Comment on FR Doc # 2011-16880

The current abatement rules are fair and functional. I would not propose any changes except for the following. 1) Subpermitees should be allowed to use captive-bred birds held on their falconry permit for abatement activities. Most falconers who conduct abatement activities do so on a seasonal basis and as subpermittees. Thus, it would be ideal if they could use captive-bred raptors that they hold under their falconry permit. There is no biological or legal justification for restricting the use of legally possessed captive-bred raptors for abatement activities. 2) Please do not impose geographic limits on permits. Because of the broad geographic reach of most bird abatement companies and the nature of the business relationship between permit holders and subpermittees, any geographic limits on a permit would be an unreasonable restriction of interstate commerce. 3) Please do not attempt to dictate housing requirements for raptors at abatement job sites. Falconers who do not accommodate their birds under safe and healthful conditions will not succeed in the abatement business. This is very much self-regulating.