Can an apprentice falconer use a raptor acquired from a rehabilitation center more than once?

The rationale behind the correct response centers on the regulations governing falconry practices. When an apprentice falconer utilizes a raptor obtained from a rehabilitation center, that bird is considered a part of the wild caught limit imposed on falconers. This means that using such a raptor counts against the maximum number of wild-caught birds that an apprentice is permitted to possess during their apprenticeship.

The intent of this regulation is to protect wild populations and ensure responsible management of raptors. Since rehab birds have typically been injured and cannot be returned to the wild due to their condition, the regulation acknowledges that they should not contribute to the number of wild caught birds a falconer can capture and keep, preserving the integrity of wild populations. Each use of a rehabilitated bird contributes to the limit and reflects the broader commitment to sustainable and ethical falconry practices.