Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-4-422

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R12-4-422 - Sport Falconry License

A. In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-101, R12-4-101, and R12-4-401, and for the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

"Abatement" means the use of a trained raptor to scare, flush, or haze wildlife to manage depredation or other damage, including threats to human health and safety, caused by the wildlife.

"Captive-bred raptor" means a raptor hatched in captivity.

"Hack" means the temporary release of a raptor into the wild to condition the raptor for use in falconry.

"Hybrid" has the same meaning as prescribed under 50 CFR 21.3, revised October 1, 2019. This incorporation by reference contains no future editions or amendments. The incorporated material is available at any Department office, online at www.gpo.gov, or may be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

"Imping" means using a molted feather to replace or repair a damaged or broken feather.

"Imprint" has the same meaning as prescribed under 50 CFR 21.3, revised October 1, 2019. This incorporation by reference contains no future editions or amendments. The incorporated material is available at any Department office, online at www.gpo.gov, or may be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

"Retrices" means a raptor's tail feathers.

"Sponsor" means a licensed General or Master falconer with a valid Arizona Sport Falconry license who has committed to mentoring an Apprentice falconer.

"Suitable perch" means a perch that is of the appropriate size and texture for the species of raptor using the perch.

"Wild raptor" means a raptor taken from the wild, regardless of how long the raptor is held in captivity or whether the raptor is transferred to another licensed falconer or other permit type.

B. An Arizona Sport Falconry license permits a person to capture, possess, train, and transport a raptor for the purpose of sport falconry in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

1. The sport falconry license validates the appropriate license for hunting or taking quarry with a trained raptor. When taking quarry using a raptor, a person must possess a valid:

a. Sport falconry license, and

b. Appropriate hunting license.

2. The sport falconry license is valid until the third December from the date of issuance.

3. A licensed falconer may capture, possess, train, or transport wild, captive-bred, or hybrid raptors, subject to the limitations established under subsections (H)(1), (H)(2), and (H)(3), as applicable.

C. The Department shall comply with the licensing time-frame established under R12-4-106.

D. A resident who possesses or intends to possess a raptor for the purpose of sport falconry shall hold an Arizona Sport Falconry license, unless the person is exempt under A.R.S. § 17-236(C) or possesses only raptors not listed under 50 CFR Part 10.13, revised October 1, 2019, and no later amendments or editions. The incorporated material is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000, and is on file with the Department.

E. In addition to the requirements established under this Section, a licensed falconer shall also comply with special license requirements established under R12-4-409.

F. The sport falconry license holder shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements; the license does not:

1. Exempt the license holder from any municipal, county, state, or federal codes, ordinances, statutes, rules, or regulations;

2. Authorize the license holder to engage in authorized activities using federally-protected wildlife, unless the license holder possesses a valid license, permit, or other form of documentation issued by the United States authorizing the license holder to use that wildlife in a manner consistent with the special license; or

3. Authorize a licensed falconer to capture or release a raptor or practice falconry on public lands where prohibited or on private property without permission from the land owner or land management agency.

G. The Department shall deny a sport falconry license to a person who fails to meet the requirements established under R12-4-409, or this Section. The Department shall provide a written notice to an applicant stating the reason for the denial. The person may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.

H. The Department may issue a Sport Falconry license for the following levels to an eligible person:

1. Apprentice level license:

a. An Apprentice falconer shall:

i. Be at least 12 years of age; and

ii. Have a written statement from a sponsor who is a licensed Master Falconer or a General Falconer while practicing falconry as an apprentice. The written statement shall meet the requirements established under subsection (K)(3)(a)(vi). When a sponsorship is terminated, the apprentice is prohibited from practicing falconry until a new sponsor is acquired. After acquiring a new sponsor, an apprentice shall submit a written statement from the new sponsor to the Department within 30 days. The written statement shall meet the requirements established under subsection (K)(3)(a)(vi).

b. An Apprentice falconer may possess only one raptor at a time for use in falconry.

c. An Apprentice falconer is prohibited from possessing any:

i. Species listed under 50 CFR 17.11, revised October 1, 2019, and subspecies,

ii. Raptor taken from the wild as a nestling,

iii. Raptor that has imprinted on humans,

iv. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus),

v. White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla),

vi. Steller's sea-eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), or

vii. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

viii. For the purposes of subsection (H)(1)(c)(i), this incorporation by reference contains no future editions or amendments. The incorporated material is available at any Department office, online at www.gpo.gov, or may be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

2. General level license:

a. A General falconer shall:

i. Be at least 16 years of age; and

ii. Have submit a written statement provided by the Apprentice Falconer's sponsor, stating that the General falconer practiced falconry as an apprentice falconer for at least two years, including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting with a raptor for at least four months in each year. An applicant cannot substitute any falconry school program or education to shorten the two-year Apprentice period.

b. A General falconer may possess:

i. Up to three raptors at a time for use in falconry; and

ii. Up to the total number of federally permitted or sub-permitted raptors as indicated on the Master falconer's respective federal abatement or propagation permit.

c. A General falconer is prohibited from possessing a:

i. Bald eagle,

ii. White-tailed eagle,

iii. Steller's sea-eagle, or

iv. Golden eagle.

3. Master level license:

a. A Master falconer shall have practiced falconry as a General falconer for at least five years using raptors possessed by that falconer.

b. A Master falconer may possess:

i. Any species of wild, captive-bred, or hybrid raptor.

ii. Any number of captive-bred raptors provided they are trained and used in the pursuit of wild game;

iii. Up to three of the following species, provided the requirements established under subsection (H)(3)(d) are met: Golden eagle, White-tailed eagle, or Steller's Sea eagle; and

iv. Up to the total number of federally permitted abatement or propagation raptors as indicated on the Master falconer's respective federal abatement or propagation permit.

c. A Master falconer is prohibited from possessing:

i. More than three eagles

ii. A bald eagle, or

iii. More than five wild caught raptors.

d. A Master falconer who wishes to possess an eagle shall apply for and receive approval from the Department before possessing an eagle for use in falconry. The licensed falconer shall submit the following documentation to the Department before a request may be considered:

i. Proof the licensed falconer has experience in handling large raptors such as, but not limited to, ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) and goshawks (Accipter gentilis);

ii. Information regarding the raptor species, to include the type and duration of the activity in which the experience was gained; and

iii. Written statements of reference from two persons who have experience handling or flying large raptors such as, but not limited to, eagles, ferruginous hawks, and goshawks. Each written statement shall contain a concise history of the author's experience with large raptors, and an assessment of the applicant's ability to care for and fly an eagle in falconry.

I. A sponsor shall:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Have practiced falconry as a Master or General falconer for at least two years.

3. Sponsor no more than three apprentices at any one time.

4. Notify the Department within 30 consecutive days after a sponsorship is terminated.

5. Determine the appropriate species of raptor for possession by an apprentice.

6. Provide instruction to the Apprentice falconer pertaining to:

a. Husbandry, training, and trapping of raptors held for falconry;

b. Hunting with a raptor; and

c. Relevant wildlife laws and regulations.

J. A falconer licensed in another state or country is exempt from obtaining an Arizona Sport Falconry license under R12-4-407(B)(9), unless the falconer remains in Arizona for more than 180 consecutive days. A falconer licensed in another state or country and who remains in this state for more than the 180-day period shall apply for an Arizona Sport Falconry license in order to continue practicing sport falconry in this state. The falconer licensed in another state or country shall present a copy of the out-of-state or out-of-country falconry license, or its equivalent, to the Department upon request.

1. A falconer licensed in another state shall:

a. Comply with all applicable state and federal falconry regulations,

b. Possess only those raptors authorized under the out-of-state sport falconry license, and

c. Provide a health certificate for each raptor possessed under the out-of-state sport falconry license when the raptor is present in this state for more than 30 consecutive days. The health certificate may be issued after the date of the interstate importation, but shall have been issued no more than 30 consecutive days prior to the interstate importation.

2. A falconer licensed in another country may possess, train, and use for falconry only those raptors authorized under the out-of-country sport falconry license, provided the import of that species into the United States is not prohibited. This subsection does not prohibit the falconer from flying or training a raptor lawfully possessed by any other licensed falconer.

3. A falconer licensed in another country is prohibited from leaving an imported raptor in this state, unless authorized under federal permit. The falconer shall report the death or escape of a raptor possessed by that falconer to the Department as established under subsection (O)(1) or prior to leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

4. A falconer licensed in another country shall:

a. Comply with all applicable state and federal falconry regulations;

b. Comply with falconry licensing requirements prescribed by the country of licensure not in conflict with federal or state law;

c. Notify the Department no less than 30 consecutive days prior to importing a raptor into this state;

d. Provide a health certificate, issued no earlier than 30 consecutive days prior to the date of importation, for each raptor imported into this state; and

e. Attach two functioning radio transmitters to any raptor imported into this country by the falconer while flown free in this state by any falconer.

K. An applicant for a Sport Falconry license shall pass the examination required under subsection (N), ensure their raptor housing facility is inspected and meets the requirements established under subsection (M), and submit an application to the Department. The application is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office and the Department's website.

1. An applicant shall provide the following information on the application:

a. Falconry level desired;

b. Name;

c. Date of birth;

d. Mailing address;

e. Telephone number, when available;

f. Department I.D. number;

g. Applicant's physical description, to include the applicant's eye color, hair color, height, and weight;

h. Arizona hunting license number, when available;

i. Number of years of experience as a falconer;

j. Current Falconry license level;

k. Physical address of a housing facility when the raptor is kept at another location, when applicable;

l. Information documenting all raptors possessed by the applicant at the time of application, to include:

i. Species;

ii. Subspecies, when applicable;

iii. Age;

iv. Sex;

v. Band or microchip number, as applicable;

vi. Date and source of acquisition; and

m. The certification required under R12-4-409(C);

n. Parent or legal guardian's signature, when the applicant is under the age of 18;

o. Date of application; and

p. Any other information required by the Department.

2. An applicant shall certify that the applicant has read and is familiar with applicable state laws, rules, and the regulations under 50 CFR Part 13 and the other applicable parts in 50 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter B and that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge and belief.

3. In addition to the information required under subsection (K)(1), a person applying for:

a. An Apprentice level license shall also provide the sponsor's:

i. Name,

ii. Date of birth,

iii. Mailing address,

iv. Department I.D. number,

v. Telephone number, and

vi. A written statement from the sponsor stating that the falconer agrees to sponsor the applicant.

b. A General level license shall also provide:

i. Information documenting the applicant's experience in maintaining falconry raptors, to include the species and period of time each raptor was possessed while licensed as an Apprentice falconer; and

ii. A written statement from the sponsor certifying that the applicant has practiced falconry at the Apprentice falconer level for at least two years, and maintained, trained, flown, and hunted with a raptor for at least four months in each year.

c. A Master level license shall certify that the falconer has practiced falconry as a General falconer with his or her own raptors for at least five years.

L. An applicant for any level Sport Falconry license shall pay all applicable fees required under R12-4-412.

M. The Department shall inspect the applicant's raptor housing facilities, materials, and equipment to verify compliance with the requirements established under R12-4-409(I), and this Section before issuing a Sport Falconry license. The applicant or licensed falconer shall ensure all raptors currently possessed by the falconer and kept in the housing facility are present at the time of inspection.

1. The Department may inspect a housing facility, equipment, raptors, or records:

a. At any time before or during the license period to determine compliance with this Section,

b. After a change of location, when the Department cannot verify the housing facility is the same facility as the one approved by a previous inspection, or

c. Prior to the acquisition of a new species or addition of another raptor when the previous inspection does not indicate the housing facilities can accommodate a new species or additional raptor.

d. The Department shall comply with A.R.S. § 41-1009 when conducting inspections at a license holder's facility.

2. A licensed falconer shall notify the Department no more than five business days after changing the location of a housing facility.

3. When a housing facility is located on property not owned by the licensed falconer, the falconer shall provide a written statement signed and dated by the property owner at the time of inspection. The written statement shall specify that the licensed falconer has permission to keep a raptor on the property and the property owner permits the Department to inspect the falconry housing facility at any reasonable time of day and in the presence of the licensed falconer.

4. A licensed falconer shall ensure the housing facility:

a. Provides a healthy and safe environment,

b. Is designed to keep predators and domestic animals out,

c. Is designed to avoid injury to the raptor,

d. Is easy to access,

e. Is easy to clean, and

f. Provides access to fresh water and sunlight.

5. In addition to the requirements established under R12-4-409(I):

a. A licensed falconer shall ensure housing facilities where raptors are held:

i. Has a suitable perch that is protected from extreme temperatures, wind, and excessive disturbance for each raptor;

ii. Has at least one opening for sunlight; and

iii. Has walls that are solid, constructed of vertical bars spaced narrower than the width of the body of the smallest raptor housed therein, or any other suitable materials approved by the Department. A nestling may be kept in any suitable container or enclosure until it is capable of flight.

b. A licensed falconer shall possess all of the following equipment:

i. At least one flexible, weather-resistant leash;

ii. One swivel appropriate to the raptor being flown;

iii. At least one water container, available to each raptor kept in the housing facility, that is at least two inches deep and wider than the length of the largest raptor using the container;

iv. A reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing raptors, graduated in increments of not more than 15 grams;

v. Suitable equipment that protects the raptor from extreme temperatures, wind, and excessive disturbance while transporting or housing a raptor when away from the permanent housing facility where the raptor is kept, and

vi. At least one pair of jesses constructed of suitable material or Alymeri jesses consisting of an anklet, grommet, and removable strap that attaches the anklet and grommet to a swivel. The falconer may use a one-piece jess only when the raptor is not being flown.

6. A licensed falconer may keep a falconry raptor inside the falconer's residence provided a suitable perch is supplied. The falconer shall ensure all flighted raptors kept inside a residence are tethered or otherwise restrained at all times, unless the falconer is moving the raptor into or out of the residence. This subsection does not apply to nestlings, which do not need to be tethered or otherwise restrained.

7. A licensed falconer may keep multiple raptors together in one enclosure untethered only when the raptors are compatible with each other.

8. A licensed falconer may keep a raptor temporarily outdoors in the open provided the raptor is continually under observation by the falconer or an individual designated by the falconer.

9. A licensed falconer may keep a raptor in a temporary housing facility that the Department has inspected and approved for no more than 120 consecutive days.

10. A licensed falconer may keep a raptor in a temporary housing facility that the Department has not inspected or approved for no more than 30 consecutive days. The falconer shall notify the Department of the temporary housing facility prior to the end of the 30-day period. The Department may inspect a temporary housing facility as established under R12-4-409(J).

N. Prior to the issuance of a Sport Falconry license, an applicant shall:

1. Present proof of a previously held state-issued sport falconry license, or

2. Correctly answer at least 80% of the questions on the Department administered written examination.

a. A person whose Sport Falconry license is expired more than five years shall take the examination. The Department shall issue to an eligible applicant a license for the sport falconry license type previously held by the applicant after the applicant correctly answers at least 80% of the questions on the written examination and presents proof of the previous Sport Falconry license.

b. A person who holds a falconry license issued in another country shall correctly answer at least 80% of the questions on the written examination. The Department shall determine the level of license issued based upon the applicant's documentation.

O. A licensed falconer shall:

1. Submit a paper copy of the 3-186A form to report any of the following raptor possession changes to the Department no more than 10 business days after the occurrence:

a. Acquisition,

b. Banding,

c. Escape into the wild without recovery after 30 consecutive days have passed,

d. Death,

e. Microchipping,

f. Rebanding,

g. Release,

h. Take, or

i. Transfer.

2. Submit a copy of the falconer's federal propagation report, when applicable.

3. Submit a copy of the falconer's federal abatement report, when applicable.

4. Upon discovering the theft of a raptor, the falconer shall immediately report the theft of a raptor to the Department and USFWS by:

a. Contacting the Department's regional office within 48 hours; and

b. Submitting the electronic 3-186A form within 10 days.

P. A licensed falconer shall print and maintain copies of all required 3-186A form and associated documents for each abatement, falconry, and propagation raptor possessed by the falconer, as applicable. The falconer shall retain copies of all required documents for a period of five years from the date on which the raptor left the falconer's possession.

Q. A licensed falconer or a person with a valid falconry license, or its equivalent, issued by any state meeting federal falconry standards may capture a raptor for the purpose of falconry only when authorized by Commission Order.

1. A falconer attempting to capture a raptor shall possess:

a. A valid Arizona Sport Falconry license or valid falconry license, or its equivalent, issued by another state, and

b. Any required Arizona hunt permit-tag issued to the licensed falconer for take of the authorized raptor, and

c. A valid Arizona hunting or combination license. A short-term combination hunting and fishing license is not valid for capturing a raptor under this subsection.

2. An Apprentice falconer may take from the wild:

a. Any raptor not prohibited under subsection (H)(1)(c) that is less than one year of age, except nestlings or

b. An adult raptor.

3. A General or Master falconer may take from the wild:

a. A raptor of any age, including nestlings, provided at least one nestling remains in the nest; or

b. An adult raptor.

4. A licensed falconer shall take no more than two raptors from the wild for use in falconry each calendar year. For the purpose of take limits, a raptor is counted towards the licensed falconer's take limit by the falconer who originally captured the raptor.

5. A falconer attempting to capture a raptor shall:

a. Not use stupefying substances;

b. Use a trap or bird net that is not likely to cause injury to the raptor;

c. Ensure that each trap or net the falconer is using is continually attended; and

d. Ensure that each trap used for the purpose of capturing a raptor is marked with the falconer's name, address, and license number.

6. A licensed falconer shall report the injury of any raptor injured due to capture techniques to the Department. The falconer shall transport the injured raptor to a veterinarian or licensed rehabilitator and pay for the cost of the injured raptor's care and rehabilitation. After the initial medical treatment is completed, the licensed falconer shall either:

a. Keep the raptor and the raptor shall count towards the falconer's take and possession limit, or

b. Transfer the raptor to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator and the raptor shall not count against the falconer's take or possession limit.

7. When a licensed falconer takes a raptor from the wild and transfers the raptor to another falconer who is present at a capture site, the falconer receiving the raptor is responsible for reporting the take of the raptor.

8. A General or Master falconer may capture a raptor that will be transferred to another licensed falconer who is not present at the capture site. The falconer who captured the raptor shall report the take of the raptor and the capture shall count towards the General or Master falconer's take limit. The General or Master falconer may then transfer the raptor to another falconer.

9. A General or Master falconer may capture a raptor for another licensed falconer who cannot attend the capture due to a long-term or permanent physical impairment. The licensed falconer with the physical impairment is responsible for reporting the take of the raptor and the raptor shall count against their take and possession limits.

10. A licensed falconer may capture any raptor displaying a seamless metal band, or any other item identifying it as a falconry raptor, regardless of whether the falconer is prohibited from possessing the raptor. The capturing falconer shall return the recaptured raptor to the falconer of record. The raptor shall not count towards the capturing falconer's take or possession limits, provided the capturing falconer reports the temporary possession of the raptor to the Department no more than five consecutive days after capturing the raptor.

a. When the falconer of record cannot or does not wish to possess the raptor, the falconer who captured the raptor may keep the raptor, provided the falconer is eligible to possess the species and may do so without violating any requirement established under this Section.

b. When the falconer of record cannot be located, the Department shall determine the disposition of the recaptured raptor.

11. A licensed falconer may capture and shall report the capture of any raptor wearing a transmitter to the Department no more than five business days after the capture. The falconer shall attempt to contact the researcher or licensed falconer who applied the transmitter and facilitate the replacement or retrieval of the transmitter and raptor. The falconer may possess the raptor for no more than 30 consecutive days while waiting for the researcher or falconer to retrieve the transmitter and raptor. The raptor shall not count towards the falconer's take or possession limits, provided the falconer reports the temporary possession of the raptor to the Department no more than five consecutive days after capturing the raptor. The Department shall determine the disposition of a raptor when the researcher or falconer does not replace the transmitter or retrieve the raptor within the initial 30-day period.

12. A licensed falconer may capture any raptor displaying a federal Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) aluminum research band or tag, except a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). A licensed falconer who captures a raptor wearing a research band or tag shall report the following information to BBL and the Department:

a. Species,

b. Band or tag number,

c. Location of the capture, and

d. Date of capture.

e. A person can report the capture of a raptor wearing a research band or tag to BBL by submitting information regarding the capture online at the BBL website.

13. A licensed falconer may recapture a falconer's lost or any escaped falconry raptor at any time. The Department does not consider the recapture of a wild falconry raptor as taking a raptor from the wild.

14. When attempting to trap a raptor in Cochise, Graham, Pima, Pinal, or Santa Cruz counties, a licensed falconer shall:

a. Not begin trapping while a northern aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) is observed in the vicinity of the trapping location.

b. Suspend trapping when a northern aplomado falcon arrives in the vicinity of the trapping location.

15. In addition to the requirements in subsection (Q)(14), an apprentice falconer shall be accompanied by a General or Master falconer when attempting to capture a raptor in Cochise, Graham, Pima, Pinal, or Santa Cruz counties.

16. A licensed Master falconer may take up to two golden eagles from the wild only as authorized under 50 CFR Parts 21 and 22. The Master falconer may:

a. Capture a golden eagle or an immature or sub-adult golden eagle during the time a livestock depredation area and associated depredation permit or depredation control order are in effect as declared by USDA Wildlife Services and permitted under 50 CFR 22.23, or upon the request of the Arizona Governor pursuant to 50 CFR 22.31 and 22.32.

b. Take a nestling from its nest or a nesting adult golden eagle in a livestock depredation area if a biologist representing the agency responsible for declaring the depredation area determines the adult eagle is preying on livestock or wildlife and that any nestling of the adult will be taken by a falconer authorized to possess it or by the biologist and transferred to a person authorized to possess it.

c. The falconer shall inform the Department of the capture plans in person, in writing, or by telephone at least three business days before trapping is initiated. The falconer may send written notification to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Law Enforcement Programs Coordinator at 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086.

17. A licensed falconer shall ensure any falconry activities the falconer is conducting do not cause unlawful take under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq., or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 668 through 668d. The Department or USFWS may provide information regarding where take is likely to occur. The falconer shall report the take of any federally listed threatened or endangered species or bald or golden eagle to the USFWS Arizona Ecological Services Field Office.

R. A licensed falconer shall comply with all of the following banding requirements:

1. A licensed falconer shall ensure the following raptors are banded after capture:

a. Northern Goshawk,

b. Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), and

c. Peregrine falcon.

2. The falconer shall request a band no more than five consecutive days after the capture of a raptor by contacting the Department. A Department representative or a General or Master licensed falconer may attach the USFWS leg band to the raptor.

3. A licensed falconer shall not use a counterfeit, altered, or defaced band.

4. A falconer holding a federal propagation permit shall ensure a raptor bred in captivity wears a seamless metal band furnished by USFWS, as prescribed under 50 CFR 21.30.

5. A licensed falconer may remove the rear tab on a band and smooth any imperfections on the surface, provided doing so does not affect the band's integrity or numbering.

6. A licensed falconer shall report the loss of a band to the Department no more than five business days after discovering the loss. The falconer shall reband the raptor with a new USFWS leg band furnished by the Department.

S. A licensed falconer may request Department authorization to implant an ISO-compliant [134.2 kHz] microchip in lieu of a band into a captive-bred raptor or raptor listed under subsection (R)(1).

1. The falconer shall submit a written request to the Department.

2. The falconer shall retain a copy of the Department's written authorization and any associated documentation for a period of five years from the date the raptor permanently leaves the falconer's possession.

3. The falconer is responsible for the cost of implanting the microchip and any associated veterinary fees.

T. A licensed falconer may allow a falconry raptor to feed on any species of wildlife incidentally killed by the raptor for which there is no open season or for which the season is closed, but shall not take such wildlife into possession.

U. A General or Master falconer may hack a falconry raptor. Any raptor the falconer is hacking shall count towards the falconer's possession limit during hacking.

1. A falconer is prohibited from hacking a raptor near the nesting area of a federally threatened or endangered species or in any other location where the raptor is likely to disturb or harm a federally listed threatened or endangered species. The Department may provide information regarding where this is likely to occur.

2. A licensed falconer shall ensure any hybrid raptor flown free or hacked by the falconer is equipped with at least two functioning radio transmitters.

V. A licensed falconer may release:

1. A wild-caught raptor permanently into the wild under the following circumstances:

a. The raptor is native to Arizona,

b. The falconer removes the raptor's falconry band and any other falconry equipment prior to release, and

c. The falconer releases the raptor in a suitable habitat and under suitable seasonal conditions.

2. A captive-bred raptor permanently into the wild only when the raptor is native to Arizona and the Department approves the release of the raptor. The falconer shall request permission to release the captive-bred raptor by contacting the Department. When permitted by the Department and before releasing the captive-bred raptor, the General or Master falconer shall hack the captive-bred raptor in a suitable habitat and the appropriate season.

3. A licensed falconer is prohibited from intentionally releasing any hybrid or non-native raptor permanently into the wild.

W. A Master falconer may conduct and receive payment for abatement conducted with a falconry raptor or federally permitted abatement raptor. The falconer shall apply for and obtain all required federal permits prior to conducting any abatement activities. The falconer shall comply with the reporting requirement under subsection (O). A General falconer may conduct abatement activities only when authorized under the federal permit held by the Master falconer.

X. A person other than a licensed falconer may temporarily care for a falconry raptor for no more than 45 consecutive days, unless approved by the Department. The raptor under temporary care shall remain in the falconer's facility. The raptor shall continue to count towards the falconer's possession limit. An unlicensed caretaker shall not fly the raptor. The falconer may request an extension from the Department to the temporary possession period if extenuating circumstances occur. The Department shall evaluate extension requests on a case-by-case basis.

Y. A licensed falconer may serve as a caretaker for another licensed falconer's raptor for no more than 120 consecutive days, unless approved by the Department. The falconer shall provide the temporary caretaker with a signed and dated statement authorizing the temporary possession of each raptor and a copy of USFWS form 3-186A that shows that the licensed falconer is the possessor of each raptor. The statement shall also include the temporary possession period and activities the caretaker may conduct with the raptor. a The raptor under temporary care shall not count toward the caretakers possession limit. The temporary caretaker may fly or train the raptor when permitted by the falconer in writing. The falconer may request an extension from the Department to the temporary possession period if extenuating circumstances occur. The Department shall evaluate extension requests on a case-by-case basis.

Z. A General or Master falconer may assist any federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator in conditioning a raptor the licensed falconer is authorized to possess in preparation for the raptor's release to the wild. The falconer may temporarily remove the raptor from the rehabilitation facilities while conditioning the raptor. The raptor shall remain under the rehabilitator's license and shall not count towards the falconer's possession limit. The rehabilitator shall provide the licensed falconer with a written statement authorizing the falconer to assist the rehabilitator. The written statement shall also identify the raptor by species, type of injury, and band number, when available. The licensed falconer shall return the raptor to the rehabilitator within the 180-day period established under R12-4-423(T), unless the raptor is:

1. Released into the wild in coordination with the rehabilitator and as authorized under this subsection,

2. Allowed to remain with the rehabilitator for a longer period of time as authorized under R12-4-423(U), or

3. Transferred permanently to the falconer, provided the falconer may legally possess the raptor and the Department approves the transfer. The raptor shall count towards the falconer's possession limit.

AA. A licensed falconer may use a raptor possessed for falconry in captive propagation, when permitted by USFWS. A licensed falconer is not required to transfer a raptor from a Sport Falconry license to another license when the raptor is used for captive propagation less than eight months in a year.

BB. A General or Master licensed falconer may use a lawfully possessed raptor in a conservation education program presented in a public venue. An Apprentice falconer, under the direct supervision of a General or Master falconer, may use a lawfully possessed raptor in a conservation education program presented in a public venue. The primary use for a raptor is falconry; a licensed falconer shall not possess a raptor solely for the purpose of providing a conservation education program. The falconer shall ensure the focus of the conservation education program is to provide information about the biology, ecological roles, and conservation needs of raptors and other migratory birds. The falconer may charge a fee for presenting a conservation education program; however, the fee shall not exceed the amount required to recoup the falconer's costs for providing the program. As a condition of the Sport Falconry License, the licensed falconer agrees to indemnify the Department, its officers, and employees. The falconer is liable for any damages associated with the conservation education activities.

CC. A licensed falconer may allow the photography, filming, or similar uses of a falconry raptor possessed by the licensed falconer, provided:

1. The falconer is not compensated for these activities; and

2. The final product from these activities:

a. Promotes the practice of falconry;

b. Provides information about the biology, ecological roles, and conservation needs of raptors and other migratory birds;

c. Endorses a nonprofit falconry organization or association, products, or other endeavors related to falconry; or

d. Is used in scientific research or science publications.

DD. A licensed falconer may use or dispose of lawfully possessed falconry raptor feathers. A falconer shall not buy, sell, or barter falconry raptor feathers. A falconer may possess feathers for imping from each species of raptor that the falconer currently possesses or has possessed.

1. The licensed falconer may transfer or receive feathers for imping from:

a. Another licensed falconer,

b. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator, or

c. Any licensed propagator located in the United States.

2. A licensed falconer may donate falconry raptor feathers, except bald and golden eagle feathers, to:

a. Any person or institution permitted to possess falconry raptor feathers,

b. Any person or institution exempt from the permit requirement under 50 CFR 21.12, or

c. A non-eagle feather repository. The Department may provide information regarding the submittal of falconry raptor feathers to a non-eagle feather repository.

3. A licensed falconer shall gather primary and secondary flight feathers or retrices that are molted or otherwise lost from a golden eagle and either retain the feathers for imping purposes or submit the feathers to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Eagle Repository, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Building 128, Commerce City, Colorado 80022.

4. A falconer whose license is either revoked or expired shall dispose of all falconry raptor feathers in the falconer's possession.

EE. Arizona licensed falconers importing raptors into Arizona shall have a health certificate issued no more than 30 consecutive days:

1. Prior to the international importation, or

2. Prior to or after the inter-state importation.

FF. A licensed falconer may conduct any of the following activities with any captive-bred raptor provided the raptor is wearing a seamless band and the person receiving the raptor possesses an appropriate special license:

1. Barter,

2. Offer for barter,

3. Gift,

4. Purchase,

5. Sell,

6. Offer for sale, or

7. Transfer.

GG. A licensed falconer is prohibited from conducting any of the following activities with any wild-caught raptor protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act:

1. Barter,

2. Offer for barter,

3. Purchase,

4. Sell, or

5. Offer for sale.

HH. A licensed falconer may transfer:

1. Any wild-caught falconry raptor lawfully captured in Arizona with or without a permit tag to another Arizona Sport Falconry License holder at any time.

a. The raptor shall count towards the take limit for that calendar year for the falconer taking the raptor from the wild.

b. The raptor shall not count against the take limit of the falconer receiving the raptor.

2. Any wild-caught falconry raptor to another license or permit type under this Article or federal law, provided the raptor has been used in the sport of falconry for at least two years preceding the transfer.

3. A wild-caught falconry sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), merlin (Falco columbar-ius), or American kestrel (Falco sparverius) to another license or permit type under this Article or federal law, provided the raptor has been used in the sport of falconry for at least one-year preceding the transfer.

4. Any hybrid or captive-bred raptor to another licensed falconer or permit type under this Article or federal law at any time.

5. Any falconry raptor that is no longer capable of being flown, as determined by a veterinarian , to another permit type at any time. The licensed falconer shall provide a copy of the documentation from the veterinarian stating that the raptor is not useable in falconry to the Federal Migratory Bird Permits office that administers the other permit type.

II. A licensed falconer shall not transfer a wild-caught raptor species to a licensed falconer in another state for at least one year from the date of capture if either resident or nonresident take is managed through Commission Order by way of a permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or annual harvest quota system. However, a licensed falconer may transfer a wild-caught raptor that is not managed through Commission Order by way of a permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or annual harvest quota system to a licensed falconer in another state at any time.

JJ. A surviving spouse, executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased or incapacitated licensed falconer shall transfer any raptor held by the licensed falconer to another licensed falconer no more than 90 consecutive days after the death of the falconer. The Department shall determine the disposition of any raptor not transferred prior to the end of the 90-day period.

KK. A licensed falconer shall conduct the following activities, as applicable, no more than 10 business days after either the death of a falconry raptor or the final examination of a deceased raptor by a veterinarian:

1. Dispose of any raptor suspected or confirmed with West Nile Virus or poisoning, except for lead poisoning, by incineration.

2. For a bald or golden eagle, send the entire body, including all feathers, talons, and other parts, to the National Eagle Repository;

3. For any euthanized non-eagle raptor, to prevent secondary poisoning of other wildlife, the falconer shall either submit the carcass to a non-eagle repository or burn, bury, or otherwise destroy the carcass;

4. For all other species:

a. Submit the carcass to a non-eagle repository;

b. Submit the carcass to the Department for submission to a non-eagle repository;

c. Donate the body or feathers to any person or institution exempt under 50 CFR 21.12 or authorized by USFWS to acquire and possess such parts or feathers;

d. Retain the carcass or feathers for imping purposes as established under subsection (DD);

e. Burn, bury, or otherwise destroy the carcass; or

f. Mount the raptor carcass. The falconer shall ensure any microchip implanted in the raptor is not removed and any band attached to the raptor remains on the mount. The falconer may use the mount for a conservation education program. The falconer shall ensure copies of the license and all relevant 3-186A forms are retained with the mount. The mount shall not count towards the falconer's possession limit.

5. A license holder submitting a carcass or parts of a carcass of any raptor that has been euthanized shall ensure a tag indicating the raptor was euthanized is attached to the carcass or parts of the carcass before submitting it to the National Eagle Repository or non-eagle repository, as applicable.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-4-422

Adopted effective April 28, 1989 (Supp. 89-2). Amended effective January 1, 1995; filed in the Office of the Secretary of State December 9, 1994 (Supp. 94-4). Amended effective April 4, 1997 (Supp. 97-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 211, effective December 14, 1999 (Supp. 99-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 18 A.A.R. 958, effective January 1, 2013 (Supp. 12-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 3225, effective January 1, 2014. Amended by final rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 2813, effective 11/20/2015. Amended by final rulemaking at 27 A.A.R. 283, effective 7/1/2021.