Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-101.2

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, October 2, 2024

Rule 571-101.2 - Facilities and equipment

Before any individual shall be issued a falconry permit, the applicant's raptor housing facilities and falconry equipment shall be inspected and certified by a representative of the department of natural resources as meeting the following standards:

(1)Facilities. The primary consideration for raptor housing facilities, whether indoors (mews) or outdoors (weathering area), is protection from the environment, predators or undue disturbance. Depending upon climatic conditions, the applicant shall have either or both of the following facilities:

a. Indoor facilities. Indoor facilities (mews) shall be a minimum of 6 feet high, with a floor area at least 6 feet square for each bird. If more than one raptor is to be kept in the mews, the raptors shall be tethered or separated by partitions. There shall be at least one window, protected on the inside by vertical bars spaced narrower than the width of the bird's body and a door that can be easily closed and secured. The floor of the mews shall permit easy cleaning. Falcons are to be kept on perches with a flat perching surface while accipiters, buteos and eagles are to be kept on perches that have a perching surface round in cross section and all perches should provide a good grasping surface satisfactory to the bird in possession.

b. Indoor facilities-exception. An exception may be allowed from the standard size requirements listed in 101.2(1)"a" to General and Master Class permittees only for housing the smaller species of raptors; however, the facilities shall be large enough to allow the bird to fully extend its wings without touching the walls of the mew.

c. Outdoor facilities. Outdoor facilities (weathering area) shall be fenced and covered with netting or wire, or roofed to protect the birds from disturbance and attack by predators. The enclosed area shall be large enough to ensure the birds cannot strike the fence when flying from the perch. Protection from excessive sun, wind, and inclement weather shall be provided for each bird. Adequate perches shall be provided.

(2)Equipment. The following items shall be in the possession of the applicant before the applicant can obtain a permit.

a. Jesses. At least one pair of Alymeri jesses or similar-type jesses constructed of pliable, high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material to be used when any raptor is flown free. (Traditional one-piece jesses may be used on raptors when the raptors are not being flown.)

b. Leashes and swivels. At least one flexible, weather-resistant leash and one strong swivel of acceptable falconry design.

c. Bath container. At least one suitable container, 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor, for drinking and bathing for each raptor.

d. Outdoor perches. At least one weathering area perch of an acceptable design shall be provided for each raptor.

e. Weighing device. A working scale or balance suitable for weighing the raptor(s) held and graduated to increments of not more than two-tenths of an ounce, or five grams, shall be provided by the falconer.

f. Maintenance and inspection. All facilities and equipment shall be kept at or above the preceding standards at all times and shall be available for inspection by representatives of the department of natural resources at all reasonable hours.

g. Transportation-temporary holding. A raptor may be transported or held in temporary facilities which shall be provided with an adequate perch and protected from extreme temperatures and excessive disturbance for a period not to exceed 30 days.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-101.2

ARC 9189B, IAB 11/3/10, effective 12/8/10