I wish to comment on the proposed regulation changes RIN 1018-AG11. I am concerned about our native wildlife and believe falconers do a great service of stewardship for these birds.
To: Dr. George Allen - FalconryRegulations@fws.gov
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Please omit my personal information from the public record.
I support licensed falconers’ wild take and captive breeding efforts.
Falconers have been very instrumental in the repopulation of the Peregrine Falcon and in research for captive breeding techniques. Without the efforts of this community, it is entirely possible that the Peregrine would not have returned to the Western United States. Falconers have much to contribute formally and informally to our general knowledge of raptor handling, training, and husbandry.
I support their interactions with wild and captive birds and their efforts to contribute back to the public and to the raptor populations.
I support falconers benefiting the public through education, wildlife rehabilitation, and demonstration activities.
I support falconers using their birds for multiple purposes making one individual bird more beneficial to others. Falconers have brought the public books and research as well as movies such as the National Geographic skydiving falcon. Falconers routinely speak to schools, clubs, and groups, and I support them continuing to serve the public, and expanding their service.
Exposure to the public has had a marked effect reducing the number of raptors shot each year. Falconry is the primary pursuit for these birds and their handlers, but there are many other ways that these people should be allowed to reach out and allow their birds to contribute.
Falconry experiences and schools should be explicitly allowed so the general public may benefit from the knowledge of the falconers and be able to experience these birds without the commitment of actually becoming a falconer.
Raptors used in abatement activities are an organic, safe, and natural alternative to pyrotechnics, poisons, or physical barriers. They prevent dangerous situations such as airplane bird strikes as well as reducing property loss.
A falconry bird may have many uses. I do not believe falconers should be limited in this.
I support falconers as the responsible care takers of their raptors.
Falconers are knowledgeable and take great care in the maintenance and care of their raptors, and great pride in their birds. They strive to make the best decisions for their birds and the health of their birds. Regulations which unnecessarily restrict the decisions or methods that they may employ only restrict the falconer as he works to
provide the best care available.