I am the CEO of the…

I am the CEO of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, IAF, which represents falconry and raptor conservation organizations in over 90 countries. North America has the most favorable set of legislation for the conservation of birds of prey in the world. Canada bases its conservation laws on scientific facts, not on emotion from those who oppose things without fully understanding them. Involving falconers in conservation has time and again proved not only a positive force for conservation, but frequently a vital one.

Falconry is hunting with a bird of prey in its natural environment. Sustainable use of wildlife is recognized by IUCN as one of the most important tools in conservation.The use of wild raptors is totally sustainable, there are many scientific studies to show this (see Conference link below)

The proposals made to increase the use of wild-harvested birds by falconers in Ontario are completely valid and should go ahead. This is an important conservation measure, recognizing the work done by falconers in restoring populations of many birds of prey around the world.