CAPTURE OF LIVE RAPTORS FOR FALCONRY

Senate Bill 1085 

Sponsor:  Sen. Randy Richardville

House Committee:  Tourism, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Complete to 12-1-08

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1085 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 5-6-08

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue an order regulating the capture of live raptors for falconry.  The section being amended is set to expire on January 4, 2009.  The bill would eliminate the sunset date and the following statutory requirements for the falconry order: 

·                    An annual statewide limit of 25 live red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, American kestrels, or sharp-shinned hawks (in any combination) and an annual statewide limit of two live goshawks.

·                    A ban on captures from national lakeshores, national recreation areas, and state land.

·                    A requirement that licensed falconers obtain written permission from property owners or managers before directly contacting a raptor nest, that only licensed falconers directly contact a nest, and that at least two healthy young raptors be left behind.

·                    A requirement that the licensed falconer report the nest location from which a raptor has been captured to the DNR within five business days.

·                    An education program and study of methods for monitoring raptor populations. 

MCL 324.50107a

[House Bills 5697 (sunset repeal) and 5983 (revise falconry order requirements) also deal with falconry and passed the House on April 29, 2008.  Senate Bill 1085 differs from those bills in that it eliminates the limit of two goshawk permits, the ban on the taking of raptors from certain federal lands and all state lands, the written permission requirement; the rule that only licensed falconers may have direct contact with a nest; the rule that two healthy young raptors must be left behind; and the reporting rule.] 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local governmental units.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.