15A NCAC 10H .0807      levels OF Licenses

(a)  Falconry licenses shall be issued at three levels based upon the age and experience of the falconer.

(b)  Apprentice level falconry licenses shall be subject to the conditions, requirements, and limitations set forth in 50 CFR 21.82(c)(2)(i). In addition to the requirements of 50 CFR 21.82(c)(2)(i), the following conditions apply:

(1)           the apprentice's sponsor shall live within 200 miles of the apprentice;

(2)           a sponsor shall not have more than three apprentices at any one time; and

(3)           a sponsor shall provide written notification to the Commission when he or she decides to stop sponsoring an apprentice. The Commission shall notify the apprentice, who must obtain another sponsor and notify the Commission within 90 days.

(A)          If after the 90-day period, the apprentice fails to obtain another sponsor, the disposition of the raptor(s) shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Commission and may include release or transfer to another licensed falconer, and the apprentice's license shall be suspended.

(B)          If after 180 days, the apprentice fails to obtain another sponsor, the Commission shall revoke his or her license and he or she shall be required to reapply for an apprentice license.

(c)  General level falconry licenses shall be subject to the conditions, requirements, and limitations set forth in 50 CFR 21.82(c)(2)(ii).

(d)  Master level falconry licenses shall be subject to conditions, requirements, and limitations set forth in 50 CFR 21.82(c)(2)(iii).

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-270.3(b)(4); 50 C.F.R. 21.29;

Eff. September 1, 1979;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2012; May 1, 1995; May 1, 1991; February 1, 1985;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. December 6, 2016;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2022; February 1, 2018.