Section 571.111.4. Educational project permit.

The following classes of educational project permits may be issued by the department:

       111.4(1) An apprentice educational project permit may be issued to a person serving a one-year internship with and being sponsored by a person possessing a master wildlife rehabilitation permit and having two years’ experience using raptors under a state or federal educational project permit, or a person possessing a master class state or federal falconry permit. This permit is required only for state and federally protected raptor species. An apprentice permit will be required for each individual providing day-to-day care and for each person presenting educational programs using live raptors. An apprentice will be limited to the possession of one American kestrel and one screech owl that are permanently crippled or human imprinted. In the case where an apprentice will be in charge of an existing facility with additional birds, the sponsor and the conservation officer must approve the possession of the additional species and individuals. This permit may be issued for a period of up to two years.

       111.4(2) A general educational project permit for protected animal species other than raptors may be issued to any university, college, school, county conservation board, public agency, other organization or person engaged in a natural resource education program approved by the department of natural resources. The limitation on the number of animals in possession shall be established by the ability of the permit holder to provide adequate facilities and care.

       111.4(3) A general educational project permit for raptors may be issued to a person who has served the appropriate apprenticeship and is recommended by the person’s sponsor; or has previously held an educational project permit for raptors issued by the Iowa department of natural resources or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; or has held a master class state and federal falconry permit within the last five years.

Any mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or fish which are not state listed endangered or threatened species and are obtained from legal sources outside the state of Iowa are exempt from these permit requirements. Proof of origin of each animal is the responsibility of the owner.

This permit may be issued for a period of up to three years.