Protect the Peregrines

Miles City, Montana, 10/19/2006: The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP), is holding a commission meeting in Miles City. One of the scheduled topics of discussion is the Peregrine Falcon Harvest Rule (scheduled to be discussed @ 9:15am). This topic will cover the allowed "take" of wild peregrine falcons from an eyrie (nesting ledge) by licensed falconers for the purpose of hunting.

In 1999, after decades of population surveys (which are still on-going) and a concerted reintroduction program that released over 600 falcons in the state of Montana, the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the Endangered Species List. Today there are just over 60 active peregrine falcon eyries (most located in the western region of the state), and not all of these are productive (www.montanaperegrine.org).

With all the time, effort, and monies invested by federal, state, and private organizations to reestablish the peregrine falcon in Montana, MFWP is addressing the issue of allowing falconers to go to these eyries and "take" young birds to be trained for hunting. While this is all well and fine, let us slow down and take a look at the over all picture of this issue.

? There are only about 60 plus eyries in the state after releasing 600 birds

? Not all the eyries are accessible, so a few eyries will be over burdened

? There are already ?breeding chambers? established to provide falconers with hunting birds

? Peregrines are a trans-boarder indicator species. Why should we be in such a hurry to pressure these birds before we see a more even distribution across the state?

To learn more about this subject, to see the Montana peregrine falcon population dispersal, or to comment on this subject the Montana Peregrine Institute may be reached at www.montanaperegrine.org. Please, let your voice be heard whether for or against a "take."

This is a serious issue that should have more input and should be considered in a methodic and conscious manner, not in a hurry just to get permits issued.

Contact:

Arnold Dood, Endangered Species Biologist, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, (406) 444-2612

Don Childress, Wildlife Division Administrator, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, (406) 444-5645

Kristi Dubois, Native Species Coordinator, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, (406) 542-5551

Jay Sumner, Ex. Dir., Montana Peregrine Institute, (406)726-3591

J.T. Tubbs, Past President Current Sec. Treas. Montana Falconers Association, (406) 586-3626