Possess Live Wildlife for Falconry

Possess Live Wildlife for Falconry

This application allows you to possess live wildlife (raptors) for Falconry purposes. See section 2(j) of the Wildlife Act – Permit Regulation.

Note: When applying under section 2(j), applicants should indicate if an application is the result of a section 2(h) capture permit. (See Capture Live Wildlife for Falconry and Zoos activity guidance for more information).

This permit may be issued in conjunction with several other sections of the Wildlife Act Permit Regulation, dependant on what is being applied for.

The permit holder must comply with all laws applicable to the activities carried out under this permit. Applicants should be aware of and follow the conditions indicated on their permit, should their permit application be approved.

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.

Class I and Class II Raptors

  1. Class I Raptors are:
    1. Peregrine Falcons;
    2. Gyrfalcons;
    3. Ferruginous Hawks; and
    4. Northern Hawk Owls
  2. Class II Raptors are:
    1. Northern Goshawks
    2. Cooper's Hawks;
    3. Sharp-shinned Hawks;
    4. Red-Tailed Hawks;
    5. Prairie Falcons;
    6. Merlins;
    7. American Kestrels;
    8. Legally imported species and their captive-bred progeny (Saker Falcon, Lanner Falcon, and Harris Hawk);
    9. Seamless banded, captive-bred Gyrfalcons and Peregrine Falcons; and
    10. Hybrids of any of the above (a to i)
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Permit under Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation (section 2(j) Authorization Guidance Apply Now
Permit under Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation (section 2(h) - Capturing a wild Falcon, if applicable Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Permit Fee Fee paid for a permit issued generally or for the wildlife, purpose or method specified (if any) plus the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge (if any).

$50 Permit Fee + $5 HCTF = $55.00

or

$100 Permit Fee + $30 HCTF = $130 for commercial or non-commercial operation where wildlife is on display

 Wildlife Act Permit Regulation - Schedule 3

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Wildlife Must be wildlife as defined under the Wildlife Act.
Class I Raptor Possession Proof that you have possessed a Class II Raptor for at least 24 months before being eligible to possess a Class I Raptor. (If a person held a possession permit for falconry outside of British Columbia, the person must be able to prove that they have possessed Class II Raptors for a 24 month period. This only applies to wild Class I Raptors; captive-bred raptors are deemed Class II.)
Age Applicant must be at least 19 years old, unless a parent or guardian has given written consent to the application. A permit must NOT be issued to an applicant under age 10.

Information Requirements

Authorization Requirement Description Link to Details
New Applications Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application
  • Name of the regional representative that inspected the mews
  • Date mews were inspected
  • Species Common and Scientific Name, Number, age and gender of wildlife currently in possession (non-federal species only):
  • Location of activity (Region and Management Unit)
  • Start and End Date of Activity
  • Detailed description (e.g., commercial, recreational, pest control
  • Name, address and telephone number of the proposed supplier of the wildlife
  • Proposed use of the Wildlife
Renewal Applications Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application
  • Details of any changes to previous permit (e.g., address change, new location for mews or facilities, etc.
  • Previous permit number if applicable
New and Renewal Applications Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance
  • Proof of minimum $1 million in public liability & property damage insurance (zoos)
Reporting Requirements

The permit holder must maintain an accurate up-to-date record of the wildlife held under the permit that shows all additions and deletions from the record, as well as the following information:

  • the common name of the wildlife (see BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer);
  • the number, sex, maturity and condition of the wildlife;
  • the name and address of the person or organization who provided the wildlife;
  • the name and address of the person or organization to whom the wildlife was provided, if any;
  • the number of the permit under which the wildlife was captured, transported or imported (if applicable); and
  • the manner, form, locations and date of marking of wildlife taken from the wild and the number and date of the official receipt for the capture fee.

When a bird is acquired, sold, traded, loaned or given away, the permit holder must maintain an accurate up-to-date record of the following: applicable date of transaction, capture permit number, band number, CITES permit number and the permit or licence number of the person acquiring the bird.

  • The permit holder must produce a copy of the records referred to in the paragraph’s above on the demand of an officer under the Wildlife Act.
  • Within 21 days after the expiry date of the permit, the permit holder must submit to FrontCounter BC a completed Raptor Possession Report.
Raptor Possession Report Form
Link Description
Wildlife Act - Permit Regulation
Raptor Possession Report Form
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023