F1.06 -- Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Training Permit Requirements

Approved On: May 16, 2024

Effective On: July 1, 2024

Shoot-to-Kill Dog Training Permit applications must comply with the following:
1. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and shall not have been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for violating any federal, state or municipal law governing captive wildlife, illegal appropriation or commercialization of wildlife, or cruelty to animals within 5 years of the application date.
2. The applicant shall be a resident of Arkansas with a bona fide or actual residence within the state.
3. An application for the permit shall be submitted on a form supplied by the Commission at least two weeks prior to the desired start of training.
4. Permits are valid from date of issuance to June 30.
Permit Requirements:
1. A maximum of 100 total northern bobwhite, ring-necked pheasants, chukar, or mallards may be possessed by the permit holder for a period not to exceed 60 days. Additional stock may be obtained throughout the duration of the permit but no individual birds may be kept for more than 60 days unless the permit holder is also in possession of a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit.
2. Stock shall only be acquired from either a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer or have been brought into the state in accordance with a Commission Wildlife Importation Permit. A facility that has acquired stock by any other method shall have its permit application denied or any existing permit may be revoked by the Commission
3. The permit holder shall band all birds prior to release.
4. The permit holder shall release only the number of birds intended to be harvested each day.
5. The permit holder must possess a current hunting license and all dogs being trained must wear a collar (or tattoo in the ear) bearing the name, phone number and address of the owner.
6. The permit holder must possess a valid training permit on his or her person while training dogs with released captive birds.
7. Permit holders shall allow entry, at reasonable hours, to Commission employees or agents to inspect the wildlife, facilities, books, records, or permits required by the permit.
8. Other conditions as set forth in the Shoot-to-Kill Dog Training permit.
Record Keeping:
1. Records shall include evidence of legal possession of all wildlife kept under this permit, including licenses, bills of sale, bills of lading, receipts, invoices or other satisfactory evidence of ownership. Records shall include the date of acquisition, place of origin, and the name, address and telephone number of the person from whom the wildlife was acquired. Records of the date and number of birds released and number taken shall also be maintained.
Facility and Caging Requirements:
1. Birds possessed in captivity shall be maintained in buildings or covered pens that prevent escape, protect the birds from injury and prevent entry of wild birds.
2. Enclosures shall be kept in good repair at all times and gates shall be securely fastened with latches or locks.
3. All wildlife shall be maintained in humane and healthy conditions.
Permit Suspension and Revocation:
1. Persons in violation of the terms of this permit, this addendum chapter, Commission Codes, or convicted of violating associated regulations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, shall be notified in writing and shall have 20 days to respond with just cause as to why their permit should not be suspended or revoked.
2. If after 20 days just cause has not been given, the Commission may suspend or revoke any existing permit held by the violator and may refuse to issue future permits. Permit suspension, revocation or refusal shall be in addition to any criminal charges that may be filed.
3. Upon revocation, permit holder must remove by legal means all captive wildlife within the time designated in the revocation, not to exceed 60 days, and failure to do so shall result in the Commission taking action, per Commission policy, at the permit holder’s expense.