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May 24,
2004
MEMORANDUM |
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TO: |
All
Interested Persons |
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FROM: |
Colonel
Julie Jones
Director, Division of Law Enforcement |
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SUBJECT: |
Falconry
Permits |
Federal falconry regulations have been enacted that require a
falconry permit to be jointly issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC). There are several steps that must be completed by an applicant
before a permit is issued.
(1) Study and become familiar with the various species occurring in
Florida, as well
as basic biology, care and training of raptors for falconry.
(2) Aspiring falconers must construct a fenced area with the proper
perches, shelter and bath arrangements (weathering area).
(3) Assemble handling equipment. The following equipment must be
prepared and in readiness: jesses, leashes and swivels, bath container,
outdoor perches, weighing device, and gauntlet glove.
(4) Assure a good food supply. Local ordinances prohibit shooting
within the
boundaries of most cities. The applicant should not plan to obtain food
for raptors by shooting small animals or birds within or near a city.
Applicants must be at least 14 years of age in order to be eligible for
a permit. Applicants from 14 to 17 years of age and all beginning
falconers, regardless of age, will be classed as apprentices.
Applicants for the apprentice class must have a sponsor, which is an
experienced falconer at least 18 years of age.
The general class applicant must be at least 18 years of age and shall
have a minimum of two years of experience in the practice of falconry.
Florida Falconers
May 24, 2004
Page Two
The master class applicant must have at least five years of experience
in the practice of falconry.
Before a permit is issued, the applicant’s mews and equipment will be
inspected by a wildlife inspector employee by the Commission. The
purpose of the inspection will be to establish that the facilities are
adequate for housing and handling the raptor, which the applicant
intends to hold in captivity.
No falconry permit shall be issued to any person failing to qualify on a
written examination.
These examinations will be supervised by FWC representatives at each
regional office. The regional commander will schedule all appointments,
and may be reached by telephone from 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., weekdays. No
notes, books, or other aids may be used while taking the examination.
The test will deal with raptor biology, natural history, care in
captivity, identification, falconry techniques, terms and the applicable
laws and regulations. Please contact the appropriate
Division of Law
Enforcement regional office to schedule a falconry exam.
After the examination is completed, it will be forwarded to the
Tallahassee Office for grading and you will receive the results by
mail. If a passing score is obtained, a FWC representative will be sent
to inspect and approve your facilities and equipment. If a passing
score is not obtained, you make retake the examination after 30 days.
We appreciate your interest in falconry. Please call our office at
(850) 488-6253 or write to the address below if you have any further
questions.
JJ/leh
LIC 6-3 |
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