What must master falconers do with captive-bred raptors they possess in Louisiana?

Master falconers in Louisiana are permitted to train captive-bred raptors for hunting, which aligns with the goals of falconry as a practice. This involves not only nurturing the bird but also conditioning it to hunt effectively. Training is a fundamental aspect of falconry, where the raptors are taught various skills necessary for hunting, including responding to commands and recognizing prey.

While there may be situations where raptors are kept for display or other purposes, the essence of falconry emphasizes the relationship between the falconer and the trained birds for the purpose of hunting. Additionally, releasing them into the wild is generally not a practice associated with falconry, as trained birds would often be reliant on their handlers for survival, and captive-bred individuals are not typically suited for life in the wild. Keeping them untrained would not adhere to the falconry practices aimed at creating a mutual bond and reliance between falconer and bird through demonstrated skill and teamwork in hunting activities.