The flood season in Vietnam’s low‑lying fields brings thousands of migratory birds, but it also draws illegal hunters. Understanding how and why these traps appear helps reveal the pressure on the region’s wildlife.

Hunters spread nearly invisible mist nets across flooded fields in Quang Tri Province during the annual flood season, and they place live decoys—birds whose eyes are sewn shut and legs bound—to lure migrants. These traps are almost invisible against the water and sky.

The nets capture many migratory species, such as herons, storks, sandpipers and swifts. Rangers say the captured birds are later sold or distributed for consumption, showing a clear market demand behind the practice.

Forest rangers have intensified inspections in known hotspots. Since the start of the year they have removed and destroyed about 5,600 meters of netting and seized 110 leg‑hold traps. They rescued 90 birds and fined one violator VND3 million.

The surge of illegal trapping during floods is driven by the concentration of birds in feeding grounds and the profit from selling them. Stronger patrols and penalties are essential if Vietnam’s migratory visitors are to survive the season.