R657-20-26. Use of Pen-Reared Game Birds for Meets, Trials and Training

  (1) Any falconer using pen-reared game birds for meets, trials or training must have an invoice or bill of sale or a copy thereof in their possession showing lawful personal possession or ownership of such birds.

  (2) Pen-reared game birds may be held in possession no longer than 60 calendar days unless the person possessing the pen-reared game birds first obtains a private aviculture COR as provided in Rule R657-4.

  (3)(a) Each pen-reared game bird must be marked with an aluminum leg band or other permanent marking before being released except as provided in Subsection (d).

  (b) Aluminum leg bands may be purchased at any Division office.

  (c) The aluminum leg band or other permanent marking must remain attached to the pen-reared game bird.

  (d) Each pen-reared game bird used on a commercial hunting area, as defined in R657-22, may be released without marking.

  (4) Pen-reared game birds used for a meet may be released only on the property specified and only during the dates approved for the falconry meet.

  (5) Released pen-reared game birds may be taken using falconry raptors, as follows:

  (a) By the individual who released the pen-reared game birds, or by any individual participating in the meet; and

  (b) Only during the approved dates of the meet.

  (6) Once released, any pen-reared game birds that leave the property where the meet is held or are not retrieved at the conclusion of the meet become the property of the State of Utah and may not be recaptured or taken, except as prescribed in the Upland Game or Waterfowl proclamations of the Wildlife Board.

  (7) Pen-reared game birds used for training raptors or for a trial that escape or are not recovered on the day of the training or trial, or pen-reared game birds that escape, become property of the State of Utah and may not be recaptured or taken, except as prescribed in the Upland Game and Waterfowl proclamations of the Wildlife Board and elsewhere in this rule.