1. A. Importation: A copy of a valid falconer permit shall suffice as an importation permit for raptors brought into the state.

   (1) A permitted falconer may import any raptor from another state, provided that the permittee does not exceed the number and species of raptors that can be held under his or her permit.

   (2) The holder of a New Mexico temporary foreign visitor falconer permit may only import captive-bred raptor(s) from another state, provided the falconer does not exceed the number and species of raptors that he or she may possess.

2. B. Temporary importation: an importation permit is not required by nonresident falconers temporarily importing and possessing a raptor while in transit or for the purpose of falconry.
3. C. Relocation importation: a permitted falconer shall notify the department prior to relocating to New Mexico with a legally possessed raptor. Within 10 days of the arrival, notification shall be filed through USFWS 3-186A electronic reporting system unless otherwise required or approved by the department. The permittee shall document that the raptor was legally obtained, with such certificates, permits to take, federal form 3-186A submitted by the raptor propagator, etc.

4. D. Transportation of raptors:

   (1) A New Mexico falconer may transport within New Mexico a raptor held under his or her permit and raptor(s) held for another falconer while in temporary care.

   (2) A permittee may remove the raptor from New Mexico for meets, trials, and hunting in other states and return the raptor to New Mexico without obtaining New Mexico importation permit, provided the falconer permittee obtains any permit or license required for this activity by the state into which the raptor is taken.

   (3) A nonresident falconer does not need an importation permit to bring a falconry raptor(s) into New Mexico for hunting or attending a falconry meet as provided in Chapter 17-3-32.1 NMSA 1978 Compilation.

5. E. Temporary holding of raptors: Raptors possessed under authority of a New Mexico falconry permit may be temporarily held or flown by another person (caretaker) at a location different than the falconer's.

   (1) The permittee shall provide such caretaker with a signed statement authorizing the temporary transfer of the raptor to the caretaker and the temporary holding facility, as well as a copy of the federal 3186A form showing the permittee legally acquired the raptor.

   (2) If the period of care will exceed 120 days, the permittee shall send written notification of such extended temporary care to the department no later than five days prior to the temporary care.

   (3) The care of a permittee’s raptor may be extended indefinitely by the department in extenuating circumstances such as illness, military service, or family emergency. Notification shall include the name and location of the caretaker, the reason for the extended temporary care, whether the raptor(s) may be exercised and flown, and approximately how many days the caretaker will be responsible for the raptor(s).

[19.35.8.13 NMAC - Rp, 19 NMAC 35.1.9, 01/01/2012]