Number: 1980-16
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation consistently encourages and advocates the wise use of our natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the taking of game by trained birds of prey (the art of falconry) according to established seasons and bag limits is a legitimate use of our natural resources; and
WHEREAS, falconers have made considerable contributions toward the conservation of birds of prey; and
WHEREAS, all raptors are fully protected by federal law; and
WHEREAS, the illegal activities of a few individuals give falconry a poor public image and could threaten its legitimate practice;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby endorses the practice of the art of falconry, provided that:
- it is properly licensed and controlled according to present federal and state laws and regulations;
- no endangered species be taken from the wild for falconry purposes (although captive bred endangered species should be allowed);
- that the number of hawks taken from the wild for falconry purposes be limited to numbers consistent with sound wildlife management practices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges the various falconry organizations to promulgate and support a strong code of ethics for falconry.