The numbers of permits to be allowed for the taking of peregrine falcons to be used in falconry has increased from one to five in 2018 as announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The 2018 application period for the trapping of Peregrine falcons to be used in falconry begins in July and will end on Aug. 15. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will conduct a draw to be held on Aug. 29 with five permits to be awarded
Another change this year is the permits will be allowed statewide. Previously, Peregrine falcons were only allowed to be taken from counties located in the TWRA’s Region I (West Tennessee). This marks the eighth year that a permit will be issued in Tennessee. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded Tennessee its first permit allowing the trapping of one Peregrine falcon for the use in falconry in 2011.
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.
For more information, contact the TWRA’s Walter Cook at walter.cook@tn.gov or (615) 781-6647.