50CFR21

Welcome to the Virginia Falconers' Association

Updated 3/2/2010

50 CFR 21
MIGRATORY BIRD PERMITS

Dated: 9/14/89

Subpart A -- Introduction
21.1 Purpose of regulations.
21.2 Scope of regulations.
21.3 Definitions.
21.4 Information collection requirements.

Subpart B -- General Requirements and Exceptions
21.11 General permit requirements.
21.12 General exceptions to permit requirements.
21.13 Permit exceptions for captive-reared mallard ducks.
21.14 Permit exceptions for captive-reared migratory waterfowl other than mallard ducks.

Subpart C -- Specific Permit Provisions
21.21 Import and export permits.
21.22 Banding or marking permits.
21.23 Scientific collecting permits.
21.24 Taxidermist permits.
21.25 Waterfowl sale and disposal permits.
21.26 [Reserved]
21.27 Special purpose permits.
21.28 Falconry permits.
21.29 Federal falconry standards.
21.30 Raptor propagation permits.

Subpart D -- Control of Depredating Birds
21.41 Depredation permits.
21.42 Authority to issue depredating orders to permit the killing of migratory game birds.
21.43 Depredation order for blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows and magpies.
21.44 Depredation order for designated species of depredating birds in California.
21.45 Depredation order for depredating purple gallinules in Louisiana.
21.46 Depredation order for depredating scrub jays and Steller's jays in Washington and Oregon.

Authority: Pub.L. 95-616, 92 Stat. 3112 (16 U.S.C. 712(2)).

Source: 39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A -- Introduction

21.1 Purpose of regulations.

The regulations contained in this Part supplement the general permit regulations of Part 13 of this subchapter with respect to permits for the taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, barter, importation, exportation, and banding or marking of migratory birds. This Part also provides certain exceptions to permit requirements for public, scientific, or educational institutions, and establishes depredation orders which provide limited exceptions to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712).

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 46 FR 42680, Aug. 24, 1981; 54 FR 38150, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.2 Scope of regulations.

(a) Migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs, lawfully acquired prior to the effective date of Federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712) may be possessed or transported without a permit, but may not be imported, exported, purchased, sold, bartered, or offered for purchase, sale or barter, and all shipments of such birds must be marked as provided by Part 14 of this subchapter: Provided, no exemption from any statute or regulation shall accrue to any offspring of such migratory birds.

(b) This Part 21, except for 21.22 (banding or marking permits), does not apply to the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) for which regulations are provided in Part 22 of this subchapter.

(c) The provisions of this Part are in addition to, and are not in lieu of other regulations of this Subchapter B which may require a permit or prescribe additional restrictions or conditions for the importation, exportation, and interstate transportation of wildlife (see also Part 13).

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 46 FR 42680, Aug. 24, 1981; 54 FR 38150, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.3 Definitions.

In addition to definitions contained in Part 10 of this chapter, and unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this Part:

"Bred in captivity" or "captive-bred" refers to raptors, including eggs, hatched in captivity from parents that mated or otherwise transferred gametes in captivity.

"Captivity" means that a live raptor is held in a controlled environment that is intensively manipulated by man for the purpose of producing raptors of selected species, and that has boundaries designed to prevent raptors, eggs or gametes of the selected species from entering or leaving the controlled environment. General characteristics of captivity may include, but are not limited to, artificial housing, waste removal, health care, protection from predators, and artificially supplied food.

"Falconry" means the sport of taking quarry by means of a trained raptor.

"Raptor" means a live migratory bird of the Order Falconiformes or the Order Strigiformes, other than a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

[48 FR 31607, July 8, 1983]

21.4 Information collection requirements.

(a) The information collection requirements contained within this Part 21 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3507 and assigned Clearance Number 1018-0022. This information is being collected to provide information necessary to evaluate permit applications. This information will be used to review permit applications and make decisions, according to criteria established in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and the regulations promulgated thereunder on the issuance, suspension, revocation, or denial of permits. The obligation to respond is required in order to obtain or retain a permit.

(b) The public reporting burden for these reporting requirements is estimated to vary from 15 minutes to 4 hours per response, with an average of 0.803 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the forms. Comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of these reporting requirements should be directed to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, MS-224 ARLSQ, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC 20240, or the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (1018-0022), Washington, DC 20503.

[54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989.]

Subpart B -- General Requirements and Exceptions

21.11 General permit requirements.

No person shall take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such bird except as may be permitted under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Part and Part 13, or as permitted by regulations in this Part or Part 20 (the hunting regulations).

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 46 FR 42680, Aug. 24, 1981; 54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.12 General exceptions to permit requirements.

The following exceptions to the permit requirement are allowed.

(a) Employees of the Department of the Interior authorized to enforce the provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918, as amended (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 - 711), may, without a permit, take or otherwise acquire, hold in custody, transport, and dispose of migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs as necessary in performing their official duties.

(b) State game departments, municipal game farms or parks, and public museums, public zoological parks, accredited institutional members of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) and public scientific or educational institutions may acquire by gift or purchase, possess, transport, and by gift or sale dispose of lawfully acquired migratory birds or their progeny, parts, nests, or eggs without a permit: Provided, That such birds may be acquired only from persons authorized by this paragraph or by a permit issued pursuant to this Part to possess and dispose of such birds, or from Federal or State game authorities by the gift of seized, condemned, or sick or injured birds. Any such birds, acquired without a permit, and any progeny therefrom may be disposed of only to persons authorized by this paragraph to acquire such birds without a permit. Any person exercising a privilege granted by this paragraph must keep accurate records of such operations showing the species and number of birds acquired, possessed, and disposed of; the names and addresses of the persons from whom such birds were acquired or to whom such birds were donated or sold; and the dates of such transactions. Records shall be maintained or reproducible in English on a calendar year basis and shall be retained for a period of five (5) years following the end of the calendar year covered by the records.

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 50 FR 8638, Mar. 4, 1985; 54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.13 Permit exceptions for captive-reared mallard ducks.

Captive-reared and properly marked mallard ducks, alive or dead, or their eggs may be acquired, possessed, sold, traded, donated, transported, and disposed of by any person without a permit, subject to the following conditions, restrictions, and requirements:

(a) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the taking of live mallard ducks or their eggs from the wild.

(b) All mallard ducks possessed in captivity, without a permit, shall have been physically marked by at least one of the following methods prior to 6 weeks of age and all such ducks hatched, reared, and retained in captivity thereafter shall be so marked prior to reaching 6 weeks of age.

(1) Removal of the hind toe from the right foot.

(2) Pinioning of a wing: Provided, That this method shall be the removal of the metacarpal bones of one wing or a portion of the metacarpal bones which renders the bird permanently incapable of flight.

(3) Banding of one metatarsus with a seamless metal band.

(4) Tattooing of a readily discernible number or letter or combination thereof on the web of one foot.

(c) When so marked, such live birds may be disposed of to, or acquired from, any person and possessed and transferred in any number at any time or place: Provided, That all such birds shall be physically marked prior to sale or disposal regardless of whether or not they have attained 6 weeks of age.

(d) When so marked, such live birds may be killed, in any number, at any time or place, by any means except shooting. Such birds may be killed by shooting only in accordance with all applicable hunting regulations governing the taking of mallard ducks from the wild: Provided, That such birds may be killed by shooting, in any number, at any time, within the confines of any premises operated as a shooting preserve under State license, permit, or authorization; or they may be shot, in any number, at any time or place, by any person for bona fide dog training or field trial purposes: Provided further, That the provisions of the hunting regulations (Part 20 of this subchapter) and the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (duck stamp requirement) shall not apply to shooting preserve operations, as provided for in this paragraph, or to bona fide dog training or field trial operations.

(e) At all times during possession, transportation, and storage until the raw carcasses of such birds are finally processed immediately prior to cooking, smoking, or canning, the marked foot or wing must remain attached to each carcass: Provided, That persons, who operate game farms or shooting preserves under a State license, permit, or authorization for such activities, may remove the marked foot or wing when either the number of his State license, permit, or authorization has first been legibly stamped in ink on the back of each carcass and on the container in which each carcass is maintained, or each carcass is identified by a State band on leg or wing pursuant to requirements of his State license, permit, or authorization. When properly marked, such carcasses may be disposed of to, or acquired from, any person and possessed and transported in any number at any time or place.

[40 FR 28459, July 7, 1975, as amended at 46 FR 42680, Aug. 24, 1981]

21.14 Permit exceptions for captive-reared migratory waterfowl other than mallard ducks.

Any person may, without a permit, lawfully acquire captive-reared and properly marked migratory waterfowl of all species other than mallard ducks, alive or dead, or their eggs, and possess and transport such birds or eggs and any progeny or eggs therefrom solely for his own use subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

(a) Such birds, alive or dead, or their eggs may be lawfully acquired only from holders of valid waterfowl sale and disposal permits, unless lawfully acquired outside of the United States, except that properly marked carcasses of such birds may also be lawfully acquired as provided under paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) All progeny of such birds or eggs hatched, reared, and retained in captivity must be physically marked as defined in 21.13(b).

(c) No such birds or eggs or any progeny or eggs thereof may be disposed of by any means, alive or dead, to any other person unless a waterfowl sale and disposal permit has first been secured authorizing such disposal: Provided, That bona fide clubs, hotels, restaurants, boarding houses, and dealers in meat and game may serve or sell to their customers the carcass of any such birds which they have acquired from the holder of a valid waterfowl sale and disposal permit.

(d) Lawfully possessed and properly marked birds may be killed, in any number, at any time or place, by any means except shooting. Such birds may be killed by shooting only in accordance with all applicable hunting regulations governing the taking of like species from the wild. (See Part 20 of this Subchapter.)

(e) At all times during possession, transportation, and storage until the raw carcasses of such birds are finally processed immediately prior to cooking, smoking, or canning, the marked foot or wing must remain attached to each carcass, unless such carcasses were marked as provided in 21.25(c)(4) and the foot or wing removed prior to acquisition.

(f) When any such birds, alive or dead, or their eggs are acquired from a waterfowl sale and disposal permittee, the permittee shall furnish a copy of Form 3-186, Notice of Waterfowl Sale or Transfer, indicating all information required by the form and the method or methods by which individual birds are marked as required by 21.25(c)(2). The buyer shall retain the Form 3-186 on file for the duration of his possession of such birds or eggs or progeny or eggs thereof.

[40 FR 28459, July 7, 1975, as amended at 46 FR 42680, Aug. 24, 1981]

Subpart C -- Specific Permit Provisions

21.21 Import and export permits.

(a) Permit requirement.

(1) Except for migratory game birds imported in accordance with the provisions of Subpart G of Part 20 of this Subchapter B, an import permit is required before any migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs may be imported.

(2) An export permit is required before any migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs may be exported: Provided, that captive-reared migratory game birds that are marked in compliance with the provisions of 21.13 (b) may be exported to Canada or Mexico without a permit. Provided further, that raptors lawfully possessed under a falconry permit issued pursuant to 21.28 of this Part may be exported to or imported from Canada or Mexico without a permit for the purposes of attending bona fide falconry meets, as long as the person importing or exporting the birds returns the same bird(s) to the country of export following any such meet. Nothing in this paragraph, however, exempts any person from the permit requirements of Parts 17, 22, and 23 of this subchapter.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for permits to import or export migratory birds shall be submitted to the appropriate issuing office (see 10.22 and 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a)(5) of this Subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) Whether importation or exportation is requested;

(2) The species and numbers of migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs to be imported or exported;

(3) The name and address of the person from whom such birds are being imported or to whom they are being exported;

(4) The purpose of the importation or exportation;

(5) The estimated date of arrival or departure of the shipment(s), and the port of entry or exit through which the shipment will be imported or exported; and

(6) Federal and State permit numbers and type of permits authorizing possession, acquisition, or disposition of such birds, their parts, nests, or eggs where such a permit is required.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, import and export permits shall be subject to any requirements set forth in the permit.

(d) Term of permit. An import or export permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989]

21.22 Banding or marking permits.

(a) Permit requirement. A banding or marking permit is required before any person may capture migratory birds for banding or marking purposes or use official bands issued by the Service for banding or marking any migratory bird.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for banding or marking permits shall be submitted by letter of application addressed to the Bird Banding Laboratory, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, Maryland 20708. Each such application shall contain the general information and certification set forth by 13.12(a) of this subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) Species and numbers proposed to be banded or marked;

(2) Purpose of banding or marking;

(3) State or States in which authorization is requested; and

(4) Name and address of the public, scientific, or educational institution to which any specimens will be donated that are salvaged pursuant to paragraphs (c) (3) and (4) of this section.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, banding or marking permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) The banding of migratory birds shall only be by official numbered leg bands issued by the Service. The use of any other band, clip, dye, or other method of marking is prohibited unless specifically authorized in the permit.

(2) All traps or nets used to capture migratory birds for banding or marking purposes shall have attached thereto a tag or label clearly showing the name and address of the permittee and his permit number, or the area in which such traps or nets are located must be posted with notice of banding operations posters (Form 3-1155, available upon request from the Bird Banding Laboratory, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, Md. 20708) which shall bear the name and address of the permittee and the number of his permit.

(3) The holder of a banding or marking permit may salvage, for the purpose of donating to a public scientific or educational institution, birds killed or found dead as a result of the permittee's normal banding operations, and casualties from other causes. All dead birds salvaged under authority of a migratory bird banding or marking permit must be donated and transferred to a public scientific or educational institution at least every 6 months or within 60 days of the time such permit expires or is revoked, unless the permittee has been issued a special permit authorizing possession for a longer period of time.

(4) Permittees must keep accurate records of their operations and file reports as set forth in the North American Bird Banding Manual, or supplements thereto, in accordance with instructions contained therein.

(d) Term of permit. A banding or marking permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989]

21.23 Scientific collecting permits.

(a) Permit requirement. A scientific collecting permit is required before any person may take, transport, or possess migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs for scientific research or educational purposes.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for scientific collecting permits shall be submitted to the appropriate issuing officer (See: 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a) of this Subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) Species and numbers of migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs to be taken or acquired when it is possible to determine same in advance;

(2) Location or locations where such scientific collecting is proposed;

(3) Statement of the purpose and justification for granting such a permit, including an outline of any research project involved;

(4) Name and address of the public, scientific, or educational institution to which all specimens ultimately will be donated; and

(5) If a State permit is required by State law, a statement as to whether or not the applicant possesses such State permit, giving its number and expiration date.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, scientific collecting permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) All specimens taken and possessed under authority of a scientific collecting permit must be donated and transferred to the public scientific, or educational institution designated in the permit application within 60 days following the date such permit expires or is revoked, unless the permittee has been issued a special purpose permit (See 21.27) authorizing possession for a longer period of time.

(2) Unless otherwise provided on the permit, all migratory game birds taken pursuant to a scientific collecting permit during the open hunting season for such birds must be in conformance with Part 20 of this subchapter;

(3) Unless specifically stated on the permit, a scientific collecting permit does not authorize the taking of live migratory birds from the wild.

(4) In addition to any reporting requirement set forth in the permit, a report of the scientific collecting activities conducted under authority of such permit shall be submitted to the issuing officer on or before January 10 of each calendar year following the year of issue unless a different date is stated in the permit.

(d) Term of permit. A scientific collecting permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989]

21.24 Taxidermist permits.

(a) Permit requirement. A taxidermist permit is required before any person may perform taxidermy services on migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs for any person other than himself.

(b) Application procedures. Application for taxidermist permits shall be submitted to the appropriate issuing officer (See: 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification set forth by 13.12(a) of this Subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) The address of premises where taxidermist services will be provided;

(2) A statement of the applicant's qualifications and experience as a taxidermist; and

(3) If a State permit is required by State law, a statement as to whether or not the applicant possesses such State permit, giving its number and expiration date.

(1) Receive, transport, hold in custody or possession, mount or otherwise prepare, migratory birds, and their parts, nests, or eggs, and return them to another.

(2) Sell properly marked, captive reared migratory waterfowl which he has lawfully acquired and mounted. Such mounted birds may be placed on consignment for sale and may be possessed by such consignee for the purpose of sale.

(d) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, taxidermist permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) Permittees must keep accurate records of operations, on a calendar year basis, showing the names and addresses of persons from and to whom migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs were received or delivered, the number and species of such, and the dates of receipt and delivery. In addition to the other records required by this paragraph, the permittee must maintain in his files, the original of the completed Form 3-186, Notice of Waterfowl Sale or Transfer, confirming his acquisition of captive reared, properly marked migratory waterfowl from the holder of a current waterfowl sale and disposal permit.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, the receipt, possession, and storage by a taxidermist of any migratory game birds taken by another by hunting is not authorized unless they are tagged as required by 20.36 of this Subchapter. The required tags may be removed during the taxidermy operations but must be retained by the taxidermist with the other records required to be kept and must be reattached to the mounted specimen after mounting. The tag must then remain attached until the mounted specimen is delivered to the owner.

(e) Term of permit. A taxidermist permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

21.25 Waterfowl sale and disposal permits.

(a) Permit requirement. A waterfowl sale and disposal permit is required before any person may lawfully sell, trade, donate, or otherwise dispose of, to another person, any species of captive-reared and properly marked migratory waterfowl or their eggs, except that such a permit is not required for such sales or disposals of captive-reared and properly marked mallard ducks or their eggs.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for waterfowl sale and disposal permits shall be submitted to the appropriate issuing officer (see: 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification required in 13.12(a) of this Subchapter, plus the following additional information:

(1) A description of the area where waterfowl are to be kept;

(2) Species and numbers of waterfowl now in possession and a statement showing from whom these were obtained;

(3) A statement indicating the method by which individual birds are marked as required by the provisions of this Part 21; and

(4) If a State permit is required by State law, a statement as to whether or not the applicant possesses such State permit, giving its number and expiration date.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, waterfowl sale and disposal permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) Permittees may not take migratory waterfowl or their eggs from the wild, and may not acquire such birds or their eggs from any person not authorized by a valid permit issued pursuant to this Part to dispose of such birds or their eggs.

(2) All live migratory waterfowl possessed in captivity under authority of a valid waterfowl sale and disposal permit shall have been, prior to 6 weeks of age, physically marked as defined in 21.13(b). All offspring of such birds hatched, reared, and retained in captivity shall be so marked prior to attaining 6 weeks of age. The preceding does not apply to captive adult geese, swans, and brant which were marked previous to March 1, 1967, by a "V" notch in the web of one foot, nor to such birds held in captivity at public zoological parks, and public scientific or educational institutions.

(3) Such properly marked birds may be killed, in any number, at any time or place, by any means except shooting. Such birds may be killed by shooting only in accordance with all the applicable hunting regulations governing the taking of like species from the wild.

(4) At all times during possession, transportation, and storage until the raw carcasses of such birds are finally processed immediately prior to cooking, smoking, or canning, the marked foot or wing must remain attached to each carcass: Provided, That permittees who are also authorized to sell game under a State license, permit or authorization may remove the marked foot or wing from the raw carcasses if the number of his State license, permit, or authorization has first been legibly stamped in ink on the back of each carcass and on the wrapping or container in which each carcass is maintained, or each carcass is identified by a State band on leg or wing pursuant to requirements of his State license, permit, or authorization.

(5) Such properly marked birds, alive or dead, or their eggs may be disposed of in any number, at any time or place, to any person: Provided, That all such birds shall be physically marked prior to sale or disposal regardless of whether or not they have attained 6 weeks of age: And provided further, That on each date that any such birds or their eggs, are transferred to another person, the permittee must complete a Form 3-186, Notice of Waterfowl Sale or Transfer, indicating all information required by the form and the method or methods by which individual birds are marked as required by 21.25(c)(2). (Service will provide supplies of form.) The permittee will furnish the original of completed Form 3-186 to the person acquiring the birds or eggs; retain one copy in his files as a record of his operations: attach one copy to the shipping container for the birds or eggs, or include the copy in shipping documents which accompany the shipment; and, on or before the last day of each month, mail two copies of each form completed during that month to the office of the Fish and Wildlife Service which issued his permit.

(6) Permittees shall submit an annual report within 10 days following the 31st day of December of each calendar year to the office of the Fish and Wildlife Service which issued the permit. The information provided shall give the total number of waterfowl by species in possession on that date and the method or methods by which individual birds are marked as required by the provisions of this Part 21.

(d) Term of permit. A waterfowl sale and disposal permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[40 FR 28460, July 7, 1975, as amended at 54 FR 38151, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.26 [Reserved]

21.27 Special purpose permits.

Permits may be issued for special purpose activities related to migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs, which are otherwise outside the scope of the standard form permits of this Part. A special purpose permit for migratory bird related activities not otherwise provided for in this Part may be issued to an applicant who submits a written application containing the general information and certification required by Part 13 and makes a sufficient showing of benefit to the migratory bird resource, important research reasons, reasons of human concern for individual birds, or other compelling justification.

(a) Permit requirement. A special purpose permit is required before any person may lawfully take, salvage, otherwise acquire, transport, or possess migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs for any purpose not covered by the standard form permits of this Part. In addition, a special purpose permit is required before any person may sell, purchase, or barter captive-bred, migratory game birds, other than waterfowl, that are marked in compliance with 21.13(b) of this Part.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for special purpose permits shall be submitted to the appropriate issuing officer (see 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a) of this Subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) A detailed statement describing the project or activity which requires issuance of a permit, purpose of such project or activity, and a delineation of the area in which it will be conducted. (Copies of supporting documents, research proposals, and any necessary State permits should accompany the application);

(2) Numbers and species of migratory birds involved where same can reasonably be determined in advance; and

(3) Statement of disposition which will be made of migratory birds involved in the permit activity.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, special purpose permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) Permittees shall maintain adequate records describing the conduct of the permitted activity, the numbers and species of migratory birds acquired and disposed of under the permit, and inventorying and identifying all migratory birds held on December 31 of each calendar year. Records shall be maintained at the address listed on the permit; shall be in, or reproducible in English; and shall be available for inspection by Service personnel during regular business hours. A permittee may be required by the conditions of the permit to file with the issuing office an annual report of operation. Annual reports, if required, shall be filed no later than January 31 of the calendar year following the year for which the report is required. Reports, if required, shall describe permitted activities, numbers and species of migratory birds acquired and disposed of, and shall inventory and describe all migratory birds possessed under the special purpose permit on December 31 of the reporting year.

(2) Permittees shall make such other reports as may be requested by the issuing officer.

(3) All live, captive-bred, migratory game birds possessed under authority of a valid special purpose permit shall be physically marked as defined in 21.13(b) of this Part.

(4) No captive-bred migratory game bird may be sold or bartered unless marked in accordance with 21.13(b) of this Part

(5) No permittee may take, purchase, receive or otherwise acquire, sell, barter, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any captive-bred migratory game bird unless such permittee submits a Service form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report), completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, to the issuing office within five (5) days of such transaction.

(6) No permittee, who is authorized to sell or barter migratory game birds pursuant to a permit issued under this section, may sell or barter such birds to any person unless that person is authorized to purchase and possess such migratory game birds under a permit issued pursuant to this Part and Part 13, or as permitted by regulations in this Part.

(d) Term of permit. A special purpose permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[54 FR 38152, Sept. 14, 1989]

21.28 Falconry permits.

(a) Permit requirements. A falconry permit is required before any person may take, possess, transport, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase, or barter raptors for falconry purposes.

(b) Application procedures.

(1) An applicant who wishes to practice falconry in a State listed in 21.29(k) of this Part and which has been designated as a participant in a cooperative Federal/State permit application program may submit an application for a falconry permit to the appropriate agency of that State. Each such application must incorporate a completed official form approved by the Service and must include in addition to the general information required by Part 13 of this Subchapter all of the following:

(i) The number of raptors the applicant possesses at the time the application is submitted, including the species, age (if known), sex (if known), date of acquisition, and source of each;

(ii) A check or money order made payable to "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" in the amount of the application fee listed in 13.11(d) of this Subchapter.

(iii) An original, signed certification concerning the validity of the information provided in the application in the form set forth in 13.12(a)(5).

(iv) Any additional information requested by the State to which the application is submitted.

(2) Upon receipt of a joint application by a State listed in 21.29(k) as a participant in a cooperative Federal/State permit application program, the State will process the application for a State falconry permit in accordance with its own procedures. A copy of the application, the check or money order for Federal permit fees, and the original, signed certification required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section will be forwarded to the issuing office of the Service designated by section 13.11(b) of this Subchapter. If the State decides to issue a falconry permit based upon the application, a copy of the permit will also be forwarded to the appropriate issuing office of the Service.

(3) An applicant who wishes to practice falconry in a State listed in 21.29(k) of this Subchapter, but which does not participate in a cooperative Federal/State permit application program must submit a written application for a falconry permit to the issuing office designated by section 13.11(b) of this Subchapter. Each application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a) of this Subchapter plus a copy of a valid State falconry permit issued to the applicant by a State listed in 21.29(k) of this Subchapter.

(c) Issuance criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section that meets all requirements of this Part, the Director will issue a permit. In addition to meeting the general criteria in 13.21(b), the applicant must have a valid State falconry permit issued by a State listed in 21.29(k) of this Subchapter.

(d) Permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter, every permit issued under this section shall be subject to the following special conditions:

(1) A permittee may not take, transport, or possess a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) unless authorized in writing under 22.24 of this Subchapter.

(2) A permit issued under this section is not valid unless the permittee has a valid State falconry permit issued by a State listed in 21.29(k) of this Subchapter.

(3) A permittee may not take, possess, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or transfer any raptor for falconry purposes except under authority of a Federal falconry permit issued under this section and in compliance with the Federal falconry standards set forth in 21.29 of this Subchapter.

(4) No permittee may take, purchase, receive, or otherwise acquire, sell, barter, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any raptor unless such permittee submits a form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report), completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, to the issuing office within five (5) calendar days of any such transaction.

(5) No raptor may be possessed under authority of a falconry permit unless the permittee has a properly completed form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) for each bird possessed, except as provided in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.

(6) A raptor possessed under authority of a falconry permit may be temporarily held by a person other than the permittee for maintenance and care for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The raptor must be accompanied at all times by a properly completed form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) designating the person caring for the raptor as the possessor of record and by a signed, dated statement from the permittee authorizing the temporary possession.

(7) A permittee may not take, possess, or transport any peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), or Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) unless such bird is banded either by a seamless numbered band provided by the Service or by a permanent, non-reusable band provided by the Service.

(i) Any peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), or Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) taken from the wild must be reported to the issuing office within five (5) days of taking and must be banded with a permanent, non-reusable band provided by the Service. No raptor removed from the wild may be banded with a seamless numbered band.

(ii) The loss or removal of any band must be reported to the issuing office within five (5) working days of the loss. The lost band must be replaced by a permanent, non-reusable band supplied by the Service. A form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) must be filed in accordance with paragraph (d)(4) of this section reporting the loss of the band and rebanding.

(8) A permittee may not sell, purchase, barter, or offer to sell, purchase or barter any raptor unless the raptor is marked on the metatarsus by a seamless, numbered band supplied by the Service.

(9) A permittee may not propagate raptors without prior acquisition of a valid raptor propagation permit issued under 21.30 of this Subchapter.

(e) Term of permit. A falconry permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[41 FR 2238, Jan. 15, 1976, as amended at 48 FR 31608, July 8, 1983; 54 FR 38152, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.29 Federal falconry standards.

(a) General. No person may take, possess, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer to sell, purchase, or barter any raptor for falconry purposes in any State which does not allow the practice of falconry or in any State which has not certified to the Director that its laws or regulations governing the practice of falconry meet or exceed the Federal falconry standards set forth in this section: Except, a Federal falconry permittee may possess and transport for falconry purposes otherwise lawfully possessed raptors through States which do not allow the practice of falconry or meet Federal falconry standards so long as the raptors remain in transit in interstate commerce. The States that have submitted certification to the Director are listed in paragraph (k) of this section.

(b) More restrictive State laws. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a State from making and enforcing laws or regulations not inconsistent with the standards contained in any convention between the United States and any foreign country for the protection of raptors or with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and which shall give further protection to raptors.

(c) Certification of compliance. Any State that wishes to allow the practice of falconry must certify to the Director that its laws or regulations governing the practice of falconry meet or exceed the Federal standards established by this section, Provided that any State that previously submitted its laws or regulations for review by the Director and was listed in paragraph (k) of this section prior to September 14, 1989, shall be deemed to have met this requirement. When a State certifies to the Director that its laws or regulations meet or exceed these Federal standards, a notice will be published in the Federal register and the State will be listed in paragraph (k) of this section.

(d) Permit. State laws or regulations shall provide that a valid State falconry permit from either that State or another State meeting Federal falconry standards and listed in paragraph (k) of this section is required before any person may take, possess, or transport a raptor for falconry purposes or practice falconry in that State.

(e) Classes of permits. States may have any number of classes of falconry permits provided the standards are not less restrictive than the following:

(1) Apprentice (or equivalent) class.

(i) Permittee shall be at least 14 years old;

(ii) A sponsor who is a holder of a General or Master Falconry Permit or equivalent class is required for the first two years in which an apprentice permit is held, regardless of the age of the permittee. A sponsor may not have more than three apprentices at any one time;

(iii) Permittee shall not possess more than one raptor and may not obtain more than one raptor for replacement during any 12-month period; and

(iv) Permittee shall possess only the following raptors which must be taken from the wild: an American kestrel (Falco sparverius), a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), or, in Alaska only, a goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).

(2) General (or equivalent) class.

(i) A permittee shall be at least 18 years old;

(ii) A permittee shall have at least two years experience in the practice of falconry at the apprentice level or its equivalent;

(iii) A permittee may not possess more than two raptors and may not obtain more than two raptors for replacement birds during any 12-month period; and

(iv) A permittee may not take, transport, or possess any golden eagle or any species listed as threatened or endangered in Part 17 of this Subchapter.

(3) Master (or equivalent) class.

(i) An applicant shall have at least five years experience in the practice of falconry at the general class level or its equivalent.

(ii) A permittee may not possess more than three raptors and may not obtain more than two raptors taken from the wild for replacement birds during any 12-month period;

(iii) A permittee may not take any species listed as endangered in Part 17 of this Chapter, but may transport or possess such species in accordance with Part 17 of this Chapter.

(iv) A permittee may not take, transport, or possess any golden eagle for falconry purposes unless authorized in writing under 22.24 of this Subchapter;

(v) A permittee may not take, in any twelve (12) month period, as part of the three-bird limitation, more than one raptor listed as threatened in Part 17 of this Chapter, and then only in accordance with Part 17 of this Chapter.

(f) Examination. State laws or regulations shall provide that before any State falconry permit is issued the applicant shall be required to answer correctly at least 80 percent of the questions on a supervised examination provided or approved by the Service and administered by the State, relating to basic biology, care, and handling of raptors, literature, laws, regulations or other appropriate subject matter.

(g) Facilities and equipment. State laws or regulations shall provide that before a State falconry permit is issued the applicant's raptor housing facilities and falconry equipment shall be inspected and certified by a representative of the State wildlife department as meeting the following standards:

(1) Facilities. The primary consideration for raptor housing facilities whether indoors (mews) or outdoors (weathering area) is protection from the environment, predators, or undue disturbance. The applicant shall have the following facilities, except that depending upon climatic conditions, the issuing authority may require only one of the facilities described below.

(i) Indoor facilities (mews) shall be large enough to allow easy access for caring for the raptors housed in the facility. If more than one raptor is to be kept in the mews, the raptors shall be tethered or separated by partitions and the area for each bird shall be large enough to allow the bird to fully extend its wings. There shall be at least one window, protected on the inside by vertical bars, spaced narrower than the width of the bird's body, and a secure door that can be easily closed. The floor of the mews shall permit easy cleaning and shall be well drained. Adequate perches shall be provided.

(ii) Outdoor facilities (weathering area) shall be fenced and covered with netting or wire, or roofed to protect the birds from disturbance and attack by predators except that perches more than 6 feet high need not be covered or roofed. The enclosed area shall be large enough to insure the birds cannot strike the fence when flying from the perch. Protection from excessive sun, wind, and inclement weather shall be provided for each bird. Adequate perches shall be provided.

(2) Equipment. The following items shall be in the possession of the applicant before he can obtain a permit or license:

(i) Jesses -- At least 1 pair of Alymeri jesses or similar type constructed of pliable, high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material to be used when any raptor is flown free. (Traditional 1-piece jesses may be used on raptors when not being flown.);

(ii) Leashes and swivels -- At least 1 flexible, weather-resistant leash and 1 strong swivel of acceptable falconry design;

(iii) Bath container -- At least 1 suitable container, 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor, for drinking and bathing for each raptor;

(iv) Outdoor perches -- At least 1 weathering area perch of an acceptable design shall be provided for each raptor; and

(v) Weighing device -- A reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing the raptor(s) held and graduated to increments of not more than 1/2 ounce (15 grams) shall be provided.

(3) Maintenance. All facilities and equipment shall be kept at or above the preceding standards at all times.

(4) Transportation; temporary holding. A raptor may be transported or held in temporary facilities which shall be provided with an adequate perch and protected from extreme temperatures and excessive disturbance, for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(h) Marking. All peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), and Harris hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) possessed for falconry purposes must be marked in accordance with the following provisions:

(1) Any peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), or Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), except a captive bred raptor lawfully marked by a numbered, seamless band issued by the Service, must be banded with a permanent, non-reusable, numbered band issued by the Service.

(2) Any peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), or Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) possessed for falconry purposes must be banded at all times in accordance with these standards. Loss or removal of any band must be reported to the issuing office within five (5) working days of the loss and must be replaced with a permanent, non-reusable, numbered band supplied by the Service.

(i) Taking restrictions. State laws or regulations shall provide the following restrictions on the taking of raptors from the wild:

(1) Young birds not yet capable of flight (eyasses) may only be taken by a General or Master Falconer during the period specified by the State and no more than two eyasses may be taken by the same permittee during the specified period.

(2) First-year (passage) birds may be taken only during the period specified by the State;

(3) In no case shall the total of all periods of taking of eyasses or passage birds exceed 180 days during a calendar year, except that a marked raptor may be retrapped at any time; and

(4) Only American kestrels (Falco sparverius) and great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus) may be taken when over one year old, except that any raptor other than endangered or threatened species taken under a depredation (or special purpose) permit may be used for falconry by General and Master falconers.

(j) Other restrictions. State laws or regulations shall provide the following restrictions or conditions:

(1) A person who possesses a lawfully acquired raptor before the enactment of these regulations and who fails to meet the permit requirements shall be allowed to retain the raptors. All such birds shall be identified with markers supplied by the Service and cannot be replaced if death, loss, release, or escape occurs.

(2) A person who possesses raptors before the enactment of these regulations, in excess of the number allowed under his class permit, shall be allowed to retain the extra raptors. All such birds shall be identified with markers supplied by the Service and no replacement can occur, nor may an additional raptor be obtained, until the number in possession is at least one less than the total number authorized by the class of permit held by the permittee.

(3) A falconry permit holder shall obtain written authorization from the appropriate State wildlife department before any species not indigenous to that State is intentionally released to the wild, at which time the marker from the released bird shall be removed and surrendered to the State wildlife department. The marker from an intentionally released bird which is indigenous to that State shall also be removed and surrendered to the State wildlife department. A standard Federal bird band shall be attached to such birds by the State or Service-authorized Federal bird bander whenever possible.

(4) A raptor possessed under authority of a falconry permit may be temporarily held by a person other than the permittee only if that person is otherwise authorized to possess raptors, and only if the raptor is accompanied at all times by the properly completed form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) designating the permittee as the possessor of record and by a signed, dated statement from the permittee authorizing the temporary possession.

(5) Feathers that are molted or those feathers from birds held in captivity that die, may be retained and exchanged by permittees only for imping purposes.

(k) States Meeting Federal Falconry Standards. In accordance with this section, the Director has determined that the following States meet or exceed the minimum Federal standards for regulating the taking, possession, and transportation of raptors for the purpose of falconry as set forth herein.

*Alabama
*Alaska
*Arizona
*Arkansas
*California
*Colorado
*Florida
*Georgia
*Idaho
*Illinois
*Indiana
*Iowa
*Kentucky
*Louisiana
*Maine
*Massachusetts
*Maryland
*Michigan
*Minnesota
*Mississippi
*Missouri
*Montana
*Nebraska
*Nevada
*New Jersey
*New Mexico
*New York
*North Dakota
*North Carolina
*Ohio
*Oklahoma
*Oregon
* Pennsylvania
*South Carolina
*South Dakota
*Tennessee
*Texas
*Utah
*Virginia
*Washington
*Wisconsin
*Wyoming

[Note: States which are participants in a joint Federal/State permit system will be designated by an asterisk.]

[41 FR 2238, Jan. 15, 1976; 41 FR 8053, Feb. 24, 1976, as amended at 42 FR 42353, Aug. 23, 1977; 43 FR 968, Jan. 5, 1978; 43 FR 10566, Mar. 14, 1978; 43 FR 34150, Aug. 3, 1978; 43 FR 57606, Dec. 8, 1978; 45 FR 25066, Apr. 14, 1980; 45 FR 70276, Oct. 23, 1980; 48 FR 31608, July 8, 1983; 48 FR 42820, Sept. 20, 1983; 54 FR 38153, Sept. 14, 1989.]

21.30 Raptor propagation permits.

(a) Permit requirement. A raptor propagation permit is required before any person may take, possess, transport, import, purchase, barter, or offer to sell, purchase, or barter any raptor, raptor egg, or raptor semen for propagation purposes.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for raptor propagation permits must be submitted to the appropriate Special Agent in Charge (See 13.11(b) of this chapter). Each application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a) of this Chapter, plus the following additional information:

(1) A statement indicating the purpose(s) for which a raptor propagation permit is sought and, where applicable, the scientific or educational objectives of the applicant;

(2) A statement indicating whether the applicant has been issued a State permit authorizing raptor propagation (include name of State, permit number, and expiration date);

(3) A statement fully describing the nature and extent of the applicant's experience with raptor propagation or handling raptors;

(4) A description of each raptor the applicant possesses or will acquire for propagation purposes to include the species, age (if known), sex (if known), date of acquisition, source, and raptor marker number;

(5) A description of each raptor the applicant possesses for purposes other than raptor propagation to include the species, age (if known), sex (if known), date of acquisition, source, raptor marker number, and purpose for which it is possessed;

(6) A description and photographs of the facilities and equipment to be used by the applicant including the dimensions of any structures intended for housing the birds;

(7) A statement indicating whether the applicant requests authority to take raptors or raptor eggs from the wild.

(c) Issuance criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, the Director will decide whether a permit should be issued. In making this decision, the Director shall consider, in addition to the general criteria in 13.21(b) of this Chapter, the following factors:

(1) Whether an applicant's raptor propagation facilities are adequate for the number and species of raptors to be held under the permit.

(2) Whether propagation is authorized by the State in which the propagation will occur, and if authorized, whether the applicant has any required State propagation permit.

(3) Whether the applicant is at least 18 years old with a minimum of 2 years experience handling raptors, and if the applicant requests authority to propagate endangered or threatened species, whether the applicant is at least 23 years old with a minimum of 7 years experience handling raptors.

(4) If the applicant requests authority to take raptors or raptor eggs from the wild:

(i) Whether issuance of the permit would have a significant effect on any wild population of raptors;

(ii) Whether suitable captive stock is available; and

(iii) Whether wild stock is needed to enhance the genetic variability of captive stock.

(d) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions found in Part 13 of this chapter, raptor propagation permits are subject to the following additional conditions:

(1) Facilities. Any tethered raptor possessed under this permit must be maintained in accordance with the Federal falconry standards for "facilities and equipment" described in 21.29(g), unless a specific exception in writing is obtained. For untethered raptors, the breeding facilities must be soundly constructed and entirely enclosed with wood, wire netting, or other suitable material which provides a safe, healthy environment. The design of such facilities and ancillary equipment must:

(i) Minimize the risk of injury by providing protection from predators, disturbances that would likely cause harm, extreme weather conditions, and collision with interior or perimeter construction materials and equipment such as support poles, windows, wire netting, perches, or lights;

(ii) Enhance sanitation by providing a well-drained floor, fresh air ventilation, source of light, fresh water for bathing and drinking, access for cleaning, and interior construction materials suitable for thorough cleaning or disinfection; and

(iii) Enhance the welfare and breeding success of the raptors by providing suitable perches, nesting and feeding sites, and observation ports or inspection windows during times when disturbance is felt to be undesirable.

(2) Incubation of eggs. Each permittee must notify the Director in writing within 5 days from the day the first egg is laid by any raptor held under a raptor propagation permit, but notice is not required more often than once every 60 days.

(3) Marking requirement. Unless otherwise specifically exempted, every raptor possessed for propagation, including all progeny produced pursuant to the permitted activity, must be banded in accordance with the following provisions:

(i) Except for captive-bred raptors lawfully marked with a seamless, numbered band provided by the Service, any raptor possessed for propagation purposes shall be banded with a permanent, non-reusable, numbered band issued by the Service.

(ii) Unless specifically exempted by the conditions of the raptor propagation permit, each captive-bred raptor produced under authority of a raptor propagation permit shall be banded within two (2) weeks of hatching with a numbered, seamless band provided by the Service, placed on the raptor's leg (metatarsus). In marking captive-bred raptors, Permittees:

(A) Shall use a band with an opening (inside diameter) which is small enough to prevent its removal when the raptor is fully grown without causing serious injury to the raptor or damaging the bands integrity or one-piece construction;

(B) May band a raptor with more than one size band when the potential diameter of the raptor's leg at maturity cannot be determined at the time of banding.

(C) Shall remove all but one band from any raptor with more that one band before the raptor is five (5) weeks of age and return all bands removed to the issuing office.

(iii) No raptor taken from the wild, produced from an egg taken from the wild, or produced from an egg from any source other than bred in captivity under authority of a raptor propagation permit may be banded with a numbered seamless band issued by the Service.

(iv) No permittee under this section may band any raptor with any band issued or authorized by the Service unless that raptor is lawfully possessed by the permittee.

(4) Taking Raptors or Raptor Eggs from the Wild. Any permit authorizing the Permittee to take raptors or raptor eggs from the wild for propagation purposes is subject to the following additional restrictions:

(i) The State or foreign country in which the raptors or raptor eggs are taken must authorize the permittee in writing to take raptors or raptor eggs from the wild for propagation purposes.

(ii) No raptor listed in 17.11 of this chapter as "endangered" or "threatened" may be taken from the wild without first obtaining the proper permit under Part 17 of this chapter; and

(iii) No raptor or raptor egg may be taken from the wild except in accordance with State law.

(5) Transfer, purchase, sale, or barter of raptors, raptor eggs, or raptor semen.

(i) A permittee may transfer any lawfully possessed raptor, raptor egg, or raptor semen to another permittee or transfer any raptor to a falconer who holds a valid State falconry permit if no money or other consideration is involved.

(ii) A permittee may transfer, purchase, sell, or barter any raptor which is banded with a numbered seamless marker provided or authorized by the Service, subject to the following conditions:

(A) When the permittee purchases from, sells to, or barters with any person in the U.S., that person must be authorized under this Part to purchase, sell, or barter captive-bred raptors;

(B) When the permittee purchases from or barters with any person in a foreign country, that person must be authorized by the competent wildlife management authority of the foreign country in which the transaction occurs to sell or barter captive-bred raptors; and

(C) When the permittee transfers to, sells to or barters with any person in a foreign country, that person must be authorized to possess, purchase or barter captive-bred raptors by the competent wildlife management authority of his/her country of residence or domicile and the same wildlife management authority must certify in writing that the recipient is an experienced falconer or raptor propagator who is required to maintain any raptors in his/her possession under conditions that are comparable to the conditions under which a permittee must maintain raptors under 21.29 or 21.30. No certification is required if the competent wildlife management authority itself is the recipient of captive-bred raptors for conservation purposes.

(iii) No raptor may be traded, transferred, purchased, sold, or bartered until it is two weeks old and only after it is properly banded with a nonreuseable marker provided or authorized by the Service, unless it is transferred, sold, or bartered to a State or Federal wildlife management agency for conservation purposes.

(iv) A permittee may purchase, sell, or barter semen collected from any captive-bred raptor.

(v) A Permittee may not purchase, sell or barter any raptor eggs, any raptors taken from the wild, any raptor semen collected from the wild, or any raptors hatched from eggs taken from the wild.

(6) Use of Service form 3-186A. No Permittee may take, purchase, receive, or otherwise acquire, sell, trade, barter, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any raptor unless such permittee submits a form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report), completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, to the issuing office within five (5) calendar days of any such transfer. Provided, that a Permittee does not have to submit a form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) to report the acquisition raptors hatched from eggs produced as a result of the permittee's propagation activities as long as these raptors remain in the possession of the permittee.

(7) Documentation of lawful possession. No raptor may be possessed under authority of a raptor propagation permit unless the permittee has a properly completed form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) for each bird possessed, except as provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.

(8) Temporary possession. A raptor possessed under authority of a raptor propagation permit may be temporarily held by a person other than the permittee only if that person is otherwise authorized to possess raptors, and only if the raptor is accompanied at all times by the properly completed form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) designating the permittee as the possessor of record and by a signed, dated statement from the permittee authorizing the temporary possession.

(9) Sale, purchase, barter. A permittee may not sell, purchase, barter, or offer to sell, purchase or barter any raptor unless the raptor is marked on the metatarsus by a seamless, numbered band supplied by the Service.

(10) Transfer to another. A permittee may not receive or otherwise acquire from, may not transfer or otherwise dispose of to, and may not loan to or temporarily place with another person any raptor unless that person is authorized to acquire, possess, and dispose of such raptors under a valid Permit issued pursuant to this Part and Part 13 or as permitted by regulations in this Part.

(11) Use in falconry. A permittee may use a raptor possessed for propagation in the sport of falconry only if such use is designated in both the propagation permit and the permittee's falconry permit.

(12) Interspecific hybridization. Hybridization between species (interspecific hybridization) is authorized only if each raptor produced by interspecific hybridization is either imprinted on humans (hand-raised in isolation from the sight of other raptors from two weeks of age until it is fully feathered) or surgically sterilized.

(13) Possession of dead raptors, non-viable eggs, nests, and feathers.

(i) Upon the death of any raptor held under permit, a permittee must remove the marker and immediately return it to the Director. The carcass must be destroyed immediately, unless the permittee requests authorization from the Director to retain possession of it. A permittee who has obtained written authorization from the Director to retain possession of the carcass may transfer it to any other person authorized by the Service to possess it, provided no money or other consideration is involved.

(ii) A permittee may possess addled or blown eggs, nests, and feathers from raptors held under permit and may transfer any of these items to any other person authorized by the Service to possess them provided no money or other consideration is involved.

(14) Intentional release to the wild.

(i) A permittee must obtain written authorization from the Director and the Director of the wildlife conservation department of the State in which release to the wild is proposed before intentionally releasing any raptor to the wild. The raptor marker must be removed from each bird and immediately returned to the Director. A Federal bird band must be attached to each raptor by a person designated by the Director before its release.

(ii) No raptor produced by interspecific hybridization may be intentionally released to the wild.

(15) Record keeping. A permittee must maintain complete and accurate records of all operations, to include the following:

(i) Acquisition of raptors, eggs, or semen from sources other than production.

(A) Description of stock:

(1) Species, sex, age of each (if applicable),

(2) Genotype-natal area (geographical breeding site or area that captive stock represents, e.g., Colville River, Alaska; unknown; migrant taken in Maryland, etc.), and

(3) Marker number (if applicable).

(B) Type of stock (including number or amount):

(1) Semen,

(2) Egg, or

(3) Bird.

(1) Purchase, barter, or transfer (include the purchase price or a description of any other consideration involved), or

(2) Taken from the wild.

(D) Date acquired: month, day, and year.

(E) From whom or where stock acquired:

(1) Name, address, and permit number of seller, barterer, or transferor; or

(2) Location where stock taken from the wild.

(ii) Disposition of raptors, eggs, or semen.

(A) Description of stock:

(1) Species, sex, age of each (if applicable),

(2) Genotype-natal area (geographical breeding site or area that captive stock represents, e.g., Colville River, Alaska; unknown; migrant taken in Maryland, etc.), and

(3) Marker number (if applicable).

(B) Type of stock (including number or amount):

(1) Semen,

(2) Egg, or

(3) Bird.

(1) Sale, barter, or transfer (include the sale price or a description of any other consideration involved),

(2) Live loss,

(3) Intentional release to the wild, or

(4) Death.

(D) Date of disposition: month, day, and year.

(E) To whom or where stock disposed:

(1) Name, address, and permit number of purchaser, barterer, or transferee, or

(2) Description and location of other disposition.

(iii) Production and pedigree record.

(A) Mother and father(s):

(1) Species,

(2) Genotype-natal area, and

(3) Marker number.

(B) Insemination:

(1) Natural,

(2) Artificial, or

(3) Combined.

(1) Total,

(2) First date, and

(3) Last date.

(D) Eggs hatched:

(1) Total,

(2) First date, and

(3) Last date.

(E) Young raised to 2 weeks of age:

(1) Total produced, and

(2) Marker number and date marked for each raptor.

(16) Annual report. A permittee must submit an annual report by January 31 of each year for the preceding year to the Director. The report must include the following information for each species possessed by the permittee:

(i) Number of raptors possessed as of December 31 (including the species, marker number, sex, and age of each raptor).

(ii) Number of females laying eggs.

(iii) Number of eggs laid.

(iv) Number of eggs hatched.

(v) Number of young raised to 2 weeks of age.

(vi) Number of raptors purchased, sold, bartered, received, or transferred (including the species, marker number, sex, and age of each raptor) the date of the transaction, and the name, address and permit number of each purchaser, seller, barterer, transferor, or transferee.

(e) Term of permit. A raptor propagation permit issued or renewed under this Part expires on the date designated on the face of the permit unless amended or revoked, but the term of the permit shall not exceed three (3) years from the date of issuance or renewal.

[48 FR 31608, July 8, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 9736, Mar. 15, 1984; 54 FR 38153, Sept. 14, 1989.]

Subpart D -- Control of Depredating Birds

21.41 Depredation permits.

(a) Permit requirement. Except as provided in 21.42 through 21.46, a depredation permit is required before any person may take, possess, or transport migratory birds for depredation control purposes. No permit is required merely to scare or herd Depredating migratory birds other than endangered or threatened species or bald or golden eagles.

(b) Application procedures. Applications for depredation permits shall be submitted to the appropriate Special Agent in Charge (see 13.11(b) of this Subchapter). Each such application must contain the general information and certification required by 13.12(a) of this Subchapter plus the following additional information:

(1) A description of the area where depredations are occurring;

(2) The nature of the crops or other interests being injured;

(3) The extent of such injury; and

(4) The particular species of migratory birds committing the injury.

(c) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in Part 13 of this Subchapter B, depredation permits shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) Permittees may not kill migratory birds unless specifically authorized on the permit.

(2) Unless otherwise specifically authorized, when Permittees are authorized to kill migratory birds they may do so only with a shotgun not larger than No. 10 gauge fired from the shoulder, and only on or over the threatened area or area described on the permit.

(3) Permittees may not use blinds, pits, or other means of concealment, decoys, duck calls, or other devices to lure or entice birds within gun range.

(4) All migratory birds killed shall be retrieved by the permittee and turned over to a Bureau representative or his designee for disposition to charitable or other worthy institutions for use as food, or otherwise disposed of as provided by law.

(5) Only persons named on the permit are authorized to act as agents of the permittee under authority of the permit.

(d) Tenure of permits. The tenure of depredation Permits shall be limited to the dates which appear on its face, but in no case shall be longer than one year.

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 42 FR 17122, Mar. 31, 1977]

21.42 Authority to issue Depredating orders to permit the killing of migratory game birds.

Upon the receipt of evidence clearly showing that migratory game birds have accumulated in such numbers in a particular area as to cause or about to cause serious damage to agricultural, horticultural, and fish cultural interests, the Director is authorized to issue by publication in the Federal Register a depredation order to permit the killing of such birds under the following conditions:

(a) That such birds may only be killed by shooting with a shotgun not larger than No. 10 gauge fired from the shoulder, and only on or over the threatened area or areas;

(b) That shooting shall be limited to such time as may be fixed by the Director on the basis of all circumstances involved. If prior to termination of the period fixed for such shooting, the Director receives information that there no longer exists a serious threat to the area or areas involved, he shall without delay cause to be published in the Federal Register an order of revocation;

(c) That such migratory birds as are killed under the provisions of any depredation order may be used for food or donated to public museums or public scientific and educational institutions for exhibition, scientific, or educational purposes, but shall not be sold, offered for sale, bartered, or shipped for purpose of sale or barter, or be wantonly wasted or destroyed: Provided, That any migratory game birds which cannot be so utilized shall be disposed of as prescribed by the Director;

(d) That any order issued pursuant to this section shall not authorize the killing of the designated species of depredating birds contrary to any State laws or regulations. The order shall specify that it is issued as an emergency measure designed to relieve depredations only and shall not be construed as opening, reopening, or extending any open hunting season contrary to any regulations promulgated pursuant to section 3 of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

21.43 Depredation order for blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows and magpies.

A Federal permit shall not be required to control yellow-headed red-winged, bi-colored red-winged, tri-colored red-winged, Rusty and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies, when found committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance; Provided:

(a) That none of the birds killed pursuant to this section, nor their plumage, shall be sold or offered for sale, but may be possessed, transported, and otherwise disposed of or utilized.

(b) That any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this section shall permit at all reasonable times including during actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, warden, protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted; and shall furnish promptly to such officer whatever information he may require, concerning said operations.

(c) That nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the killing of such birds contrary to any State laws or regulations; and that none of the privileges granted under this section shall be exercised unless the person possesses whatever permit as may be required for such activities by the State concerned.

[39 FR 1178, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 42 FR 17122, Mar. 31, 1977]

21.44 Depredation order for designated species of depredating birds in California.

In any county in California in which meadowlarks, horned larks, golden crowned, white-crowned, and other crowned sparrows, goldfinches, house finches, acorn woodpeckers, Lewis woodpeckers, and flickers are, under extraordinary conditions, seriously injurious to agricultural or other interests, the Commissioner of Agriculture may, without a permit, kill or cause to be killed under his general supervision such of the above migratory birds as may be necessary to safeguard any agricultural or horticultural crop in the county; Provided:

(a) That such migratory birds shall be killed only when necessary to protect agricultural or horticultural crops from depredation; that none of the above migratory birds killed, or the parts thereof, or the plumage of such birds, shall be sold or removed from the area where killed; but that all such dead migratory birds shall be buried or otherwise destroyed within this area, except that any specimens needed for scientific purposes, as determined by the State or the Director shall not be destroyed.

(b) That any Commissioner of Agriculture exercising the privileges granted by this section shall keep records of the persons authorized by the Commissioner to kill such migratory birds, and the estimated number of such birds killed pursuant to the exercise of his authority, and the Commissioner shall submit a report thereof to the Director on or before December 31 of each year or whenever the Director so requests.

21.45 Depredation order for depredating purple gallinules in Louisiana.

Landowners, sharecroppers, tenants, or their employees or agents, actually engaged in the production of rice in Louisiana, may, without a permit, shoot purple gallinules (lonomis martinica) when found committing or about to commit serious depredations to growing rice crops on the premises owned or occupied by such persons; Provided:

(a) That purple gallinules may only be killed pursuant to this section between May 1 and August 15 in any year.

(b) That purple gallinules killed pursuant to this section shall not be transported or sold or offered for sale except that, such transportation within the area as may be necessary to bury or otherwise destroy the carcasses of such birds is permitted; Provided, That the Director or the State agricultural department, college, or other public institution may requisition such purple gallinules killed as may be needed for scientific investigations; Provided further, That any purple gallinules killed under authority of this section may also be donated to charitable institutions for food purposes.

(c) That any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this section shall permit at all reasonable times, including during actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, warden, protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted; and shall furnish promptly to such officer whatever information he may require, concerning said operations.

(d) That nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the killing of such migratory birds contrary to any State laws or regulations; and that none of the privileges granted under this section shall be exercised unless the person possesses whatever permit as may be required for such activities by the State of Louisiana.

(e) That any person authorized by this section to exercise the privileges granted therein shall maintain records of the number of birds killed on the premises and shall submit a report thereof, on or before December 31 of each year, to the Director.

21.46 Depredation order for depredating scrub jays and Steller's jays in Washington and Oregon.

Landowners, sharecroppers, tenants, or their employees or agents actually engaged in the production of nut crops in Washington and Oregon may, without a permit, take scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) and Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stellen) when found committing or about to commit serious depredations to nut crops on the premises owned or occupied by such persons; Provided:

(a) That scrub jays and Steller's jays may only be taken pursuant to this section between August 1 and December 1 in any year, in the Washington counties of Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis; and the Oregon counties of Benton, Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill.

(b) That scrub jays and Steller's jays taken pursuant to this section shall not be transported or sold or offered for sale except that, such transportation within the area, as may be necessary to bury or otherwise destroy the carcasses of such birds is permitted: Provided, That the Director of the State agricultural department, college, or other public institution may requisition such scrub jays and Steller's jays killed as may be needed for scientific investigations.

(c) That such birds may be taken only by trapping or shooting and on areas where serious depredations are being or are about to be committed.

(d) That any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this section shall permit at all reasonable times, including during actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, warden, protector, or other law enforcement officer free and unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted; and shall furnish promptly to such officer whatever information he may require, concerning said operations.

(e) That nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the killing of such migratory birds contrary to any State laws or regulations; and that none of the privileges granted under this section shall be exercised unless the person possesses whatever permit as may be required for such activities by the States of Washington and Oregon.

(f) That any person authorized by this section to exercise the privileges granted therein shall maintain records of the number of birds killed on the premises and shall submit a report thereof, on or before December 31 of each year, to the appropriate Special Agent in Charge (see 10.22 of this Subchapter).

[39 FR 31326, Aug. 28, 1974]

Last modified: 03/02/10