Fact Sheet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A
FEDERAL SPECIAL PURPOSE GAME BIRD PERMIT

A Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit will authorize you to acquire, purchase, possess,
transfer, sell, donate, or otherwise dispose of to another person, migratory game birds (excluding waterfowl) that are
captive-reared and properly marked, including their eggs. (A Migratory Bird Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit is
required to sell, donate, or otherwise dispose of to another person, any species of captive-reared and properly
marked waterfowl or their eggs.) You should review Title 50 Parts 10, 13 and 21.27 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR). 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.
Below is a review of several sections pertinent to a Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit.
1. Do I need a permit to acquire, purchase, possess, transfer, sell, donate or otherwise dispose of migratory game
birds?
Yes. Anyone who wishes to conduct these activities with migratory game birds other than waterfowl must
first obtain a Federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit.
2. Can I take migratory game birds from the wild?
No. You may not take migratory game birds or their eggs from the wild. Anyone who transfers migratory
game birds to you must have a valid Special Purpose Game Bird permit.
3. What documentation is required when I transfer game birds to another person?
The person you sell to or buy from must also have a Special Purpose Game Bird permit. Each time you
transfer game birds to another person, you will be required to complete a Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird Acquisition
and Disposition Report. These forms are available on our website at: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-186a.pdf or can
be supplied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). You will furnish the original of the form to the person
acquiring the birds or eggs, retain one copy in your files as a record of your operations, and mail two copies of each
form completed to your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office on or before the last day of each month.
4. What species of migratory game birds can I propagate with a Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird
permit?
The following species are eligible for propagation with this permit:
Family

Common Name

Scolopacidae

Common snipe and American woodcock

Columbidae

Band-tailed pigeon, Bridled quail-dove, Common ground-dove, Inca
dove, Key West quail dove, Mourning dove, Plain pigeon, Red-billed
pigeon, Ruddy ground-dove, Ruddy quail-dove, Scaly-naped pigeon,
White-crowned pigeon, White-tipped dove, White-winged dove,
Zenaida dove

Gruidae

Sandhill crane (except Mississippi subspecies)

Rallidae

Clapper rail, King rail, Virginia rail, Sora rail, Purple gallinule,
American coot and Common moorhen

5. Do I need to mark migratory game birds that I propagate?
All live migratory game birds (including offspring) possessed in captivity under authority of a valid
Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit must, prior to 6 weeks of age, be physically marked using one of
the following methods:
(a) Removing the hind toe from the right foot.
(b) Pinioning of a wing by removing the metacarpal bones of one wing or a portion of the metacarpal bones
thereby rendering the bird permanently incapable of flight.
(c) Banding one metatarsus with a seamless metal band.
(d) Tattooing a readily discernible number or letter or combination thereof on the web of one foot.
6. Do I need a State permit to possess and sell migratory game birds?
Your Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit is not valid unless you also are in compliance with
State requirements. This means that if your State requires you to have a permit to sell or transfer migratory game
birds, 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.
7. Will anyone inspect my records or propagation activities?
By accepting a Migratory Bird Special Purpose Game Bird permit, you authorize an agent of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to enter your premises at any reasonable hour to inspect the wildlife you hold, your books and
records. (See 50 CFR 13.47)
8. What is required to transfer my permit to a new location?
Any address change or other circumstances that affect your permit, must be reported to your Regional
Migratory Bird Permit Office in writing within 10 days so your permit can be amended. (See 50 CFR 13.23)
9. 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 the species of game bird you possessed during the reporting year, total number at the start of the year, method
of marking, number raised, sold or traded, and the total number at the end of each year.
10. Will I be required to submit an annual report of activities?
Yes. You will receive an annual report form from your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office. The report
form can also be found on our website at: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-202-6.pdf. This report must be completed
and submitted to your regional permit 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 wish 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 license, 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 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))
(3-200-10e) 2/20/2014

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