Post by Weasel on Dec 19, 2005 11:55:38 GMT -5
USFW and state wildlife agencies have pulled off inspections of every falconer in Ohio and Idaho at the same time this past weekend. Keep your paperwork in order and even more so, DON'T DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL!!!
Your state may be next!
Here is a second hand report of what went down so far in Ohio.
1. One falconer had his Harris Hawk confiscated because he didn't hold a valid hunting license.
2. One falconer ran into some trouble (not sure what kind) because he didn't have a weathering area for his bird.
3. Freezers were being inspected for game. Apparently they are only permitted to have two day limits in their freezers.
4. The inspectors were primarily state agents from what is being reported. The Feds apparently had little involvement, if any.
5. Obviously, they were inspecting records and logs.
Again, this is second hand, so take it for what it is worth.
Keep our paperwork in meticulous order
Keep two copies of each document
Keep one set of copies outside the house
Have the business card of a lawyer clipped to the front of the paperwork
Keep all falconry related equipment outside, or at least keep the required equipment outside
If inspected:
Be polite, yet businesslike
Do not answer questions about anyone else
Do not allow access to your home without a warrant. All of your falconry is OF COURSE practiced outside, and no falconry equipment or food is inside, right? So there is no need for them to enter. This includes not allowing an officer to even use your bathroom.
If possible, seek a non-falconer to witness the proceedings. If your lawyer is close, call that person to witness.
Consider recording the conversation- or take notes
Regulations with with it is impossible to fully comply are tyrannical by nature. So there is no bullet-proof way to avoid citation. Don't sign anything.
Your state may be next!
Here is a second hand report of what went down so far in Ohio.
1. One falconer had his Harris Hawk confiscated because he didn't hold a valid hunting license.
2. One falconer ran into some trouble (not sure what kind) because he didn't have a weathering area for his bird.
3. Freezers were being inspected for game. Apparently they are only permitted to have two day limits in their freezers.
4. The inspectors were primarily state agents from what is being reported. The Feds apparently had little involvement, if any.
5. Obviously, they were inspecting records and logs.
Again, this is second hand, so take it for what it is worth.
Keep our paperwork in meticulous order
Keep two copies of each document
Keep one set of copies outside the house
Have the business card of a lawyer clipped to the front of the paperwork
Keep all falconry related equipment outside, or at least keep the required equipment outside
If inspected:
Be polite, yet businesslike
Do not answer questions about anyone else
Do not allow access to your home without a warrant. All of your falconry is OF COURSE practiced outside, and no falconry equipment or food is inside, right? So there is no need for them to enter. This includes not allowing an officer to even use your bathroom.
If possible, seek a non-falconer to witness the proceedings. If your lawyer is close, call that person to witness.
Consider recording the conversation- or take notes
Regulations with with it is impossible to fully comply are tyrannical by nature. So there is no bullet-proof way to avoid citation. Don't sign anything.
