1) Exactly which species of ducks does this new rule cover, since most domestic ducks are derived from mallards? Provision (1) of the rule states: There are several permits (listed on the Permit page) that allow you to possess mallards, including a free personal pet permit. 3) What if I already possess mallards and they are free-ranging on my property, are they "grandfathered in"? No, this rule requires anyone possessing mallards to obtain a permit and requires that mallards be caged as specified in the rule by 1 July 2004. (See #5 below for information on caging) 4) What permits are needed for feed-and-seed-type stores to possess mallards? If the feed store
possess/sells game birds only, a Game
Farm License is needed, per 372.16,
F.S. 5) What are the caging requirements for mallards? Mallards must be
caged as specified in Rule 68A-6.0023
and 68A-6.004, F.A.C.
(These include specific cage sizes and specifications based on the number
of ducks housed, sanitary considerations, shelter provision, etc). 6) I have mallards in my backyard/ neighborhood pond, can I bring these mallards into captivity once I obtain a permit for mallard possession from the FWC? If the mallards in question are not already in your possession, but are free-ranging, according to Federal law you may not bring them into captivity unless they are properly marked as captive-reared. Federal regulations (50 CFR 21.13) define captive-reared mallards as those that are: ....physically marked by at least one of the following methods prior to 6 weeks of age and all such ducks hatched, reared, and retained in captivity thereafter shall be so marked prior to reaching 6 weeks of age. (1) Removal of the hind toe from the right foot. (2) Pinioning of a wing: provided that this method shall be the removal of the metacarpal bones of one wing or a portion of the metacarpal bones which renders the bird permanently incapable of flight. (3) Banding of one metatarsus with a seamless metal band. (4) Tattooing of a readily discernible number or letter or combination thereof on the web of one foot. (c) When so marked, such live birds may be disposed of to, or acquired from, any person and possessed and transferred in any number at any time or place: provided that all such birds shall be physically marked prior to sale or disposal regardless of whether or not they have attained 6 weeks of age. 7) I live out-of-state, but would like to purchase mallards in Florida to keep at my property in another state, do I need a permit from FWC? Yes,
regardless of where you live or the final destination of the mallards, you
need a permit from FWC because you will be in possession of mallards
in Florida. Failure to have an FWC permit while in possession of
mallards in Florida is a violation. Additionally,
if you cross state lines without a permit, a Federal violation has been
committed (the Lacey Act, which relates to interstate transportation of
wildlife). A permit is required in order for anyone to possess mallards. Therefore, you would need any one of the permits listed on the Mallard permit page, in addition to any permit required to hold the field trial. Requests to hold field trials on FWC lands should be sent to: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Wildlife, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600. 9) I am interested in using mallards for falcon training purposes, how does this new rule affect me? A permit is required in order for anyone to possess mallards. Therefore, you would need any one of the permits listed on the Mallard permit page, in addition to any Falconry permit required. More information is available on Falconry permits. |
