Sponsorship requirements

(a) Any person who would like to sponsor an apprentice class falconer shall certify in writing, on a form provided by the commissioner, that such person: (1) Has a valid master falconry permit or a valid general falconry permit with a minimum of three years experience as a general falconer; and, (2) has not been convicted of violating the falconry laws and regulations of any state or the federal government within a 3 year period preceding the start of the sponsorship. (b) The sponsor shall: (1) Act as a source of advice and information for the apprentice; (2) provide a minimum of twenty hours of field instruction annually and oversee the care, maintenance, and training of the apprentice's raptor; (3) reside within 400 miles of the apprentice's residence; (4) not have more than three apprentices at any one time; (5) notify the commissioner, in writing, within 10 days after the sponsorship has been discontinued with an explanation of the reasons for discontinuing the sponsorship; and, (6) maintain a written log of the instruction provided to each apprentice class falconer. (c) An apprentice class falconer may submit, at any time, a written request to the department to change sponsors. Said request shall describe the reasons or circumstances for changing sponsors and the name and address of the new sponsor. Upon authorization from the department, an apprentice class falconer may resume falconry activities with a new sponsor.