Section 1590.50  Permit and License Requirements

a)         It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, or transport any raptor for falconry purposes or practice falconry in Illinois unless a valid falconry permit has been issued pursuant to these regulations or issued by another State in accordance with federal regulations (50 CFR 21, effective September 14, 1989) (no incorporation in this Part includes later amendments or editions).

1)         Residents - Illinois residents may hold raptors in captivity only under a falconry permit issued by the Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A)        The initial fee for an Illinois Falconry Permit shall be seventy-five ($75) dollars for three years and must be renewed every three years for a fee of seventy-five ($75) dollars if raptors are to be possessed or held beyond the permit expiration date.

B)        All applicants must be at least 14 years of age.

2)         Non-Residents - Federally licensed non-resident falconers may transport and possess properly marked raptors in Illinois for falconry purposes on a temporary basis not to exceed 30 days.  Written authorization from the Department is required in advance if any such raptor is to be brought into Illinois in excess of 30 days.  While in Illinois, all non-residents shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Part and obtain the appropriate hunting licenses, stamps, or permits as may be required under Illinois law.

b)         The falconry permit or a copy must be in the possession of the holder when engaged in falconry activity.

c)         No person shall transfer the falconry permit or unused markers or allow the use thereof by any other persons, nor shall any person while engaged in falconry, use or carry any permit or marker issued to another.

d)         othing in this Section shall prohibit a falconry permittee of the appropriate class from using the raptor of another permittee for falconry purposes on a temporary basis in accordance with Sections 1590.80 and 1590.100 of this Part.

(Source:  Amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 11052, effective June 30, 1992)