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State of California – Department of Fish and Wildlife DFW 360e (Rev. 08/04/2023) FALCONRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS This document is designed to provide essential information about falconry. It does not provide complete coverage o all falconry laws and regulations. Although this document contains excerpts from the Fish and Game Code and Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations, it is the licensee's responsibility to know and obey all laws and regulations in effect while they are participating in falconry activity. Changes to any code may occur at any time during the year. Any discrepancies between this document and the code(s) from which it was prepared will be enforced and adjudicated according to the official code(s) in effect on the date the activity takes place. Please note that as required pursuant to a Stipulated Judgment and Court Order issued on November 14, 2022, in the case Peter Stavrianoudakis v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service et. al, Case No. 1:18-cv-01505-JLT-BAM, CDFW will no longer be enforcing provisions of California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 670, subdivision (h)(13)(A) that are crossed out. Note: The address for the License and Revenue Branch in CCR, title 14, section 670, subdivision (a)(5) has been updated to reflect the current address.  
Fish and Game Code Excerpts §395. Regulations relating to falconry; licensing. (a) The commission may adopt regulations for the possession or training, and the capture, importation, exportation, or intrastate transfer, of any bird in the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) used in the practice of falconry and may authorize the issuance and provide for the revocation of licenses and permits to persons for the practice of falconry. (b) It is unlawful to capture, possess, or train any bird in the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes (birds- of-prey) in the practice of falconry without procuring a falconry license. (c) Regulations shall not be adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) for the possession, training, capture, importation, exportation, or intrastate transfer of American peregrine falcons used in the practice of falconry unless the Legislature provides an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for that purpose. §396. Licensing fee. (a) The falconry license shall be valid for a license year beginning on July 1 and ending on the last day of June of the next succeeding calendar year. If issued after July 1 of any year, a falconry license is valid for the remainder of that license year. (b) For the license years beginning on or after March 1, 1987, the fee for a falconry license is a base fee of thirty dollars ($30) as adjusted under Section 713. §670. Practice of Falconry. (a) General Provisions. (1) Any person who wants to engage in falconry activities shall first apply for and be issued an annual falconry license from the department. (2) Except as provided in Section 12300, Fish and Game Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in falconry in California unless they have in their immediate possession a valid original falconry license, a valid original hunting license, and any required stamps. (3) Falconry activities shall be as provided by the Fish and Game Code and regulations provided herein. (4) Applicable regulations adopted by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and published in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21 (Revised 07/02/2015), hereinafter referred to as 50 CFR 21, are hereby incorporated and made a part of these regulations. (5) Falconry applications and records as required by this section shall be kept on forms provided by the department and submitted to the department's License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090; or, submitted to the department's online reporting system website at wildlife.ca.gov. (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) “Abatement” is the use of trained raptors to reduce human/wildlife conflicts. (2) “Captive-bred raptor” means the progeny of a mating of raptors in captivity, or progeny produced through artificial insemination. (3) “Capture” means to trap or capture or attempt to trap or capture a raptor from the wild. (4) “Eagles” includes golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), and Steller's sea-eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus). (5) “Exotic raptor” is a raptor that has no subspecies occurring naturally in the wild in the United States and is not covered under the MBTA. (6) “Eyas raptor” or “nestling” is a young raptor not yet capable of flight. (7) “Falconry” means the possession, housing, trapping, transport, and use of raptors for the purpose of hunting or training. (8) “Hacking” is the temporary or permanent release 
California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Excerpts  of a raptor held for falconry to the wild so that it may gain experience and conditioning. (9) “Hybrid raptor” means offspring of raptors of two or more distinct species listed in Title 50, CFR, Section 10.13. (10) “Imping” is to cut a broken or damaged feather and replace or repair it with another feather. (11) “Imprint” means a raptor that is hand-raised in isolation from the sight of other raptors from two weeks of age until it has fledged. An imprinted raptor is considered to be so for its entire lifetime. (12) “License year” is the 12-month period starting July 1 and ending the following June 30, and is the same as the term “regulatory year” for determining possession and take of raptors for falconry as defined in 50 CFR 21. (13) “Non-native raptor” is any raptor that does not naturally occur in the state of California (14) “Passage raptor” is a juvenile raptor less than one year old that is capable of flight. (15) “Raptor” means any bird of the Order Falconiformes, Accipitriformes or Strigiformes, or a hybrid thereof. (16) “Wild raptor” means a raptor removed from the wild for falconry. It is considered a wild captured raptor, no matter its time in captivity or whether it is transferred to other licensees or permit types. (c) Take of Game Species or Nongame Birds or Mammals. Every person using falconry raptors to hunt or take resident small game including upland game species, migratory game birds, or nongame birds or mammals in California shall abide by the laws and regulations authorizing hunting of such species, including, but not limited to, licenses, seasons, bag limits, and hunting hours. (1) A licensee shall ensure, to the extent possible, that falconry activities do not result in unauthorized take of wildlife. (A) If an animal is injured as a result of unauthorized take, the licensee shall remove the animal from the raptor and transport the injured animal to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center. (B) If an animal is killed as a result of an unauthorized take, the licensee may allow a falconry bird to feed on the kill but the licensee shall not possess the animal and shall leave the kill at the site where taken. (2) The take shall be reported to the department, with the band or tag number of the species taken (if any), as set forth in subsection (f). (d) Take of State or Federal Threatened or Endangered Species. This license does not authorize take of state or federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate wildlife, or wildlife designated as fully protected within the State of California. Any take shall be reported by the licensee to the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Ecological Services Field Office and the department's License and Revenue Branch within 10 calendar days of the kill. The licensee shall report his or her name, falconry license number, date, species and sex (if known) of the animal taken, and exact location of the kill as provided in 50 CFR 21. (e) Licensing. (1) Falconry Licenses: A falconry license is issued in one of three falconry classes listed in subsection (e)(6) and may be issued to a: citizen, who is applying for a new license; license that has not been expired for more than 5 years; (C) California licensee who is applying to renew a license that has not expired; and, has a valid falconry license issued from another state or country. (2) Application for License. (A) The applicant for a new license shall submit a completed New Falconry License Application with the nonrefundable fee, as specified in Section 703, to the address listed on the application. (B) The applicant for renewal of a license that has not been expired for more than 5 years shall submit a completed Falconry License Renewal Application with the nonrefundable fee, as specified in Section 703, to the address listed on the application. (C) The department may issue new licenses and renew licenses with the conditions it determines are necessary to protect native wildlife, agriculture interests, animal welfare, and/or human health and safety. (D) Signed Certification. Each application shall contain a certification worded as follows: “I certify that I have read and am familiar with both the California and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service falconry regulation, CFR 50, Sections 21.29 through 21.30, and that the information I am submitting is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false statement herein may subject me to cancellation of the application, suspension or revocation of a license, and/or administrative, civil, or criminal penalties. I understand that my facilities, equipment, or raptors are subject to unannounced inspection pursuant to subsection 670(j), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations. I certify that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by, all conditions of this license, the applicable provisions of the Fish and Game Code, and the regulations promulgated thereto. I certify that there are no pending or previous legal or administrative proceedings that could disqualify me from obtaining this license.” The application shall be submitted with the applicant's original signature. (E) Experience. The department shall consider an applicant's falconry experience acquired in California, as well as another state or country when reviewing an application for any class of license. The department shall determine which class of falconry license is appropriate, consistent with the class requirements herein and the documentation submitted with the application demonstrating prior falconry experience. (3) Examination Requirement. An applicant not possessing a valid falconry license, or required to apply for a new falconry license in California shall pass the falconry examination to demonstrate proficiency in falconry and raptor-related subject areas before being issued a license. An applicant shall correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions to pass the examination. An applicant who fails to pass the examination may take another examination no earlier than the next business day following the day of the failed examination. An applicant shall submit the nonrefundable falconry examination fee specified in Section 703 each time the applicant takes an examination. (A) An applicant who meets one of the following criteria shall be exempt from taking the California falconry examination: 1. An applicant who provides documentation of successfully passing a federally approved examination in a state that has had its falconry regulations certified as specified in 50 CFR 21 will not be required to take the examination in California if the applicant took the examination less than five years prior to submitting an application for a California falconry license. 2. The applicant is a nonresident or non-U.S. citizen falconer who has a valid falconry license issued from another state or country. 3. The applicant is a member of a federally recognized tribe and has a valid falconry license issued from that member's tribe. (B) After successfully passing the falconry examination, the raptor housing facility, if any, of a new applicant shall pass an inspection and be certified by the department, pursuant to subsection (j), before a license may be issued. (4) Expired License. A license for the practice of falconry expires and is not valid unless renewed annually with the required application form and payment of fees as specified in Section 703. (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to practice falconry, including possession of falconry raptors, without a valid license in their possession. (B) If a license has not been renewed for a period less than 5 years from the expiration date on the license, the license may be renewed at the class held previously if the applicant provides proof of licensure at that class. (C) If a license has not been renewed for a period of more than 5 years from the expiration date on the license, it shall not be renewed. The applicant shall apply for a new falconry license and successfully complete the examination as set forth in subsection (e)(3). Upon passing the examination and the payment of the annual license application fee, a license may be issued at the class previously held if the applicant provides proof of prior licensure at that class. (5) Nonresidents of California and Non-US Citizens. (A) A person who is a member of a federally recognized tribe and has a valid falconry license from that member's tribe shall be considered a nonresident licensed falconer for purposes of subsection (e)(5). (B) A nonresident licensed falconer or non-U.S. citizen licensed falconer may temporarily practice falconry in California for up to 120 calendar days without being required to obtain a California falconry license. 1. A nonresident licensed falconer or non-U.S. citizen licensed falconer may practice falconry with raptors from a licensed California falconer, provided that signed and dated written authorization is given to the nonresident or non-U.S. citizen by the licensee. The original written authorization must be carried with the licensee while in possession of the raptor. 2. A nonresident licensed falconer or non-U.S. citizen licensed falconer shall provide and thereafter maintain facilities and equipment for raptors in the licensee's possession while temporarily practicing falconry in California. Temporary facilities shall meet the standards in these regulations, including, but not limited to, provisions described in subsection (j), and pursuant to 50 CFR 21. 3. A nonresident licensed falconer or non-U.S. citizen licensed falconer may house raptors in the licensee's possession at another licensed falconer's facilities while temporarily practicing falconry in California. (C) A nonresident licensed falconer or non-U.S. citizen licensed falconer applying for a falconry license in California shall submit proof of a valid falconry license held from the licensee's tribe, state or country, along with the completed New Falconry License Application and fee, and pass a facility inspection pursuant to subsection (j). (D) A nonresident or non-US citizen applicant applying for a falconry license in California but not possessing a valid original falconry license from the applicant's tribe, state, or country of origin shall submit the completed New Falconry License Application and fee, and pass both the examination and a facility inspection pursuant to subsection (e)(3) herein. (6) Falconry Classes. There are three classes of licensed falconers in California: Apprentice falconer, General falconer, and Master falconer. The department at its sole discretion may issue a falconry license in one of these classes to an applicant who meets the requirements and qualifications for the class as described in these regulations. (A) Apprentice Falconer. 1. Age. An applicant for an Apprentice falconer license shall be at least 12 years of age at the date of application. If an applicant is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian shall co-sign the application and shall be legally responsible for activities of the Apprentice falconer. 2. Sponsorship. A sponsor is required for at least the first two years in which an Apprentice falconry license is held, regardless of the age of the Apprentice falconer. A sponsor shall be a Master falconer or a General falconer who has at least two years of experience at the General Falconer class. A sponsor shall certify in writing to the department that the sponsor will assist the Apprentice falconer, as necessary, in learning the husbandry and training of raptors held for falconry; learning the relevant wildlife laws and regulations; and determining what species of raptor is appropriate for the Apprentice falconer to possess; and will notify the department's License and Revenue Branch immediately if sponsorship terminates. 3. Termination of Sponsorship. If sponsorship is terminated, an Apprentice falconer and the Apprentice's sponsor shall immediately notify the department's License and Revenue Branch in writing. The license shall be valid only if the Apprentice falconer acquires a new sponsor within 30 calendar days from the date sponsorship is terminated, and provides written notification, along with the new sponsor's certification, to the department once a new sponsor is secured. Failure to comply with sponsorship requirements shall result in loss of qualifying time from the date sponsorship was terminated to the date of securing a new sponsor, and no subsequent license shall be issued until the required two years of sponsorship have been fulfilled. may possess for falconry purposes no more than one wild or captive-bred red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) or American kestrel (Falco sparverius) at any one time, regardless of the number of state, tribal, or territorial falconry licenses in possession and only as long as the raptor in possession is trained in the pursuit of game and used in hunting. An Apprentice falconer may only capture from the wild or possess a passage red-tailed hawk or an American kestrel. The Apprentice may take raptors less than 1 year old, except nestlings. Apprentice falconers are not required to capture a wild raptor themselves; the raptor can be transferred to the Apprentice by another licensee. An Apprentice falconer may not capture from the wild or possess an eyas raptor or a raptor that is imprinted on humans. An Apprentice falconer must maintain written proof of legal acquisition. 5. Inspection of Facilities. After successfully passing the falconry examination, the facility of an Apprentice applicant shall pass an inspection and be certified by the department, pursuant to subsection (j), before a license may be issued. 6. Advancement From Apprentice Class. An Apprentice falconer shall submit a completed Apprentice Falconer's Annual Progress Report, as specified in Section 703, to the address listed on the report. The report shall demonstrate that the Apprentice falconer has practiced falconry with a raptor at the Apprentice class for at least two years, including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting with the raptor for at least four months in each license year, and a summary of the species the Apprentice possessed, how long each was possessed, how often each was flown, and methods of capture and release. Within the report, the sponsor shall certify in writing to the department that the Apprentice falconer has met the requirements of these regulations. No falconry school program or education shall be substituted for the minimum period of two years of experience as an Apprentice falconer. (B) General Falconer. 1. Age. General falconers shall be at least 16 years of age. If an applicant is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian shall co-sign the application and shall be legally responsible for activities of the General falconer. 2. Possession of Raptors. A General falconer may possess for falconry purposes any wild raptor species listed in subsection (g)(6), any captive-bred or hybrid of any species of Order Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, or Strigiformes, or any legally acquired raptor from another state or country. A General falconer must maintain written proof of legal acquisition. A General falconer shall possess no more than three raptors for use in falconry at any one time, regardless of the number of state, tribal, or territorial falconry licenses in possession; and only two of these raptors may be wild-caught. Only eyas or passage raptors may be wild-caught; except American kestrel (Falco sparverius) or great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) may be captured at any age. 3. Advancement From General Class. A General falconer shall have practiced falconry with a raptor, including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting with the raptor, at the General class for at least five years before advancing to Master falconer. No falconry school program or education shall be substituted for the minimum period of five years of experience as a General falconer. (C) Master Falconer. 1. Possession of Raptors. A Master falconer may possess for falconry purposes any wild raptor species listed in subsection (g)(6), any captive-bred or hybrid of any species of Order Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, or Strigiformes, or any legally acquired raptor from another state or country. A Master falconer must maintain written proof of legal acquisition. A Master falconer may possess any number of raptors except the licensee shall possess no more than five wild-caught raptors for use in falconry at any one time, regardless of the number of state, tribal, or territorial falconry licenses in possession. Only eyas or passage raptors may be wild- caught; except American kestrel (Falco sparverius) or great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) may be captured at any age. 2. Possession of Eagles. A Master falconer may possess up to three eagles with proof of legal acquisition at any one time, except no bald eagle shall be possessed. i. Eagles shall not be captured from the wild in California. ii. Eagles may only be obtained from a permitted source. iii. Eagles originating in California from a licensed California rehabilitation facility may be temporarily transferred to a Master Falconer for the purpose of rehabilitation in accordance with 50 CFR 21, and with subsection (h)(3) herein. iv. The department shall authorize in writing which species of eagles a Master falconer may possess pursuant to 50 CFR 21. The Master falconer shall submit a written request for this authorization and include a resume of the licensee's experience in handling large raptors such as eagles, and two letters of recommendation to the department's License and Revenue Branch. The resume documenting experience shall include information about the type of large raptor species handled, such as eagles or large hawks, the type and duration of the activity in which experience was gained, and contact information for references who can verify the experience. The two letters of recommendation shall be from persons with experience handling and/or flying large raptors. Each letter shall be dated, signed in ink with an original signature and shall describe the author's experience with large raptors, including, but not limited to, handling of raptors held by zoos, rehabilitating large raptors, or scientific studies involving large raptors. Each letter shall also assess the licensee's ability to care for eagles and fly them in falconry. The department may deny a request for a Master falconer to possess an eagle if the applicant has less than the equivalent of two years of experience handling large raptors or, at the department's discretion, the department determines that based on a letter of recommendation the applicant is not capable of caring for the eagle or flying it in falconry. (7) Fees. The base fee for a falconry license is specified in Fish and Game Code Section 396. Falconry-related fees are specified in Section 703 of these regulations for the following: (A) Application. An applicant shall submit a nonrefundable falconry license application fee when applying for a new license or renewing a license. (B) Examination. An applicant shall submit a nonrefundable falconry examination fee each time the applicant takes an examination. (C) Inspection. An applicant or licensee shall submit a nonrefundable inspection fee prior to the department inspecting the licensee's facilities, raptors, if present, and equipment. The inspection fee provides for inspections of up to five enclosures. 1. If a facility has more than five enclosures, an additional inspection fee is required for every additional enclosure over five. 2. If the applicant or licensee is sharing an existing raptor facility with another licensed falconer, and possesses proof of a passed inspection, there is no requirement for an additional inspection. (D) Re-inspection. An applicant shall submit an additional nonrefundable re-inspection fee when his or her facility has failed to pass a previous inspection. (E) Administrative Processing. An applicant shall submit a nonrefundable administrative processing fee for each Resident Falconer Raptor Capture, Recapture and Release Report submitted to the department's License and Revenue Branch when not using the department's online reporting system. (8) Denial. The department may deny the issuance of a new license or a renewal of an existing or expired license if: (A) The applicant or licensee has failed to comply with regulations adopted pursuant to the Fish and Game Code related to raptors, Fish and Game Code Section 1054, or Penal Code Section 597; or (B) The applicant or licensee has failed to comply with any provision of any statute, regulation, rule or ordinance existing in any other state or in any city, county, or other local governing entity in any other state, that is related to the care and licensing of raptors, so long as the failure to comply would constitute a violation of the Fish and Game Code, regulations related to raptors in Title 14, or Penal Code Section 597; (C) The applicant or licensee has failed to comply with any provision of any federal statute, regulation, or rule that is related to the care and licensing of raptors, including, but not limited to, 50 CFR 21. (D) The department shall deny the issuance of a license or renewal of an existing license if the applicant or licensee fails to submit all required items or perform any task necessary to obtain a license. Before denying an application for this reason, the department shall notify the applicant in writing that the application is deficient. The applicant may supplement an application by providing the missing required information or materials. If sent by U.S. mail or other carrier, these materials shall be postmarked no later than 30 calendar days after the date of the proof of service accompanying the department's notification. If the 30 calendar day deadline falls on a weekend or holiday the submission of additional information or materials will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit additional information or materials. The department may extend this deadline for good cause. If denied, the applicant or licensee may submit a new application at any time. pursuant to these regulations may be suspended or revoked at any time by the department for failure to comply with the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant to the Fish and Game Code related to raptors, Fish and Game Code Section 1054, or Penal Code Section 597. If the licensee has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of violating one of these provisions, the suspension or revocation shall take effect immediately if the violation pertains to conduct that threatens native wildlife, agricultural interests of this state, the welfare of the birds, or the safety of the public, or if the licensee has been previously convicted of violating the provisions described above or has had his or her license previously suspended or revoked. If the licensee has not been convicted, the suspension or revocation shall take effect when the time to request an appeal as described herein has expired. A timely request for an appeal will stay the department's suspension or revocation if the licensee was not convicted as described above. (10) Proof of Service. All notices sent from the department to a falconry applicant or licensee as described herein shall include a proof of service that consists of a declaration of mailing, under penalty of perjury, indicating the date of mailing the department's notification, denial, or other correspondence. (11) Appeal. Any applicant or licensee who is denied a license, an amendment to an existing license or has a license suspended or revoked by the department pursuant to these regulations may appeal that denial, amendment, suspension, or revocation by filing a written request for an appeal with the commission. If sent by U.S. mail or other carrier, a request for an appeal shall be postmarked no later than 30 calendar days after the date of the proof of service accompanying the department's notice of denial, suspension, or revocation. If submitted electronically or by facsimile, it shall be received no later than 30 calendar days after the date of the proof of service. The commission shall not accept a request for an appeal that is submitted after the 30 calendar day deadline to request an appeal. If the 30 calendar day deadline falls on a weekend or holiday the request for appeal will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the 30 calendar day deadline to submit a request for appeal. (12) Record Keeping. A licensee shall retain copies of all falconry-related records (hard copy or electronic) including, but not limited to, the applicant's falconry license, raptor transfer records, capture and release and disposition records, import or export documentation, sponsorship information, annual reports submitted to the department, and all health records of raptors possessed pursuant to the falconry license (Falconry Records) for at least five years. (13) Name or Address Change. The licensee shall notify the department's License and Revenue Branch, in writing, of any change of name or mailing address within 30 calendar days of the change. Facility address changes must be reported within five business days of the change. (f) Reporting Requirements. (1) Licensees are required to report all raptor acquisition and disposition information using the Resident Falconer Raptor Capture, Recapture and Release Report within 10 calendar days to the department's online reporting system. (A) For raptors acquired from the wild or released back to the wild, submission shall include information about the county of capture/release, date of capture/release, a description of the capture/release site, a description of the capture method, species information, and Latitude/Longitude coordinates of capture/release site. (B) If a licensee is unable to use the department's online reporting system, the licensee may submit relevant forms by mail, fax, or email to the department's License and Revenue Branch, or the licensee may report over the telephone to the License and Revenue Branch. The information will be entered into the department's online reporting system by department staff, and the department shall charge a nonrefundable administrative processing fee, as specified in Section 703, for each form entered. (2) Upon applying for license renewal or within 10 calendar days after expiration of the license, whichever comes first, a licensee shall submit to the department an annual report using the Falconry Hunting Take Report, as specified in Section 703, summarizing the number and type of prey species taken while hunting, counties hunted, and birds used in hunting during the most recent license year, as well as any inadvertent take of non-target wildlife. (3) Upon applying for license renewal or within 10 calendar days after expiration of the license, whichever comes first, an Apprentice falconer shall submit to the department's License and Revenue Branch an annual report using the Apprentice Falconer's Annual Progress Report, as specified in Section 703. The report shall be signed and dated by both the Apprentice falconer and sponsor. The report will be used by the department to determine qualifying experience for future licenses. (g) Capturing Raptors From the Wild. (1) A resident licensed falconer may not capture more than two raptors from the wild during the license year and only as authorized for each falconry class license. (2) A nonresident licensed falconer may request to capture within California one wild raptor of the species specified in subsection (g)(8), excluding species with capture quotas, and shall submit to the department's License and Revenue Branch a complete Nonresident Falconer Application for Raptor Capture Permit , as specified in Section 703. The permit issued shall be valid beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 of the following year, or if issued after the beginning of the permit year, for the remainder of that permit year. Whether successful or unsuccessful in capturing a raptor, the nonresident licensed falconer shall submit a complete Nonresident Falconer Raptor Capture Permit and Report, as specified in Section 703. Nonresidents shall only capture raptors from the wild in accordance with the conditions of the permit. Nonresidents that request to capture species with capture quotas must submit an application for the random drawing, as specified in subsection (g)(9). (3) Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible to capture any California wild raptor. that do not injure them. The licensee shall identify all set traps with the name and address of the licensee and shall check such traps at least once every 12 hours, except that all snare type traps shall be attended at all times when they are deployed. (5) A licensee shall be present during the capture of a raptor from the wild; however another General or Master licensed falconer may capture the raptor for the licensee. A licensee's presence during capture includes attendance of snare traps, or attendance while checking non-snare traps at least once every 12 hours. If a licensee has a long-term or permanent physical impairment that prevents the licensee from attending the capture of a raptor for use in falconry, then another licensee may capture a bird for the licensee without the licensee being present. The licensee is responsible for reporting the capture. The raptor will count as one of the two raptors the licensee is allowed to capture in that license year. (6) The following raptor species may be captured from the wild in California: Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), merlin (Falco columbarius), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), barred owl (Strix varia), and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). (7) No more than two nestlings of the species allowed for capture from the wild may be captured by the same General or Master licensee during the license year. In no case may all nestlings be captured and removed from any nest. At least one nestling shall be left in a nest at all times. (8) The following restrictions apply to the total, cumulative capture of wild raptors among all licensees. These restrictions are in addition to the limitation of two wild raptors per licensee during the license year. (A) Northern Goshawk. 1. The Lake Tahoe Basin area is defined as those portions of Placer, El Dorado, and Alpine counties within a line: beginning at the north end of Lake Tahoe, at the California-Nevada state line approximately four miles north of Stateline Point in the near vicinity of Mt. Baldy; westerly along the Tahoe Divide between the Lake Tahoe and Truckee River drainages to the intersection of the north line of Section 36, T17N, R17E, MDM; west along said north section line to the section corner common to section 25, 26, 35, and 36, T17N, R17E, MDM; south approximately one mile along the common section line; southwesterly to the intersection of the Tahoe Divide and Highway 267 in the near vicinity of Brockway Summit; southwesterly in the near vicinity of the Tahoe Divide to Mt. Pluto; south to Mt. Watson; westerly approximately two miles to Painted Rock; southerly approximately two miles along the Tahoe Divide to the intersection of Highway 89; southwesterly along the Tahoe Divide to Ward Peak; southerly approximately 30 miles along the Tahoe Divide to a point on the Echo Lakes Road; southeasterly along said road to Old Highway 50; southeasterly along Old Highway 50 to the intersection of the Echo Summit Tract Road; southerly along said road to Highway 50; easterly along Highway 50 to the intersection of the South Echo Summit Tract Road; southerly along said road to the Tahoe Divide; southerly along the Tahoe Divide past the Alpine county line to Red Lake Peak; northerly along the Tahoe Divide past Monument Peak to the California-Nevada state line; north on the state line to the point of beginning. NOTE: the area described above includes the entire basin of Lake Tahoe within California. (B) Cooper's Hawk. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of Cooper's hawks captured statewide during the license year. (C) Sharp-shinned Hawk. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of sharp-shinned hawks captured statewide during the license year. (D) Red-tailed Hawk. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of red-tailed hawks captured statewide during the license year. (E) Red-shouldered Hawk. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of red-shouldered hawks captured statewide during the license year. (F) Merlin. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of merlins captured statewide during the license year. Merlins may be captured only from August 15 through February 28 every year. (G) American Kestrel. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of American kestrels captured statewide during the license year. (H) Prairie Falcon. No more than 14 prairie falcons may be captured per license year. (I) Barred Owl. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of barred owls captured statewide during the license year. (J) Great Horned Owl. No restrictions on cumulative number or location of great horned owls captured statewide during the license year. (9) Special Raptor Capture Permit Drawing. A random drawing shall be held by the department to distribute Special Raptor Capture Permits to capture species with quotas, which include one Northern goshawk in the Tahoe Basin and prairie falcons from the wild, as specified in subsection (g)(8). An applicant may be a resident and/or nonresident and must possess a valid General or Master falconry license at the time of application to enter the drawing. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible to enter the drawing. (A) A resident applicant shall not submit more than two drawing applications each license year. (B) A nonresident applicant shall not submit more than one drawing application each license year. (C) Licensees may apply through the department's Automated License Data System at license agents, department license sales offices, or on the department's website, using a Special Raptor Capture Drawing Application. Each application submitted must specify the species the applicant is applying for to capture from the wild. The applicant shall submit a nonrefundable Special Raptor Capture Drawing Application fee, as specified in Section 703 for each drawing application submitted. (D) Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Pacific Standard Time, on May 15 each year. (E) Permits are awarded according to an applicant's choice and computer-generated random number (lowest to highest) drawing. Successful applicants and a list of alternates for each species and/or area shall be determined by random drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible. (F) Successful and alternate applicants will be notified. Unsuccessful applicants shall not be notified. The successful applicant shall submit the Special Raptor Capture Permit fee, as specified in Section 703, to the department's License and Revenue Branch by 5:00 p.m. on June 30 each year to claim the permit. If the deadline to submit the fee falls on a weekend or holiday, payment will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the first state business day following the deadline to submit payment. Unclaimed permits shall be awarded to alternates for that species and/or area on an individual basis, in the order drawn. (G) A Special Raptor Capture Permit shall only be issued to a successful applicant who holds a General or Master falconry license that is valid for the same license year that the permit is valid. Only the permit holder is entitled to capture a raptor, and the permit shall be in immediate possession of the permit holder during the capture. Permits are not transferable and are valid only for the species, area and period as specified on the permit. (H) A permit holder who successfully captures a Northern goshawk or prairie falcon shall immediately complete the capture portion of the permit and shall return the permit to the department's License and Revenue Branch or enter it on the department's online reporting system within 10 calendar days of the capture. The submission shall include information about the county of capture, date of capture, a description of the capture site, a description of the capture method, species information, and Latitude/Longitude coordinates of capture site. (I) A permit holder who is unsuccessful in capturing a Northern goshawk or prairie falcon shall indicate “unsuccessful” on the report card portion of the permit and shall return the permit to the department's License and Revenue Branch within 10 calendar days of the expiration of the permit. (J) The permit holder shall surrender the permit to an employee of the department for any act by the permit holder that violates any raptor related provision of the Fish and Game Code, or any regulation of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, and any act on the part of the permit holder that endangers the person or property of others. The decision of the department shall be final. (10) Banded or Marked Raptors. If a licensee captures a raptor that has a band, research marker, or transmitter attached to it, the licensee shall promptly report the band number and all other relevant information to the Federal Bird Banding Laboratory at 1- 800-327-2263. (A) If the raptor has a transmitter attached to it, the licensee may possess the raptor for up to 30 calendar days, during which time the licensee shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner of the transmitter. If the owner wants to replace the transmitter or its batteries, or have the transmitter removed and the bird released, the owner or the owner's designee may make such change or allow the licensee to do so before the raptor is released. Temporary possession of the raptor will not count against the licensee's possession limit for falconry raptors. If the owner cannot be contacted or does not want the transmitter to remain on the raptor, the licensee may keep the raptor if it was lawfully captured. (B) If the raptor belongs to a falconer, subsection (h)(12) shall apply. (11) Injury Due to Trapping. If a raptor is injured due to trapping, the raptor may be put on the licensee's falconry license and it will count as part of the possession limit. If the licensee adds the raptor on the falconry license, the licensee shall report the capture to the department's online reporting system within 10 calendar days after capture, and shall have the raptor immediately treated by a veterinarian or a permitted California wildlife rehabilitator. Alternately, the injured raptor may be immediately given directly to a veterinarian or a permitted California wildlife rehabilitator. In either case, the licensee is responsible for the costs of care and rehabilitation of the raptor. (12) Unintentional Capture. A licensee shall immediately release any bird unintentionally captured that the licensee is not authorized to possess. (13) Public and Private Lands. A licensee is not authorized to capture raptors or practice falconry on public lands where it is prohibited, on private property without written permission from the landowner or tenant, or on tribal government lands without written permission. The licensee shall carry the original signed written permission while practicing falconry. (h) Possession, Transfer, and Disposition of Raptors. (1) Permanent Transfer of Raptor. A licensee may acquire a raptor through a transfer and shall report the transfer by entering the required information on the department's online reporting system within 10 calendar days of the transfer. The number of raptors acquired through a transfer is not restricted, as long as the licensee abides by the requirements of the licensee's class, and does not exceed the licensee's possession limit. (A) If a licensee transfers a raptor removed from the wild to another licensee in the same year in which it is captured, the raptor will count as one of the raptors the licensee is allowed to capture from the wild that year. It will not count as a capture by the recipient. (B) A surviving spouse, executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased licensee may transfer any bird held by the licensee to another authorized licensee within 90 calendar days of the death of the licensee. After 90 calendar days, disposition of a raptor held under the license shall be at the discretion of the department. (2) Temporary Transfer or Care of Raptor. Any licensee who temporarily transfers possession of the licensee's raptor to another licensee, or allows an unlicensed person to temporarily care for a raptor, shall provide written notification of such transfer to the department's License and Revenue Branch within 10 calendar days after the bird is transferred. The notification shall include contact information including name, address, phone number, and email address of the temporary caregiver. (A) Temporary possession of a raptor by a licensee shall not exceed 120 calendar days. Temporary possession may exceed 120 calendar days only if a request is made to the department's License and Revenue Branch and written authorization is given. Temporary care of a raptor by an unlicensed person shall not exceed 45 calendar days. A raptor cared for by an unlicensed person shall remain housed at the licensee's facility. The unlicensed person is not authorized to fly the raptor. A licensed falconer in temporary possession of a raptor may fly the raptor if the falconer possesses the appropriate class license. (3) Assisting In Raptor Rehabilitation. A General or Master falconer may assist a permitted California wildlife rehabilitator to condition a raptor for its release back into the wild. A rehabilitation raptor in the care of the licensee for this purpose shall not be added to the licensee's falconry license, but shall remain under the permit of the rehabilitator. (A) The rehabilitator shall provide the licensee with a letter of temporary transfer that identifies the raptor and explains that the falconer is assisting in its rehabilitation. The terms of the temporary transfer are at the discretion of the rehabilitator to assure the necessary care of the raptor. The licensee shall have in possession the letter or legible copies while assisting in the rehabilitation of the raptor. (B) The licensee shall return any such raptor that cannot be released to the wild to the rehabilitator within 180 calendar days unless otherwise authorized by the department's License and Revenue Branch. The department's Wildlife Branch will make the possession determination. (4) Importation of Raptors by Nonresidents or Non- U.S. Citizens. A nonresident or non-U.S. citizen may temporarily import lawfully possessed raptors into California for up to 120 calendar days. The department's License and Revenue Branch shall be notified within 10 calendar days prior to importing the raptor. A nonresident or non-U.S. citizen shall submit to the department's License and Revenue Branch official written authority to export raptors from the originating state or country, along with a health certificate for the raptor, prior to importing a raptor. A non-U.S. citizen may import a falconry raptor that the licensee possesses legally, provided that importation of that species into the United States is not prohibited, and the licensee has met all permitting requirements of the licensee's country of residence. Import of raptors, including exotic raptors, may be subject to other state and federal laws and may require additional federal permits. (5) Release of Raptors. A licensee may release a native, wild caught raptor to the wild in California only to a location near the site that raptor was originally captured, and in appropriate habitat for that species of raptor. If the licensee cannot access the site of original capture, then licensee shall release it in appropriate habitat for that species of raptor. (A) Prior to release, the licensee shall ensure the immediate area around the release site is free from other raptors. (B) The licensee shall remove any falconry band on the raptor being released; however seamless metal bands shall remain attached. (C) A licensee may not intentionally and permanently release a non-native raptor, hybrid, or native captive-bred raptor to the wild in California. (D) A licensee shall not release any barred owl to the wild in California. A licensee shall contact the department's License and Revenue Branch to determine disposition of a barred owl in possession. The department's Wildlife Branch will determine disposition. (6) Hacking. A wild raptor may be hacked for conditioning or as a method for release back into the wild. Any hybrid, captive-bred, or exotic raptor a licensee has in possession may be hacked for conditioning, and shall have two attached functioning radio transmitters during hacking except native captive bred raptors shall have a minimum of one functioning transmitter. A licensee may not hack any raptor near a known nesting area of a state or federally threatened or endangered, or fully protected animal species or in any other location where a raptor may take or harm a state or federally listed threatened or endangered, or fully protected animal species. Only a General or Master falconer may hack falconry raptors. (7) Death, Escape or Theft. A licensee whose raptor dies, escapes, or is stolen shall report the loss of the raptor by entering the required information on the department's online reporting system within 10 calendar days of the loss. A licensee may attempt to recover a raptor lost to the wild for up to 30 calendar days before reporting the loss. The licensee shall also report a theft of a raptor to an appropriate local law enforcement agency within 10 calendar days of the loss. (8) Disposition of Raptor Carcass. If a raptor dies and was banded or had an implanted microchip, the band or microchip shall be left in place. If a licensee keeps the carcass or parts thereof, the licensee shall retain all records of the raptor. A licensee must send the entire body of a golden eagle carcass held for falconry, including all feathers, talons, and other parts, to the National Eagle Repository. Within 10 calendar days the carcass of any other raptor species shall be either: (A) Delivered to the department if the licensee obtains authorization from the department's License and Revenue Branch prior to delivery. The department's Wildlife Branch will make the determination where the carcass will go. A carcass may only be delivered to the department if the carcass is frozen; or (B) Donated to any person authorized to possess the raptor or parts thereof; or (C) Kept by the licensee for use in imping; or (D) Burned, buried, or otherwise destroyed; or (E) Delivered to a taxidermist for mounting and possession by the licensed falconer only. licensee shall return the mounted raptor to the department. 2. Within 30 days of the death of the licensee, the estate shall return the mounted raptor to the department. 3. In either event, the licensee or the estate shall contact the department's License and Revenue Branch. The department's Wildlife Branch will determine the disposition of the mounted raptor. (9) Recapture. A licensee may recapture a raptor wearing falconry equipment or a captive-bred or exotic raptor at any time, whether or not the licensee is authorized to possess the species. A recaptured raptor will not count against the possession limit of the licensee, nor will its capture from the wild count against the licensee's limit on number of raptors captured from the wild. The licensee shall report recaptured raptors by submitting a complete Resident Falconer Raptor Capture, Recapture and Release Report to the department's online reporting system within five calendar days. (A) A recaptured falconry raptor shall be returned to the person who lawfully possessed it. If that person cannot possess the raptor or does not wish to possess it, the licensee who recaptured the raptor may keep it if that species is allowed under the licensee's existing license. If kept, the raptor will count towards the licensee's possession limit. 1. A licensee who retains a recaptured raptor shall report the acquisition to the department's online reporting system within five calendar days. 2. If neither party wishes to keep the raptor, disposition of the raptor will be at the discretion of the department. The licensee in possession shall contact the department's License and Revenue Branch. The department's Wildlife Branch will determine the disposition of the recaptured raptor. (10) Use of Feathers. A licensee may possess feathers of each species of raptor authorized to be possessed for as long as the licensee has a valid falconry license. For eagle feathers, a licensee must follow federal standards as noted in 50 CFR 21. A licensee may receive raptor feathers from another person in the United States as long as that person is authorized to possess the feathers. Feathers from a falconry raptor may be donated to any person with a valid permit to possess them, or to anyone exempt from a permit requirement for feather possession. Any feathers of falconry raptors possessed by a falconer whose license has expired or been suspended or revoked shall be donated to any person exempt from the permit requirement or authorized by permit to acquire and possess the feathers within 30 calendar days of the license expiration, suspension or revocation. If the feathers are not donated, they shall be burned, buried, or otherwise destroyed. (11) Purchase, Buy, Sell, Trade, or Barter. No person shall purchase, buy, sell, trade or barter wild raptors or any parts thereof including, but not limited to, feathers. A licensee may purchase, buy, sell, trade or barter captive-bred, hybrid or exotic raptors marked with seamless metal bands to other persons or entities who are authorized to possess them. (12) Use of Hybrid, Non-native, and Exotic Raptors. When flown free, hybrid, non-native, or exotic raptors shall have attached at least two functioning radio transmitters to allow the raptor to be located. (13) Other Uses of Falconry Raptors. A licensee may use falconry raptors for education, exhibiting, propagation, or abatement. A licensee may transfer a wild-caught raptor to a raptor propagation permit, but the raptor shall have been used in falconry for at least two years, or at least one year for a sharp-shinned hawk, merlin, Cooper's hawk or American kestrel. A wild caught raptor may be transferred to another permit type other than falconry only if it has been injured and can no longer be used in falconry. In this case, the licensee shall provide a copy of a certification from a veterinarian to the department's License and Revenue Branch stating that the raptor is not useable in falconry. (A) Education and Exhibiting. A licensee may use raptors in his or her possession for training purposes, education, field meets, and media (filming, photography, advertisements, etc.), as noted in 50 CFR 21, if the licensee possesses the appropriate valid federal permits, as long as the raptor is primarily used for falconry and the activity is related to the practice of falconry or biology, ecology or conservation of raptors and other migratory birds. Any fees charged, compensation, or pay received during the use of falconry raptors for these purposes may not exceed the amount required to recover costs. An Apprentice falconer may use the licensee's falconry raptor for education purposes only under the supervision of a General or Master falconer. (B) Propagation. A licensee may conduct propagation activities with raptors possessed under a falconry permit if the licensee possesses a valid federal Raptor Propagation Permit and the person overseeing propagation has any other necessary state and federal authorization or permits. The raptor shall be transferred from a falconry license to a federal Raptor Propagation Permit if it is used in captive propagation for eight months or more in a license year. The transfer shall be reported by submitting a complete Resident Falconer Raptor Capture, Recapture and Release Report to the department's online reporting system. Transfer of a raptor from a falconry license to a federal Raptor Propagation Permit is not required if the raptor is used for propagation purposes fewer than eight months in a license year. (C) Abatement. A Master falconer may conduct abatement activities with raptors possessed under a falconry license and receive payment if the licensee possesses a valid federal Special Purpose Abatement Permit. A General falconer may conduct abatement activities only as a sub-permittee of the holder of a valid federal Special Purpose Abatement Permit. (i) Banding and Tagging. (1) A goshawk captured from the wild or acquired from another licensee shall be banded with a permanent, nonreusable, numbered USFWS leg band if the raptor is not already banded. A peregrine, gyrfalcon or Harris's hawk legally acquired from another state, or from another licensee, shall be banded with a permanent, nonreusable, numbered USFWS leg band if the raptor is not already banded. (A) A licensee shall obtain a permanent, nonreusable, numbered USFWS leg band from the department's License and Revenue Branch. The License and Revenue Branch shall report banding data to the USFWS. (B) A licensee may purchase and implant an ISO (International Organization for Standardization)- compliant (134.2 kHz) microchip in addition to the band. The licensee shall report the band number or the microchip information to the department's online reporting system when reporting acquisition of the bird. (2) Captive bred raptors that are listed under the MBTA shall be banded with seamless metal bands. (3) If a band is lost or must be removed from a raptor in a licensee's possession, the licensee shall report the loss of the band to the department's online reporting system within five (5) days, and the licensee shall request a replacement permanent, nonreusable, numbered USFWS leg band from the department's License and Revenue Branch. (4) After receiving a replacement band from the department's License and Revenue Branch, the licensee shall reband a raptor if the original band is lost or removed. The License and Revenue Branch shall report rebanding data to the USFWS. (5) The alteration, counterfeiting or defacing of a band is prohibited except that licensees may remove the rear tab or may smooth any imperfect surface provided the integrity of the band and numbering are not affected. (6) The department may approve an exemption from the banding requirement if a licensee provides documentation that health or injury problems to a raptor are caused by a band. If an exemption is approved, the licensee shall keep the written exemption and shall carry a copy when transporting or flying the raptor. If a wild Northern goshawk is exempted from the banding requirement, an ISO-compliant microchip supplied by the USFWS shall be used instead. (j) Facilities, Equipment, and Inspections. (1) Housing Standards and Specifications. Raptor housing facilities shall meet the standards in 50 CFR 21 at all times. Raptor housing facilities shall be inspected and certified by the department prior to issuance of a falconry license. Thereafter, a licensee shall maintain approved permanent facilities for housing raptors. (A) Raptor housing facilities shall protect raptors housed in them from predators, the environment, domestic animals, and escape, and shall provide a healthy, clean, and safe environment. (B) Indoor (“mews”) or outdoor (“weathering area”) raptor facilities may be used to house raptors. (C) Falconry raptors may be kept outside in the open at any location when in the presence of a licensed falconer and may be temporarily under watch by a person 12 years or older designated by the licensee. (D) Permanent falconry facilities may be either on property owned by a licensee, on property owned by another person where a licensee resides, or elsewhere with property owner approval. (E) A licensee shall report to the department's License and Revenue Branch, in writing within five calendar days if the licensee moves the licensee's permanent falconry facilities to another location. The department will conduct a facility inspection, as specified in Section 703, and the licensee shall pay the inspection fees. (2) Equipment. A licensee shall have jesses or other materials and equipment to make them, leash, swivel, bath container, and appropriate scales or balances for weighing raptors the licensee possess. (3) Inspections. Inspections of indoor or outdoor facilities, equipment, and raptors shall be conducted by the department. Inspections are required for a new        license applicant, applicants renewing a license which has been expired more than 5 years, and licensees that move facility housing to a new address. Applicants and licensees shall initiate the inspection by submitting a complete Raptor Facilities and Falconry Equipment Inspection Report and fees, as specified in Section 703. Equipment and facilities that meet the federal standards shall be certified by the department using the Raptor Facilities and Falconry Equipment Inspection Report. Equipment and facilities that do not meet the minimum standards and specifications shall not be certified by the department. (A) The department may conduct unannounced visits to inspect facilities, equipment, or raptors possessed by the licensee, and may enter the facilities of any licensee when the licensee is present during a reasonable time of the day and on any day of the week. The department may also inspect, audit, or copy any permit, license, book, or other record required to be kept by the licensee under these regulations at any time. The department may deny the issuance of, or immediately suspend, the license of a licensee who refuses to be available to participate in a facility inspection or who refuses to allow inspection of a facility, license, book, or other record required to be kept by the licensee. A refusal to allow inspection may be inferred if, after reasonable attempts by the department, the licensee is unavailable for inspection. The department may reinstate a license suspended pursuant to this subsection if the licensee allows the department to inspect the facility, license, book, or other record, and no violations of these regulations or any license conditions are observed during that inspection. (B) If a licensee's facilities are not on property owned by the licensee, the licensee shall submit to the department's License and Revenue Branch a signed and dated statement with original signature from the property owner indicating the property owner agrees that the falconry facilities and raptors may be inspected by the department without advance notice. NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 200, 203, 265, 355, 356, 395, 396, 398, 710.5, 710.7, 713, 1050, 1054, 1530, 1583, 1802, 3007, 3031, 3039, 3503, 3503.5, 3511, 3513, 3800, 3801.6, 3950, 4150 and 10500, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 395, 396, 713, 1050, 3007, 3031, 3503, 3503.5, 3511, 3513 and 3801.6, Fish and Game Code; Section 597, Penal Code; and Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 21.29 and 21.30. |
