Open Houses Set To Discuss Use Of Young Peregrine Falcons By Falconers

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a series of public open houses to discuss a proposal that could allow a limited take of about five young peregrine falcons for use in falconry.

In the practice of falconry, licensed falconers may take nestling or free-flying birds of prey from the healthy wild populations and then train the birds for the hunting of small game like grouse, pheasants and ducks.

Last year in Montana at least 65 active peregrine falcon nests fledged nearly 150 young birds. Under any new rule, no more than five percent of the yearling population—currently about five to seven birds annually—could be taken for falconry in Montana.

"Montana’s peregrine falcons are in terrific shape," said Arnold Dood, FWP’s endangered species recovery coordinator in Bozeman. "The population continues to expand across the state and their numbers continue to grow. Now we can reward some of the people who helped bring back this bird by allowing the capture of some birds for the sport of falconry."

Today’s American peregrine falcon population was in part restored by falconers who spent years "hacking" young birds from remote cliffs, specially-designed towers, and from the top of buildings and skyscrapers in some cities. The effort was designed to   turn back population declines that began about 60 years ago. The peregrine was removed from the endangered species list in 1999, which enabled the peregrine to be included as a raptor eligible for take under falconry statutes.

Because peregrines nest on cliffs that are difficult to reach, Montana’s population estimate does not include all nesting pairs across the state and is considered a minimum count. The limited take, if allowed, would not impact ongoing population increases or the falcon’s expanding distribution, Dood said.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission directed FWP in October 2006 to develop a rule to govern the take peregrine falcons by licensed Montana falconers. FWP completed initial public discussion in January. Now, an environmental assessment will likely be prepared in conjunction with the rule.

Here is the open-house schedule to discuss the current status of peregrine falcons and to identify additional issues and concerns:

Date                 City                  Location                                                         Time

March 27           Great Falls         FWP Region 4; 4600 Giant Springs Rd.         7-9 p.m.

March 28            Kalispell           FWP Region 1; 490 N. Meridian Rd.               5-7 p.m.

March 29            Missoula           FWP Region 2; 3201 Spurgin Rd.                     7-9 p.m.

April 3               Helena               FWP Headquarters; 1420 E. 6 th Ave.             7-9 p.m.

April 4               Bozeman           FWP Region 3; 1400 S. 19 th Ave.                   7-9 p.m.

April 5               Billings              FWP Region 5; 2300 Lake Elmo Dr.                7-9 p.m.

Written comments must be received by April 26. Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Wildlife—Peregrines, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; or email to: fwpwld@mt.gov .