US govt ammends falconry rules
Th
e US Fish and Wildlife Service has ammended federal regulations governing the practice of falconry in several US states.
From January 1st, 2012, those wishing to engage in falconry in the states of Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming will no longer have to obtain a federal permit.
Permits for falconry in those states will now be issued by state authorities.
Other changes to the regulations state that an "eyas raptor need not be kept in an indoor enclosure suitable for a flighted bird."
The Service says the new rule will not change the falconer's costs for practicing their sport or affect business that provide equipment or supplies for falconry, nor does it change any protections for endangered or threatened species.
The Service says public consultation was not considered neccessary on the ruling because it had published it's intension to change the regulation in a Federal Register in 2011, and further consultation was considered unneccessary.
An update on the new regulations can be found here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-11-21/html/2011-29829.htm