Peregrine Falcons Being Considered as Trainees for Falconry Enthusiasts

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Once deemed an endangered species, the American peregrine falcon is now being considered by state wildlife officials as a new species for training by Idaho's falconry enthusiasts. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing a plan allowing the capture of two juvenile peregrines from the wild annually to learn and take part in the centuries-old art of falconry.

Several states — including Montana, Washington, Oregon and Utah — already allow the capture of peregrines. The agency is now taking public comments on its proposed rules for capturing first-year peregrines. Captured wild peregrines were used by North American falconers from 1938 to 1970 when the raptors were added to the list of threatened and endangered species. Until 204, nearly all peregrines used in falconry were bred in captivity.