Can apprentice falconers in Louisiana possess a raptor taken from the wild as a nestling?

In Louisiana, apprentice falconers are not permitted to possess a raptor taken from the wild as a nestling. The regulations surrounding falconry and the possession of raptors are designed to protect wildlife populations and maintain ethical practices within the sport. By restricting the capture of wild nestlings, authorities aim to ensure that these birds can complete their natural development and contribute to their species' population in the wild.

Additionally, laws often require that raptors be obtained through specific channels, such as permitting processes for captive bred birds. This helps to ensure that falconers have the proper training and understanding of the responsibilities involved in caring for and training these birds. Therefore, it is important for apprentice falconers to adhere to these regulations and seek out falcons that have been legally acquired from licensed breeders or rehabilitators, rather than attempting to capture them from their natural habitats as nestlings.