American Falconry Conservancy

Mission Statement

To protect and preserve the art and practice of falconry for future generations and to protect falconers’ rights, we hereby declare ourselves as a non-profit organization known as American Falconry Conservancy established in 2002 – an organization dedicated to the art of hunting with trained raptors. It is also our intention to pursue the broadest liberties possible that are not in conflict with legitimate conservation efforts based upon sound biological and legal reasoning. Citizens have a right to practice falconry within the confines of ecologically and ethically responsible behavior, and it is the intention of AFC to defend this right.

We further declare that our purpose is to help promote knowledge of quality falconry, as well as to instill pride in falconers for the cultural heritage of the sport, and its place in world history. We also support and recognize falconry’s continuing contributions to raptor/avian science and ecology.

Lastly, we declare that our purpose is to open borders between all States and nations for: trapping wild raptors, commerce in domestically propagated raptors, and transportation of all secure species of raptors for use in falconry.

Last Updated (Friday, 14 May 2010 06:27)

Accomplishments

Since its formation in 2002, the American Falconry Conservancy has accomplished a great deal.

USSA Unveils Exciting New Program to Defend Sportsmen’s Rights

(Columbus) – Today, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) officially unveiled a dynamic new initiative aimed at building an army of sportsmen from coast to coast to protect America’s outdoor heritage for future generations.

Last Updated (Friday, 14 May 2010 06:26)

Regulation Comments

I want to thank the USFWS for the opportunity to comment on the changes in the falconry regulations, RIN 1018–AW44. As president of the American Falconry Conservancy (AFC), I wish to convey to the USFWS the position of this organization in relation to the inspection of falconers birds, mews and paperwork. It is the position of the American Falconry Conservancy that after passing the initial inspection as an apprentice falconer by the state , that random inspections are considered warrantless searches that have no basis in law. The AFC is opposed to including administrative inspections in the final federal regulations as well as the demand that states are required to carry out these inspections. We further oppose the requirement that falconers must sign a document allowing the inspections as a prerequisite to their falconry permit. Falconry inspections that occur after the initial inspection are used as a method of search for infractions that can be utilized to revoke a falconers license and potentially remove their birds, which are considered private property. These warrantless searches are contrary to the Constitution of the United States. The AFC is in favor of a search when there is evidence of infractions or danger to the raptor and a warrant is easily obtained in these situations. The attached file is in support for this position and is based on the Constitution as well as Supreme Court cases. The AFC strongly urges the USFWS to consider removing the requirement for these inspections from the proposed regulations in order to be compliant with federal law.

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