The only thing about the age I like is that both of my sons can care for my bird if I am gone. Plus by the time they get their General they will know more than most!
The states can be more restrictive remember and with these regs then can set their own regs, so depending on the state it could take longer than 5 years to become a master.
You guys may want to look into what your states falconry clubs members are doing, espically those clubs who have worked with the state on previous projects and are reconized. Here in Iowa some of the members in my club have already starting working with the state in drawing up new state regulations governing several aspects of falconry. The bad thing about it is, I didn't even know they were doing it and I'm in the club. One of the people that is involved I speak to often over the phone and he never said anything about this project. HEADS UP PEOPLE !
Good point. Also, for you NAFA members, there will be an official NAFA response to the proposed regs. Therefore, it is important that you convey your concerns to your NAFA region director so they can be included in the NAFA response.
Of course, anyone can also respond directly to the USF&WS regarding the proposed regs. However, before you do keep the following things in mind.
1) These regs were not created in a vacuum. They were crafted based on comments/ complaints/ suggestions that the Feds have received from the falconry community over the past 10-12 years. So a lot of the things that some people are griping about are things that other falconers have demanded (and threatened to sue over).
2) The idea behind the proposed regs was to simplify wherever possible and put the control of some aspects of the regs in the hands of the states (e.g., trapping periods) and sponsors (e.g., Do they want their apprentice to trap their first bird?). For the most part, we are always asking for less government involvement as these new regs go a long way to that end (IMHO).
3) The new regs are also designed to address some issues that have always been a part of falconry, yet were never addressed in the federal regs (e.g., hacking and getting birds from rehabbers). Having those things addressed in the new regs may help protect our rights.
4) Last, if you feel that something in the regs is not clear or not addressed properly, then this is your chance to speak out, either through your NAFA rep or on your own. Either way, it's important, however, to keep your comments specific, relevant and constructive – not to say things like, "I think these regs s-ck!"
We all have a unique opportunity to shape how the sport will be practiced in the country for some time to come. So let your voice be heard or don't complain about the way things turned out if you can't be bothered to get involved.
I'll get off my soap box now, but please take the time to read through the proposed regs carefully. Read them twice or three times. Make sure you understand them. If you don't ask someone else for help. Talk to other falconers, talk to your NAFA rep, talk to your sponsor.
You may find that something you are vehemently opposed to in the regs may be something that one of your friends or peers feels is critical to have in place (e.g., Harris's Hawk for apprentices, lowering the age for apprentices, raising the number of years required for sponsorship).We're not going to all agree on every aspect of the regs, but communication within the falconry community is absolutely critical, IMO.
"In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
I was wondering are these regs subject to change or is this a take it or leave it thing?
I was also wondering if these laws need to be radified by congress or is this the power of the Department of the Interior to inact these laws? For some reason I think they do need to Congress but not sure on it. If they need Congress any idea who is sponsoring this bill?
I was wondering are these regs subject to change or is this a take it or leave it thing?
I was also wondering if these laws need to be radified by congress or is this the power of the Department of the Interior to inact these laws? For some reason I think they do need to Congress but not sure on it. If they need Congress any idea who is sponsoring this bill?
Jay said:
I was wondering are these regs subject to change or is this a take it or leave it thing?
I was also wondering if these laws need to be radified by congress or is this the power of the Department of the Interior to inact these laws? For some reason I think they do need to Congress but not sure on it. If they need Congress any idea who is sponsoring this bill?
Yes, the regs are absolutely subject to change. That's the whole idea behind publishing them as a proposed rule. The public comment period ends on May 10, 2005. So, if you've got concerns, by all means, send in your comments or send them to your NAFA rep and let that person know what they are.
Furthermore, these are regulations – not laws – that we're talking about. Laws allowing the practice of falconry have already been passed long ago. Congress has nothing to do with this issue at this point and there are no bills involved. Regulations are enacted in order to allow laws to be administered by regulatory agencies of the government (e.g., the Department of the Interior). These are proposed revisions to the existing regulations. In effect they will replace the exisiting regs, if approved.
After the 90-day public comment period, the proposed regulations have to be published as a final rule in the Federal Register. The regs will also have to be approved by dozens of people (right on up to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior) before they are implemented. It's a lengthy process. The wheels of bureaucracy move slowly.
There's no way these regs will be implemented before next year and even that is highly unlikely given the scope of the proposed changes and the expected number of comments. I wouldn't expect to see them in place until at least 2007.
"In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
I can remember earlier last year you guys were like, "Man, the HH should be an apprentice bird!!" Now everyone is like, "Bleh, bad! No HH for apprentices!"
What is there to control the state Game Warden, Governor, or some Rep. from controling, are making it almost impossible to get a permit in a state. Example -- make the written test so hard a Biologist couldn't past it? As I understand it now most states used the sample test the Feds. handed out. or did each state write their own test? wes
There is a base test that the feds supply, most states add questions and or make changes to it, but from what I understand they have to submit their changes to the feds before administering the adjusted test. Our test was created by WFA members, but still included alot of the stuff off the feds test.
LOL--Falcon Boy me and Bob were two that kinda liked the idea of Harris for apprentices for me thats one of my goals.I read through the proposed regs didnt see the one about 5 years experience to sponsor--that might raise havoc around here as my Sponsor I think only has 4 and I know at least 2 of his first apprentices have 3 apprentices of their own now.We got a nice support group of Falconers here and its an easy call when something pops up needs an answer to.I am thinking the age drop wasnt thought out as my sons a aspiring Falconer and even at 16 he has problems keeping his eye on the ball so to speak as theres girls,school and football and his deer hunting and fishing to interfere with it.Evidently AL is moving forward and preparing to be set to implement changes when they finalize the reg changes as we got that from our State Rep-well I got it second hand from my sponsor-Jim
Dodge Truck,Blue Dog,Treed Coon dont get much better!