continent of Asia, the ruddy shelduck is uncommon in Italy but is listed as a species of least concern globally. 

The politician, who has worked at the World Wildlife Federation, chaired the League for the Abolition of Hunting and has long been affiliated  with the European Federation against Hunting and the Italian League for the Protection of Birds, didn’t stop there.

According to a Facebook post made by the anti-hunting advocate, Zanoni went on to not only accuse Trump Jr. of illegally shooting the duck in question, but also stated that Don Jr. illegally hunted a protected area and was without the proper licensing. 

Junior’s team was quick to respond, clapping back at the Italian politician stating that Don and his party were squared away when it came to paperwork and hunting permits.

“Don and his group had all the proper permits and were hunting in a legally allowed area, where there were countless other hunting groups present,” Don Jr. 's rep, Andy Surabian said.

“While it’s unclear whether this single duck was unintentionally shot by someone in Don’s hunting group, another hunting group or killed in a different manner and retrieved by the groups hunting dog, Don takes following all rules, regulations and conservation on his hunts very seriously and plans on fully cooperating with any investigation.”

As of right now, the identification of the duck seems to be accurate enough, but has yet to be confirmed. As Zanoni and others continue to fan the flames around the globe, many are joining in on the crusade against the president’s son, who is no stranger to controversy when it comes to his hunting adventures.