1. (a) Wildlife rehabilitation permits may be issued only to qualified individuals who:

   1. (1) are 18 years of age or older; and

   2. (2) have letters of recommendation from two persons who have known the applicant for at least two years. The letters of recommendation must be from:

      1. (A) conservation scientists or game wardens currently employed by the department;
      2. (B) licensed veterinarians; or
      3. (C) permitted wildlife rehabilitators.
2. (b) Evidence of certification by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition or the National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association can be substituted for one of the required letters of recommendation.
3. (c) The department reserves the right to refuse permit issuance to persons who have been finally convicted of any violation of state or federal law applicable to fish and wildlife.

Source Note:The provisions of this §69.47 adopted to be effective January 30, 1997, 22 TexReg 902; amended to be effective April 23, 2001, 26 TexReg 3025.