R657-20-10. Apprentice Class Sponsor

  (1) Applicants for an Apprentice Class falconry COR must have a sponsor to mentor and assist the Apprentice Class falconer in the following activities:

  (a) husbandry and training of raptors held for falconry;

  (b) relevant wildlife laws and regulations; and

  (c) determining what species of raptor is appropriate for the Apprentice to possess.

  (2) The person applying for an Apprentice Class falconry COR must provide the Division with a letter from their chosen sponsor stating that sponsor's willingness to serve as a sponsor for the Apprentice Class falconer.

  (3) Requirements of an Apprentice Class Sponsor.

  (a) Any person sponsoring an Apprentice under the age of 18, other than the minor's parent or legal guardian, must be approved in writing by the minor's parent or legal guardian and submitted to the Division before being designated as the minor's sponsor; and

  (b)(i) a sponsor must be a Master Class Falconer who holds a valid Utah Falconry COR; or

  (ii) be a General Class Falconer who is at least 18 years of age, has no less than two (2) years experience at the General Class falconer level, and who holds a valid Utah falconry COR.

  (4) Unless approved in writing by the Division director or designee, the sponsor cannot reside:

  (a) greater than a 100 mile distance from the Apprentice; or

  (b) outside of Utah so long as the falconer has a valid falconry permit at the General or Master Class level.

  (5)(a) Apprentice Class falconers that change or terminate sponsors must notify the Division in writing and provide a letter from the new sponsor showing compliance with the requirements listed in R657-20-10(3) and (4).

  (b) In the event sponsorship is terminated, the holder of an Apprentice Class falconry COR must notify the Division and obtain a new sponsor within 30 calendar days of termination.