Hello and hope the people of…

Hello. I hope this note finds the people of this important ministry healthy and doing well.

My comments are in support of the proposal to expand live capture of wild raptors by falconers.

It is widely recognized that falconers have for generations been a significant source of knowledge and support for raptor conservation. The recovery of the peregrine falcon is a prime example of the role falconers have played.

The proposal to allow expanded capture of wild raptors is perfectly aligned with this conservation ethos.

These proposed changes have worked flawlessly in other provinces and U.S. states. It also aligns with falconry heritage through the ages; UNESCO recognizes the sport (and art) as an "intangible cultural heritage of humanity".

Expanding the species that can be taken for falconry purposes is logical and shows no negative impact to populations around the world. This should include goshawks, which are thriving in the province of Alberta.

It also is a huge step forward to eliminate the lottery. This will allow all falconers, including apprentices, to trap their hunting partner. As we in the falconry community know, many falconers will trap a wild raptor during its first year (a time when natural mortality rates can exceed 80%) and then release them in the future. Effectively a bridge to survive and thrive.

Extensive research has consistently shown that use of wild raptors does not have any negative impact.

Thank you for all you can do to help falconry flourish in Alberta!