Time and again wildlife that…

Time and again wildlife that has been sustainably managed is conserved by those with stakes in the game. Efforts by falconers to conserve and protect a future for wild raptors is evident across the globe. Falconers are heavily involved in raptor conservation organizations such as the Raptor Research Foundation and the Peregrine Fund. Furthermore, falconers help provide technical expertise and significant volunteer hours to a majority of raptor rehabilitation programs. Lastly, techniques developed through falconry, for example various raptor traps, are now regularly used by raptor researchers to conserve wild raptors.

Millsap and Allen (2006) found that a take of up to 5% of wild population of raptors will have no significant impact on the raptor population (Effects of Falconry Harvest on Wild Raptor Populations in the United States: Theoretical Considerations and Management Recommendations). As such, the wild take of raptors by licensed falconers is a low impact activity. We thank the ministry for considering allowing an open wild take of raptors in Ontario. Doing so will ensure a future for all wild raptors by allowing the continued exploration of raptor trapping and management techniques, and developing sentinels that protect and conserve raptors for perpetuity.