(1) There is no specific Washington state abatement permit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the sole responsibility for issuing special purpose abatement permits in Washington. An abatement operator, or subpermittees thereof, must possess a valid falconry permit from Washington, another state, tribe, or country. A falconry permit is not required for a person who is not engaged in flying a raptor, such as caring for, handling, or otherwise assisting the operator.
(2) An abatement operator, or subpermittees thereof, and raptor handlers using captive bred origin raptors may receive payment for providing abatement services if they are listed in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Abatement Permit. Abatement activities shall comply with any federal depredation order/permit and take permits. The abatement operator may be required to possess a Washington permit issued by the director for the take of wildlife (RCW
77.12.240 and
77.36.030). It is the responsibility of the abatement operator to possess all other relevant state and local permits.
(3) A master falconer may independently conduct abatement activities. A general or apprentice falconer, may conduct abatement activities only as a subpermittee of the holder of the federal abatement permit. A raptor handler who is not engaged in active flying of the raptor is not required to possess a falconry permit.
(4) Wildlife taken under abatement and depredation permits may be stored and/or used as food for raptors.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
77.04.012,
77.04.013,
77.04.020,
77.04.055, and
77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-420-330, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW
77.04.012,
77.04.020,
77.04.055,
77.12.047,
77.12.210, and C.F.R. Title 50, Part 21, Subpart C, Section 21.29; Migratory Bird Treaty Act. WSR 10-18-012 (Order 10-214), § 232-30-530, filed 8/20/10, effective 9/20/10.]