Sec.26-67e-7. Sponsorship requirements

(a) Any person who would like to sponsor an apprentice falconer shall certify, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, that such person:

(1) Has a valid master falconry or general falconry permit with a minimum of three years experience as a general falconer; and,

(2) has not been convicted of violating the falconry laws and regulations of any jurisdiction of the United States or any federal migratory bird statutes or regulations within a three year period preceding the start of the sponsorship.

(b) The sponsor shall:

(1) Act as a source of advice and information for the apprentice;

(2) provide a minimum of twenty hours of field instruction annually;

(3) provide training as described in the regulations in 50 CFR 21 and sections 26-67e-1 through 26-67e-18, inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and oversee the care, maintenance, and training of the apprentice's raptor;

(4) reside within 400 miles of the apprentice's residence;

(5) sponsor no more than three apprentices at any one time;

(6) notify the commissioner, in writing, within ten days after the sponsorship has been discontinued with an explanation of the reasons for discontinuing the sponsorship; and,

(7) maintain a written log of the instruction provided to each apprentice falconer.

(c) An apprentice falconer may submit, at any time, a written request to the commissioner to change sponsors. Said request shall describe the reasons or circumstances for changing sponsors and the name and address of the new sponsor. The commissioner, in the commissioner’s sole discretion, may authorize an apprentice falconer to resume falconry activities with a new sponsor.

(Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013)