This year, for the first time, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded Tennessee one permit allowing the trapping of one peregrine falcon for use in falconry.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will conduct a random draw Aug. 31 to determine the permit winner. Eligible applicants (licensed general and master falconers) must apply by Aug. 10.
This fall, during peak raptor migration Sept. 20-Oct. 20, the winning falconer will try to trap a peregrine falcon anywhere within TWRA's Region 1 West Tennessee counties. "This is a unique opportunity for falconers since peregrines were the primary birds used in falconry until the early 1900s," said Walter Cook, TWRA statewide falconry coordinator.
What? Someone legally trapping a wild peregrine falcon in Tennessee with the blessings of TWRA and the USFWS? And they'll keep the falcon under circumstances that many people consider akin to keeping a pet bird for personal use and enjoyment? And what about peregrines being an endangered species in the eastern U. S. for so many years? The trapping of a peregrine for falconry raises far more objections than the trapping of the far more abundant red-tailed hawk for falconry.
TWRA states "the population of peregrine falcons, through state and federal conservation efforts, has recovered enough since their near-extinction in the early 20th century to allow for a limited take of these birds for the use in falconry." But the falconer can't trap just any peregrine he or she is lucky enough to catch. Active nests and birds in counties in Middle and East Tennessee are off limits. East Tennessee is home to a few nesting peregrine pairs as a result of a peregrine reintroduction project involving much effort and money over many years.
To be kept, any peregrine captured by a falconer must be a migrating juvenile (first year) bird. Adult and resident falcons are off limits. If a trapped peregrine wears research leg bands or a transmitter, the bird must be released where captured after recording all identifying numbers and contacting the researcher — who might want a transmitter's batteries replaced.
Hunting small animals with birds of prey is an ancient method of capturing wildlife. Falconry is regulated as a form of hunting — though I doubt modern falconers eat what their birds catch. It's a lot of work for a falconer to trap, train, exercise and care for a hawk or falcon. Most falconers are very devoted to the well-being of their birds. A TWRA permit is required to practice falconry in Tennessee under strict USFWS guidelines.
Because their long-term recovery from near extinction in Tennessee and other eastern states continues to involve so much time, effort, and expense, I personally hate to see even one of these magnificent free-spirited falcons removed from the wild and unnecessarily taken captive. Peregrines are still listed as an endangered species in Tennessee.
Come September, I'll be rooting for peregrine falcons migrating through West Tennessee to escape the traps and gloved hands of a falconer. I wish the wandering peregrines a safe and speedy passage — and good luck. Same here!!
KNOXNEWS
