Is a white-tailed eagle allowed to be possessed by an apprentice falconer?

Is a white-tailed eagle allowed to be possessed by an apprentice falconer?

• A. Yes, with a special exemption
• B. No
• C. Yes, if raised by the falconer
• D. Only if transferred from another permittee

Answer: (B)

The possession of a white-tailed eagle by an apprentice falconer is not permitted under current regulations. In Texas, the law stipulates that apprentice falconers are limited to hunting with certain species that are considered suitable for beginners and that do not include a number of raptors with specific conservation concerns, such as the white-tailed eagle. This restriction is in place to ensure that apprentice falconers build their skills gradually with more common species before attempting to train or handle raptors that are less common or have more complex needs. The other options suggest scenarios where possession might be allowed, but they do not align with regulatory standards. For example, special exemptions or raising the bird oneself would not change the fact that the species is restricted for apprentices. Therefore, the straightforward answer is that apprentice falconers cannot possess a white-tailed eagle, aligning with conservation and training requirements.

The possession of a white-tailed eagle by an apprentice falconer is not permitted under current regulations. In Texas, the law stipulates that apprentice falconers are limited to hunting with certain species that are considered suitable for beginners and that do not include a number of raptors with specific conservation concerns, such as the white-tailed eagle. This restriction is in place to ensure that apprentice falconers build their skills gradually with more common species before attempting to train or handle raptors that are less common or have more complex needs.

The other options suggest scenarios where possession might be allowed, but they do not align with regulatory standards. For example, special exemptions or raising the bird oneself would not change the fact that the species is restricted for apprentices. Therefore, the straightforward answer is that apprentice falconers cannot possess a white-tailed eagle, aligning with conservation and training requirements.