Fact Sheet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A FEDERAL SPECIAL
PURPOSE - POSSESSION OF DEAD MIGRATORY BIRDS FOR
EDUCATION PURPOSES
A Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession - Education (Dead) permit will authorize you to possess
migratory birds parts, nests and nonviable eggs for educational purposes. You should review Title 50 Parts 10, 13
and 21.27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) with your application. You are responsible for reviewing
and understanding these regulations before you request and accept a permit. These regulations can be found
on our website at: http://www.fws.gov/permits/ltr/ltr.html.

1. What experience must I have to qualify for a Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession – Education permit
for dead migratory bird specimens?
You must be at least 18 years of age and have experience in providing wildlife education programs.
2. Is the Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession – Education (Dead) Permit to be used for a specific type of
education?
Yes. The intent of this permit is wildlife conservation education. Your educational programs must include
information about migratory bird ecology, biology, and/or conservation.
3. Can I use migratory birds for commercial purposes?
No. Migratory birds possessed or transported for educational purposes may not be displayed in any manner
which implies personal use. You may not use migratory birds to promote or endorse any product, merchandise,
goods, services, business or organization except your own educational activities. Educational programs are not
considered commercial activities.
4. How many programs must I present each year?
A minimum of 12 programs that are open to the public should be presented each year. The authority to
possess migratory birds will be subject to re-evaluation if this requirement is not met.
5. How can I acquire migratory birds under a Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession – Education (Dead)
permit?
Dead migratory bird(s), parts, nests or nonviable eggs may be acquired from Rehabilitation or other Federal
Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession permittees or other persons authorized by permit or regulation to possess
and transfer such items. You may also acquire these specimens from the wild if your permit includes salvage
authority. Permittees should also contact their State wildlife agency for information about obtaining additional
permits if required.
6. What procedures are required to transfer the migratory birds authorized by a Migratory Bird Special Purpose
Possession – Education (Dead) permit to a new location?
Any change in address or other circumstances that affect your permit (e.g. change in principal officer) must
be reported to your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office in writing within 10 days so your permit can be
amended. (50 CFR 13.23)
7. Do I need a State permit to possess migratory birds?
Your Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession – Education (Dead) permit is not valid unless you
also are in compliance with State requirements. This means that if your State requires a permit to possess migratory
birds for educational or exhibit purposes, you must hold a valid State permit in order for your Federal permit to be
valid. It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with State permit requirements.
8. Will I be required to keep records of my activities?
Yes. You must maintain accurate records of operations on a calendar-year basis. Your records should
reflect each bird that is held, the number of presentations given with each bird and the disposition of each bird.

9. Will anyone inspect my records or birds held for educational purposes?
By accepting a Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Possession – Education (Dead) permit, you
authorize an agent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter your premises at any reasonable hour to inspect the
migratory birds in your care, your books or records. (50 CFR 13.47)
10. Will I be required to submit an annual report of activities?
Yes. You will receive an annual report form for your Federal Special Purpose Possession – Education
(Dead) permit from your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office. The report form can also be found on our website
at: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-202-5.pdf. This report must be completed and submitted to your issuing office by
January 31 of each year.
11. How do I renew my permit?
A renewal letter or form and annual report form will be sent to you at least 60 days prior to the expiration
of your permit. If you want to renew your permit, you must return the completed renewal to your Regional
Migratory Bird Permit Office at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your permit and include a copy of your
current State permit, if one is required. If we receive your renewal request at least 30 days prior to the expiration of
your permit, your permit will remain valid beyond the expiration date for the activity authorized on your expired
permit until a decision on your renewal is made. If we receive your renewal request fewer than 30 days prior to
expiration of your permit and we are unable to process your request before the expiration date, your permit will
expire and you will no longer be covered for your activity. If you allow your permit to expire before requesting
renewal, you may be required to submit a new application. (See 50 CFR 13.22 and 13.11(c))
(3-200-10d) 2/20/2014

2