If you recapture a raptor with falconry equipment on, will it count against your yearly capture quota?

• A. Yes, it will count
• B. No, it will not count
• C. Only if it’s a specific species
• D. Depends on the time of year

Answer: (B)

The reason why the answer is that it will not count against your yearly capture quota is based on the regulations that govern falconry practices in California. In falconry, if you recapture a raptor that you had previously captured and trained, it is not counted as a new capture for the purposes of your annual limits. This regulation is designed to encourage responsible management and training of raptors, allowing falconers to maintain their birds without penalizing them for recapturing their own trained raptors.

It's important for falconers to understand that the capture quota is intended to manage the interaction between falconers and wild raptor populations to ensure their conservation. The exemption for recaptures reflects a recognition of the commitment falconers have to their birds and the training process, distinguishing between fresh captures from the wild and those that are already part of a falconer's training program. This ensures falconers can continue to work with their trained raptors throughout the year without unnecessary restrictions that could hinder their practice.