https://assets.peregrinefund.org/docs/misc/tom-cade-biography-fillable-order-form-2018-03-22_135209.pdf
Showing posts with label Falconry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Falconry. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2020
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Peregrine take approved in Florida
Photo: Go to MyFWC.com/Newsroom and click on the headline for this story.
FWC approves rule to allow peregrine falcons for falconry in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule allowing falconers to take peregrine falcons for the sport of falconry at its meeting in Clewiston on Wednesday.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines the number of falcons that may be taken over a broad range of states. It is estimated fewer than five falcons will be allocated to Florida in 2010. Under the new rule, falconers must receive a permit for the take of peregrine falcons for falconry. The FWC will randomly select applications and issue permits annually based on the number allotted to the state. Priority for receiving a permit will be given to Florida residents.
Peregrine populations plummeted because of the use of DDT since the 1940s in the United States. After DDT use was restricted in the 1970s, populations significantly increased. The USFWS took the peregrine off the endangered species list in 1999, and the FWC delisted the peregrine falcon in June 2009, making it one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Today, scientists estimate there are at least 3,100 breeding pairs in the United States.
“This is a historic moment for falconers, and we strongly approve staff’s recommendation,” said Eric Edwards of the Florida Falconers Association and North American Falconers Association. “It has been a privilege working with FWC staff through this process.”
The peregrine is a highly valued bird by falconers for its nearly 200-mph dives for prey. Falcons have been used by people for hunting for more than 1,000 years.
“Falconers contributed to the successful conservation of the peregrine by providing birds for captive breeding so peregrines could be reintroduced,” said Robin Boughton, the FWC’s avian coordinator. “Many falconers will now have the opportunity to again use the birds in the sport of falconry.”
Seven speakers, including members of groups such as the Florida Falconry Association, North American Falconers Association, Audubon of Florida and Defenders of Wildlife, spoke at the meeting.
“Audubon views the peregrine as an iconic species, and we have concerns regarding lack of monitoring in Florida to help ensure no future decline in this species,” said Julie Wraithmell of Audubon of Florida. “We hope the Commission will help promote conservation of the species by funding monitoring projects.”
The FWC met with stakeholders, including falconers and conservation groups, as the agency developed a management plan for the peregrine, which was approved in June. Staff continued working with stakeholders through the process of creating the rule to allow harvest of the peregrine for falconry.
Peregrines migrate as much as 18,000 miles per year, and on average, 1,790 peregrines migrate through the Florida Keys in the fall as they move between northern breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. Some peregrines stay the entire winter in the state, but they do not breed in Florida. They can be spotted in the fall and winter over open terrain, particularly near coastal shorelines and wetlands.
FWC approves rule to allow peregrine falcons for falconry in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule allowing falconers to take peregrine falcons for the sport of falconry at its meeting in Clewiston on Wednesday.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines the number of falcons that may be taken over a broad range of states. It is estimated fewer than five falcons will be allocated to Florida in 2010. Under the new rule, falconers must receive a permit for the take of peregrine falcons for falconry. The FWC will randomly select applications and issue permits annually based on the number allotted to the state. Priority for receiving a permit will be given to Florida residents.
Peregrine populations plummeted because of the use of DDT since the 1940s in the United States. After DDT use was restricted in the 1970s, populations significantly increased. The USFWS took the peregrine off the endangered species list in 1999, and the FWC delisted the peregrine falcon in June 2009, making it one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Today, scientists estimate there are at least 3,100 breeding pairs in the United States.
“This is a historic moment for falconers, and we strongly approve staff’s recommendation,” said Eric Edwards of the Florida Falconers Association and North American Falconers Association. “It has been a privilege working with FWC staff through this process.”
The peregrine is a highly valued bird by falconers for its nearly 200-mph dives for prey. Falcons have been used by people for hunting for more than 1,000 years.
“Falconers contributed to the successful conservation of the peregrine by providing birds for captive breeding so peregrines could be reintroduced,” said Robin Boughton, the FWC’s avian coordinator. “Many falconers will now have the opportunity to again use the birds in the sport of falconry.”
Seven speakers, including members of groups such as the Florida Falconry Association, North American Falconers Association, Audubon of Florida and Defenders of Wildlife, spoke at the meeting.
“Audubon views the peregrine as an iconic species, and we have concerns regarding lack of monitoring in Florida to help ensure no future decline in this species,” said Julie Wraithmell of Audubon of Florida. “We hope the Commission will help promote conservation of the species by funding monitoring projects.”
The FWC met with stakeholders, including falconers and conservation groups, as the agency developed a management plan for the peregrine, which was approved in June. Staff continued working with stakeholders through the process of creating the rule to allow harvest of the peregrine for falconry.
Peregrines migrate as much as 18,000 miles per year, and on average, 1,790 peregrines migrate through the Florida Keys in the fall as they move between northern breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. Some peregrines stay the entire winter in the state, but they do not breed in Florida. They can be spotted in the fall and winter over open terrain, particularly near coastal shorelines and wetlands.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Migration Studies of Peregrines
The longest running peregrine falcon migration studies have been done by a group of falconers.
Here is their website:
www.earthspan.org
I just spoke with Bill Seegar, Ph.D. He is one of the group who just finished their 40th year of migration studies of peregrines. We were both agreeing as to how anyone involved in the peregrine recovery program were falconers at some time in their lives. I sort of say, once a falconer, always falconer, whether currently practicing or not.
Here is their website:
www.earthspan.org
I just spoke with Bill Seegar, Ph.D. He is one of the group who just finished their 40th year of migration studies of peregrines. We were both agreeing as to how anyone involved in the peregrine recovery program were falconers at some time in their lives. I sort of say, once a falconer, always falconer, whether currently practicing or not.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Peregrine FWC meeting, Sept 9th, 2009
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 2:28 PM
Another good FWC meeting!!!
Yesterday, myself and Spence Wise spoke, once again, in front of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to support a peregrine harvest. The commissioners were asked to accept a draft rule for the harvest of passage peregrines. This rule was derived from the last stakeholder's meeting and fortunately for us, the commission is taking a simplistic approach.
If adopted the following rule will be added to our existing falconry rule.
"New 68A-9.005 (9)(f)
The take of peregrine falcons is prohibited except
as authorized by permit from FWC and consistent
with the rules and regulations adopted by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The
Commission shall randomly select applications and
issue permits annually. Priority for receiving a
permit shall be given to Florida residents. Only one
application may be submitted per applicant."
In addition to Spence and I speaking in support of the harvest there were several speakers speaking against a harvest. Audubon of Florida, Humane Society of the US, Defender's of Wildlife all spoke out against the harvest and asked for many additional restrictions. One individual spoke about a few issues, she didn't seem to be against a harvest but suggested that the birds be released in the spring and that the FWC continue the monitoring in the Keys, suggesting that falconers pay for it.
A few common theme's coming from the animal rights groups were:
Monitoring of peregrines in the Keys. I spoke adamantly that the harvest of a handful of peregrines by falconers does not necessitate a monitoring program, that falconers have no impact and should not be required to pay for the $25,000 monitoring plan.
Release in the spring. All the groups seem to have attached onto this one as well. They stated that they're against peregrines being held "indefinitely" in captivity and that if they are allowed to be taken they should be released in the spring. A few commissioners asked the staff if any other states required such action and the answer was "NO".
The commissioners listened to all the information and decided to move forward with the draft rule, as written. The next, and last, step in the process will be at the December Commission meeting where the staff will ask the commissioners to accept a final rule. I do not suspect that there will be any changes to the draft when it goes into final language. I suspect the December meeting will be mostly a formality. But, I still encourage anyone that can to attend the meeting and speak.
The next battle will come in 2010 when the commission begins the process of revising our falconry regulations to comply with the new federal regulations. This process is scheduled to be completed by 2012 and I suspect the same groups that are opposing the peregrine harvest will be there to protest our sport. One of the major issues we will have to confront is a new fee for a Florida falconry permit. If permit fees are issued to cover the cost of peregrine monitoring that would equate to a $200 per year permit.
We have considerable time to work on this issue, Spence and I talked to several staff members at the meeting and I feel we can come up with a compromise solution.
After the meeting I was interviewed for an article by the Orlando Sentinel, here's the link if interested.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-fla-falcon-harvest-091009,0,1248775.story
I have seen a few other article posted online by other newspapers and one blog post from the Sentinel that I responded to.
And below is the press release issued by FWC.
If I can answer any questions feel free to contact me any time.
Eric Edwards
Florida Falconers' Association
863-221-9401
For immediate release: September 9, 2009
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130
Photo: Go to MyFWC.com/Newsroom and click on the headline for this story.
FWC approves draft rule to allow peregrine falcons for falconry
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) moved one step closer to allowing falconers to take peregrine falcons for the sport of falconry. At the meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills on Wednesday, the Commission directed staff to finalize the rule that authorizes the take of peregrine falcons for falconry with a permit issued by the FWC.
Seven speakers, including members of groups such as the Florida Falconry Association, North American Falconers Association, Florida Audubon of Florida, Defenders of Wildlife and Humane Society of the United States, provided input to the Commission on the draft rule. Those opposed to the falconry rule requested that the Commission find a way to fund a raptor-monitoring program that includes peregrines in the Keys.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a plan for peregrine management for falconry in December 2008. The plans allows for 36 peregrine falcons to be taken for falconry anywhere east of the 100th meridian. This area includes states from Maine to Florida to Texas to North Dakota. Florida is eligible for a small portion of that number, which will be allocated among the states that allow harvest.
“Falconers contributed to the successful conservation of the peregrine by providing birds for captive breeding so peregrines could be reintroduced,” said Robin Boughton, the FWC’s avian coordinator. “Many falconers would now like the opportunity to again use the birds in the sport of falconry.”
The peregrine is a highly valued bird by falconers for its 200-mph dives for prey. Falcons have been used by people for hunting for more than 1,000 years.
The USFWS took the peregrine off the endangered species list in 1999, and the FWC delisted the peregrine falcon in June, making it one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Today, scientists estimate there are at least 3,100 breeding pairs in the United States.
The FWC has met with stakeholders, including falconers and conservation groups, as the agency developed a management plan for the peregrine, which was approved in June. Staff has continued working with stakeholders as it drafted the rule to allow harvest of the peregrine for falconry.
Based on the allocations from 2009, Florida would most likely receive five or fewer permits for peregrines for falconry in 2010. Permit applicants would be randomly selected, with preference given to Florida residents.
Peregrines migrate as much as 15,000 miles per year, and on average, 1,700 peregrines migrate through Florida, including the Keys, in the fall as they move between northern breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. Some peregrines stay the entire winter in the state, but they do not breed in Florida. They can be spotted in the fall and winter over open terrain, particularly near coastal shorelines and wetlands.
Another good FWC meeting!!!
Yesterday, myself and Spence Wise spoke, once again, in front of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to support a peregrine harvest. The commissioners were asked to accept a draft rule for the harvest of passage peregrines. This rule was derived from the last stakeholder's meeting and fortunately for us, the commission is taking a simplistic approach.
If adopted the following rule will be added to our existing falconry rule.
"New 68A-9.005 (9)(f)
The take of peregrine falcons is prohibited except
as authorized by permit from FWC and consistent
with the rules and regulations adopted by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The
Commission shall randomly select applications and
issue permits annually. Priority for receiving a
permit shall be given to Florida residents. Only one
application may be submitted per applicant."
In addition to Spence and I speaking in support of the harvest there were several speakers speaking against a harvest. Audubon of Florida, Humane Society of the US, Defender's of Wildlife all spoke out against the harvest and asked for many additional restrictions. One individual spoke about a few issues, she didn't seem to be against a harvest but suggested that the birds be released in the spring and that the FWC continue the monitoring in the Keys, suggesting that falconers pay for it.
A few common theme's coming from the animal rights groups were:
Monitoring of peregrines in the Keys. I spoke adamantly that the harvest of a handful of peregrines by falconers does not necessitate a monitoring program, that falconers have no impact and should not be required to pay for the $25,000 monitoring plan.
Release in the spring. All the groups seem to have attached onto this one as well. They stated that they're against peregrines being held "indefinitely" in captivity and that if they are allowed to be taken they should be released in the spring. A few commissioners asked the staff if any other states required such action and the answer was "NO".
The commissioners listened to all the information and decided to move forward with the draft rule, as written. The next, and last, step in the process will be at the December Commission meeting where the staff will ask the commissioners to accept a final rule. I do not suspect that there will be any changes to the draft when it goes into final language. I suspect the December meeting will be mostly a formality. But, I still encourage anyone that can to attend the meeting and speak.
The next battle will come in 2010 when the commission begins the process of revising our falconry regulations to comply with the new federal regulations. This process is scheduled to be completed by 2012 and I suspect the same groups that are opposing the peregrine harvest will be there to protest our sport. One of the major issues we will have to confront is a new fee for a Florida falconry permit. If permit fees are issued to cover the cost of peregrine monitoring that would equate to a $200 per year permit.
We have considerable time to work on this issue, Spence and I talked to several staff members at the meeting and I feel we can come up with a compromise solution.
After the meeting I was interviewed for an article by the Orlando Sentinel, here's the link if interested.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-fla-falcon-harvest-091009,0,1248775.story
I have seen a few other article posted online by other newspapers and one blog post from the Sentinel that I responded to.
And below is the press release issued by FWC.
If I can answer any questions feel free to contact me any time.
Eric Edwards
Florida Falconers' Association
863-221-9401
For immediate release: September 9, 2009
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130
Photo: Go to MyFWC.com/Newsroom and click on the headline for this story.
FWC approves draft rule to allow peregrine falcons for falconry
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) moved one step closer to allowing falconers to take peregrine falcons for the sport of falconry. At the meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills on Wednesday, the Commission directed staff to finalize the rule that authorizes the take of peregrine falcons for falconry with a permit issued by the FWC.
Seven speakers, including members of groups such as the Florida Falconry Association, North American Falconers Association, Florida Audubon of Florida, Defenders of Wildlife and Humane Society of the United States, provided input to the Commission on the draft rule. Those opposed to the falconry rule requested that the Commission find a way to fund a raptor-monitoring program that includes peregrines in the Keys.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a plan for peregrine management for falconry in December 2008. The plans allows for 36 peregrine falcons to be taken for falconry anywhere east of the 100th meridian. This area includes states from Maine to Florida to Texas to North Dakota. Florida is eligible for a small portion of that number, which will be allocated among the states that allow harvest.
“Falconers contributed to the successful conservation of the peregrine by providing birds for captive breeding so peregrines could be reintroduced,” said Robin Boughton, the FWC’s avian coordinator. “Many falconers would now like the opportunity to again use the birds in the sport of falconry.”
The peregrine is a highly valued bird by falconers for its 200-mph dives for prey. Falcons have been used by people for hunting for more than 1,000 years.
The USFWS took the peregrine off the endangered species list in 1999, and the FWC delisted the peregrine falcon in June, making it one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Today, scientists estimate there are at least 3,100 breeding pairs in the United States.
The FWC has met with stakeholders, including falconers and conservation groups, as the agency developed a management plan for the peregrine, which was approved in June. Staff has continued working with stakeholders as it drafted the rule to allow harvest of the peregrine for falconry.
Based on the allocations from 2009, Florida would most likely receive five or fewer permits for peregrines for falconry in 2010. Permit applicants would be randomly selected, with preference given to Florida residents.
Peregrines migrate as much as 15,000 miles per year, and on average, 1,700 peregrines migrate through Florida, including the Keys, in the fall as they move between northern breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. Some peregrines stay the entire winter in the state, but they do not breed in Florida. They can be spotted in the fall and winter over open terrain, particularly near coastal shorelines and wetlands.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Peregrine Managment Meeting June 29th, 2009
I went to Tallahassee to the peregrine management meeting. The purpose is to discuss the approval of a template for a managment plan for a 2010 take of passage peregrines. Eric Edwards, NAFA SE Director, American Falconry Conservancy Director, Florida Falconry Association and Florida Hawking Fraternity member and the other falconers present also suggested that the plan adopted in Texas is a well-thought out and would be a good model for Florida falconers as well. The next meetings are in September. So, we will be working out the final details for a 2010 take.
Personally, I've only seen one 'Beach' peregrine in my lifetime. It was 'Honeycomb'. It was the late Alva Nye's lovely bird which he flew for 15 years.
Personally, I've only seen one 'Beach' peregrine in my lifetime. It was 'Honeycomb'. It was the late Alva Nye's lovely bird which he flew for 15 years.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Return of the Peregrine
Available from The Peregrine Fund: http://www.peregrinefund.org/rcProd1.asp?id=9&c1=1&c2=21
Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter.
Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Peregrine Delisting in Florida
From Eric Edwards:
Florida Falconers,
Florida Falconers,
Today was a historic day for Florida Falconry, the commission voted to accept the final peregrine falcon management plan, delisting the peregrine. Spence Wise and I attended the meeting and spoke in favor of the plan and asked that the commission allow a harvest of peregrines in 2010. There were two groups that spoke in favor or the plan & delisting but oppose a harvest (Audubon of Florida & Defender's of Wildlife).
After public comment several of the commissioners made very positive comments regarding their desire for a harvest. Several stating that they personally want to see a harvest in 2010, that falconers should be "rewarded" for their efforts in the recovery of the peregrine. I feel very good about our chances for a harvest in 2010.
The next step will be the stakeholder's meeting at the end of this month. In this meeting we will work on the peregrine harvest rules. We need to work out things like how the lottery will be conducted and who will be able to apply for a permit, as well as non-resident take issues. I can assure you, I will attend this meeting to ensure the broadest liberties possible.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Peregrine Delisting in Florida
Florida FWC will be de-listing the pergrine falcon. The final management plan will be presented on June 17th in Crystal River. It looks favorable for passage falconry peregrines again in over 40 years.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Falconry and Robert Kennedy Jr.
Few know that Robert 'Bobby' Kennedy is a practicing falconer.
http://www.kepplerspeakers.com/literature/Kennedy%20RF-Article%20(VF%20May07%20Falconry).pdf
http://www.kepplerspeakers.com/literature/Kennedy%20RF-Article%20(VF%20May07%20Falconry).pdf
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Australian study showing how falconry techniques help raptor survival
Here is a better source for the article I've posted earlier:
Journal of Avian Medicine & Surgery, March 2006:
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1647/1082-6742(2006)20%5B15%3AFLAADF%5D2.0.CO%3B2
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Study Showing that Falconry Techniques Improve Survival of Raptors
This is an important reference to use to counter the anti-falconry crowd:
From the Journal of Avian Medicine & Surgery, March, 2006.
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1647/1082-6742(2006)20%5B15%3AFLAADF%5D2.0.CO%3B
From the Journal of Avian Medicine & Surgery, March, 2006.
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1647/1082-6742(2006)20%5B15%3AFLAADF%5D2.0.CO%3B
Monday, March 30, 2009
Letter from Wild Raptor Take Conservancy on Florida Peregrine Delisting
Peregrine Falcon Management Plan Comments
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Northeast Region
1239 SW 10th St.
Ocala, FL 34471-0323 March 24, 2009
To whom it may concern:
WRTC would like to congratulate FWC for its support in protecting peregrine
populations when it was in need of protection, and the current effort in de-listing this bird – an
excellent example of the success of the Endangered Species Act. The peregrine populations are
now substantially above the de-listing mark established by the Fish & Wildlife Service. It is
through the joint efforts of public and private forces that real change can be accomplished.
We would like to point out that many people are not aware of the fact that falconers
were the first to recognize the problem and took an active role in establishing the listing of the
anatum peregrine as endangered. In addition, many people are not aware of the fact that it
was falconers who discovered the means to breed peregrines in captivity and who released
them back into the wild with the monetary support of State wildlife agencies and donations
from citizens and falconry clubs.
An important point to be aware of: Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s when wildlife
managers and the birding community saw nothing wrong in shooting or pole trapping
raptors, falconers were speaking out against their destruction (it was the falconer Jim Rice who
first went to Hawk Mountain – before Mrs. Edge bought the property and turned it into a
sanctuary in 1934 – with Boy Scouts to stare down those who were shooting hawks, making
them so uncomfortable that the shooters would leave: Source, Robert Berry of the Peregrine
Fund and Brian McDonald, zoologist). Wildlife managers saw raptors as competitors to
hunters in their pursuit of upland game and waterfowl and therefore shot raptors – including
peregrines – on a regular basis; and many birders saw raptors as predators taking their song
birds. As a group, falconers were the only ones advocating the protection of raptors. It wasn’t
until the late 1960s that wildlife managers and the birding community came out in full force
advocating the protection of raptors, and, when this finally came to pass, falconers were elated
to receive this long overdue support to protect all raptors.
Whenever a species is de-listed and consequently opened for regulated harvest, it
demonstrates the success of the Federal and State endangered species acts as workable
management programs that all interest groups can join forces in implementing and managing,
in spite of fundamental philosophical differences of opinion regarding the use of natural
resources (one can certainly assert that no recovery plan implemented under the ESA is
complete until managed take is incorporated at the time of de-listing). In order to continue this
united front, all interest groups must benefit from it: falconers must have access once again to
this classic falconry bird, which they historically referred to as the “noble” peregrine, unique
of all falcons used in the sport; and the birding community must have access to sighting their
“iconic” peregrines wherever they might be found. If any stakeholder group is marginalized
or punished due to some powerful majority interest, endangered species acts around the
country are weakened substantially by such anti-democratic use of power. The opinions and
personal preferences held by a majority must never be allowed to harm the values and
personal beliefs of a minority group. Subjective moral value systems must not be allowed to
spill over into the larger State or national population. It must be contained within the interest
group that maintains the tenets of their faith. They have every right to demand that their
members abide by a set of established subjective rules, but they don’t have the right to
demand that individuals outside their ranks abide by the same set of subjective rules. This
would provide for arbitrary and capricious powers to be asserted against all American citizens
from every sector of society.
It is ironic, now that the peregrine has been saved by an unrecognized interest group
– a group that expended more time and effort than all other interest groups combined – there
are those who would attempt to deny access to that bird; a bird which provided the very
motivation, the impetus, necessary to start and finish a project a few decades in duration in
order to save this bird so that someday falconers might once again be able to take wild
peregrines for use in falconry. The peregrine is the falcon that provides the most classical style
of falconry in the Western hunting tradition.
Given the fact that most of the peregrines used in the various peregrine release
projects came from falconers, it is unreasonable to deny falconers access to wild populations. If
not for access to wild populations, there would have been no peregrines in the hands of
falconers to donate to the release projects. Even more fundamentally: If falconers did not have
access to wild populations, we would never have discovered how to breed them in captivity
and therefore, release projects would have been impossible.
At the January 28th, 2009 Florida Peregrine Falcon Stakeholder’s Meeting, there were
objections raised and points made that are deserving of comment:
• Falconry has no impact on wild raptor populations, including the peregrine; therefore there
would be no justification in prohibiting take. There is no sound scientific or legal justification
in such a prohibition; only subjective opinions by those who have a unique perspective on the
interaction between mankind and wildlife.
• There was comment on social concerns for wildlife values that peregrines should remain in
the wild. This argument is asserted by all those protectionists who believe mankind should not
touch wildlife. Fish & game departments would no longer be needed if States were to
eliminate take of wildlife. In addition, there is the issue of citizens’ rights to access and use of
natural resources.
• It was suggested that because anatums are still listed in a couple of provinces in Canada,
Florida should not allow for a take of peregrines. Yet in Canada peregrines are presently being
taken for falconry. Is it acceptable that Canadian falconers are allowed to take peregrines, but
U.S. falconers are not?
• Protecting habitat and minimizing mortality is the greatest good the State of Florida, as
well as the nation, can do for peregrines.
• There was comment on economic cost of issuing permits for falconry and LE related
permits – i.e. cost-benefit analysis of permit fee. It must be remembered that the primary
purpose for any fish & game agency’s existence is to provide access to our natural resources
for citizens’ use in perpetuity. It is not necessary that each endeavor bear the cost of that
particular activity. Permit fees in general must support all management activities so that one
group is not disenfranchised due merely to its size, lack of money, and lack of representation.
• Questions of funding a monitoring plan were raised. Since the peregrine does not breed in
Florida and all three subspecies have healthy and rapidly increasing populations, the primary
effort that can be put forth is hawk-counts and banding. This is presently done by private
individuals who are associated with falconry groups or raptor related organizations. As
occurred with falconers’ breeding and releasing peregrines, perhaps the birding community
can contribute their part to the continued management of peregrines by participating in
counting and banding of peregrines and reporting their findings to FWC. This would
demonstrate their true commitment to their beliefs as asserted in their comments. Those who
feel they have a say in this matter, should be willing to contribute their resources to the cause
they believe in.
Falconers continue to do their part in monitoring the peregrine on well known
migratory routes such as, but not limited to, Lake Michigan, Padre Island and Assateague
Island. Falconers have a vested interest in monitoring peregrine populations throughout
North America given the amount of resources they invested into them. One group of falconers
established a study whereby a few peregrines were radio-tagged in the Canadian arctic and
were monitored throughout their migration to South America. An Illinois falconer, Rob Sulski,
who is banding peregrines along Lake Michigan is extracting a breast feather from each
captured peregrine and will have these feathers stable-isotope analyzed to determine the
origins of these birds – again, from private funding by falconers. In addition Bob Anderson,
another falconer/peregrine breeder, monitors breeding peregrines along the Mississippi River
bluffs in the Iowa-Wisconsin-Minnesota breeding range. What other group of private
individuals is willing to invest their resources into such endeavors? In addition, what other
group of private individuals has the knowledge necessary to pursue such projects? Even the
USFWS is not pursuing such studies!
Another important point to consider: It was falconers that set up the falconry
permitting system with USFWS. The limits placed on falconry were self-imposed. Falconers
established the rule that only first year immature birds could be taken for the sport so that
mature birds were not removed from the breeding population; and that master falconers could
possess only three wild birds and could take only two birds from the wild per year even
though raptor populations could sustain far greater take than this. This was not forced upon
the sport; this was a conscious decision due to the love falconers have for raptors. No other
group has such affection and attachment to raptors as do falconers. To suggest falconers be
punished because it is not popular in certain protectionist circles is to encroach upon that
sector of society that offers raptors the greatest representation in conservation efforts.
Under these circumstances, total population data and other information gathered by
falconers observing, trapping, banding and monitoring peregrines can make a significant
contribution to the continuing management of the peregrine at no cost to the rest of society.
The value of the information contributed by falconers will far outweigh the minor costs
incurred in administering a limited harvest program. Forty plus years ago, it was the unpaid
and voluntary efforts of falconers that alerted the world to the peregrines plight. The
information provided by falconers will continue to be of equal value in properly monitoring
and managing this falcon. Approving a legal falconry harvest of migrant peregrines will
enhance and ensure the future health of all peregrine populations in North America.
Sincerely,
James M. Ingram III MD
President, WRTC
17909 N. Reflection Circle, Bennington, NE 68007
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Northeast Region
1239 SW 10th St.
Ocala, FL 34471-0323 March 24, 2009
To whom it may concern:
WRTC would like to congratulate FWC for its support in protecting peregrine
populations when it was in need of protection, and the current effort in de-listing this bird – an
excellent example of the success of the Endangered Species Act. The peregrine populations are
now substantially above the de-listing mark established by the Fish & Wildlife Service. It is
through the joint efforts of public and private forces that real change can be accomplished.
We would like to point out that many people are not aware of the fact that falconers
were the first to recognize the problem and took an active role in establishing the listing of the
anatum peregrine as endangered. In addition, many people are not aware of the fact that it
was falconers who discovered the means to breed peregrines in captivity and who released
them back into the wild with the monetary support of State wildlife agencies and donations
from citizens and falconry clubs.
An important point to be aware of: Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s when wildlife
managers and the birding community saw nothing wrong in shooting or pole trapping
raptors, falconers were speaking out against their destruction (it was the falconer Jim Rice who
first went to Hawk Mountain – before Mrs. Edge bought the property and turned it into a
sanctuary in 1934 – with Boy Scouts to stare down those who were shooting hawks, making
them so uncomfortable that the shooters would leave: Source, Robert Berry of the Peregrine
Fund and Brian McDonald, zoologist). Wildlife managers saw raptors as competitors to
hunters in their pursuit of upland game and waterfowl and therefore shot raptors – including
peregrines – on a regular basis; and many birders saw raptors as predators taking their song
birds. As a group, falconers were the only ones advocating the protection of raptors. It wasn’t
until the late 1960s that wildlife managers and the birding community came out in full force
advocating the protection of raptors, and, when this finally came to pass, falconers were elated
to receive this long overdue support to protect all raptors.
Whenever a species is de-listed and consequently opened for regulated harvest, it
demonstrates the success of the Federal and State endangered species acts as workable
management programs that all interest groups can join forces in implementing and managing,
in spite of fundamental philosophical differences of opinion regarding the use of natural
resources (one can certainly assert that no recovery plan implemented under the ESA is
complete until managed take is incorporated at the time of de-listing). In order to continue this
united front, all interest groups must benefit from it: falconers must have access once again to
this classic falconry bird, which they historically referred to as the “noble” peregrine, unique
of all falcons used in the sport; and the birding community must have access to sighting their
“iconic” peregrines wherever they might be found. If any stakeholder group is marginalized
or punished due to some powerful majority interest, endangered species acts around the
country are weakened substantially by such anti-democratic use of power. The opinions and
personal preferences held by a majority must never be allowed to harm the values and
personal beliefs of a minority group. Subjective moral value systems must not be allowed to
spill over into the larger State or national population. It must be contained within the interest
group that maintains the tenets of their faith. They have every right to demand that their
members abide by a set of established subjective rules, but they don’t have the right to
demand that individuals outside their ranks abide by the same set of subjective rules. This
would provide for arbitrary and capricious powers to be asserted against all American citizens
from every sector of society.
It is ironic, now that the peregrine has been saved by an unrecognized interest group
– a group that expended more time and effort than all other interest groups combined – there
are those who would attempt to deny access to that bird; a bird which provided the very
motivation, the impetus, necessary to start and finish a project a few decades in duration in
order to save this bird so that someday falconers might once again be able to take wild
peregrines for use in falconry. The peregrine is the falcon that provides the most classical style
of falconry in the Western hunting tradition.
Given the fact that most of the peregrines used in the various peregrine release
projects came from falconers, it is unreasonable to deny falconers access to wild populations. If
not for access to wild populations, there would have been no peregrines in the hands of
falconers to donate to the release projects. Even more fundamentally: If falconers did not have
access to wild populations, we would never have discovered how to breed them in captivity
and therefore, release projects would have been impossible.
At the January 28th, 2009 Florida Peregrine Falcon Stakeholder’s Meeting, there were
objections raised and points made that are deserving of comment:
• Falconry has no impact on wild raptor populations, including the peregrine; therefore there
would be no justification in prohibiting take. There is no sound scientific or legal justification
in such a prohibition; only subjective opinions by those who have a unique perspective on the
interaction between mankind and wildlife.
• There was comment on social concerns for wildlife values that peregrines should remain in
the wild. This argument is asserted by all those protectionists who believe mankind should not
touch wildlife. Fish & game departments would no longer be needed if States were to
eliminate take of wildlife. In addition, there is the issue of citizens’ rights to access and use of
natural resources.
• It was suggested that because anatums are still listed in a couple of provinces in Canada,
Florida should not allow for a take of peregrines. Yet in Canada peregrines are presently being
taken for falconry. Is it acceptable that Canadian falconers are allowed to take peregrines, but
U.S. falconers are not?
• Protecting habitat and minimizing mortality is the greatest good the State of Florida, as
well as the nation, can do for peregrines.
• There was comment on economic cost of issuing permits for falconry and LE related
permits – i.e. cost-benefit analysis of permit fee. It must be remembered that the primary
purpose for any fish & game agency’s existence is to provide access to our natural resources
for citizens’ use in perpetuity. It is not necessary that each endeavor bear the cost of that
particular activity. Permit fees in general must support all management activities so that one
group is not disenfranchised due merely to its size, lack of money, and lack of representation.
• Questions of funding a monitoring plan were raised. Since the peregrine does not breed in
Florida and all three subspecies have healthy and rapidly increasing populations, the primary
effort that can be put forth is hawk-counts and banding. This is presently done by private
individuals who are associated with falconry groups or raptor related organizations. As
occurred with falconers’ breeding and releasing peregrines, perhaps the birding community
can contribute their part to the continued management of peregrines by participating in
counting and banding of peregrines and reporting their findings to FWC. This would
demonstrate their true commitment to their beliefs as asserted in their comments. Those who
feel they have a say in this matter, should be willing to contribute their resources to the cause
they believe in.
Falconers continue to do their part in monitoring the peregrine on well known
migratory routes such as, but not limited to, Lake Michigan, Padre Island and Assateague
Island. Falconers have a vested interest in monitoring peregrine populations throughout
North America given the amount of resources they invested into them. One group of falconers
established a study whereby a few peregrines were radio-tagged in the Canadian arctic and
were monitored throughout their migration to South America. An Illinois falconer, Rob Sulski,
who is banding peregrines along Lake Michigan is extracting a breast feather from each
captured peregrine and will have these feathers stable-isotope analyzed to determine the
origins of these birds – again, from private funding by falconers. In addition Bob Anderson,
another falconer/peregrine breeder, monitors breeding peregrines along the Mississippi River
bluffs in the Iowa-Wisconsin-Minnesota breeding range. What other group of private
individuals is willing to invest their resources into such endeavors? In addition, what other
group of private individuals has the knowledge necessary to pursue such projects? Even the
USFWS is not pursuing such studies!
Another important point to consider: It was falconers that set up the falconry
permitting system with USFWS. The limits placed on falconry were self-imposed. Falconers
established the rule that only first year immature birds could be taken for the sport so that
mature birds were not removed from the breeding population; and that master falconers could
possess only three wild birds and could take only two birds from the wild per year even
though raptor populations could sustain far greater take than this. This was not forced upon
the sport; this was a conscious decision due to the love falconers have for raptors. No other
group has such affection and attachment to raptors as do falconers. To suggest falconers be
punished because it is not popular in certain protectionist circles is to encroach upon that
sector of society that offers raptors the greatest representation in conservation efforts.
Under these circumstances, total population data and other information gathered by
falconers observing, trapping, banding and monitoring peregrines can make a significant
contribution to the continuing management of the peregrine at no cost to the rest of society.
The value of the information contributed by falconers will far outweigh the minor costs
incurred in administering a limited harvest program. Forty plus years ago, it was the unpaid
and voluntary efforts of falconers that alerted the world to the peregrines plight. The
information provided by falconers will continue to be of equal value in properly monitoring
and managing this falcon. Approving a legal falconry harvest of migrant peregrines will
enhance and ensure the future health of all peregrine populations in North America.
Sincerely,
James M. Ingram III MD
President, WRTC
17909 N. Reflection Circle, Bennington, NE 68007
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