Comment on FR Doc # 2011-28376

David Reed November 29, 2011 ID No. FWS-R9-MB-2009-0045; 76 FR 39368 (commented period extended: 76 FR 67651) In re: Migratory Bird Permits; Abatement Regulations To Whom It May Concern, This proposed rule addresses the use of raptor bird species in abatement activities. The use of these birds of prey include taking or otherwise harming other birds or wildlife considered a threat to human health or the environment. This may include dangers from birds and other wildlife at airports and on agricultural crops. The FWS seeks to create a specific permit program for use of raptors in these abatement activities. The handlers of these raptors should continue to be registered and well trained Falconers, as is required under the current ad hoc permitting system. Further, no special permit is required for taking species that are not protected, nor are permits required for disturbing protected migratory bird species where the activity in question falls short of a harm that would constitute a taking. Because of these risks to unprotected and even protected wildlife, the following issues for comment will be addressed: (1) Qualifications and experience necessary to qualify for a Federal abatement permit. (2) Limits on the species that should be authorized for use in abatement activities. (6) The use of falconry birds held by subpermittees for abatement. (9) Report information that should be required from a permit holder, if any. (10) Other conditions that should apply to these permits. Part 1, addressing the qualification of handlers, should require that handlers remain at least a general or apprentice Falconer in order to qualify as a permit holder, and a Master Falconer in good standing under the Federal falconry regulations (50 CFR 21.29). Abatement activities will necessarily often involve activities dangerous to both the handler and the wildlife they aim to displace and/or harm. With an inexperienced handler, the raptor may harm protected species or otherwise incr