Muscovies in US - REGULATION CHANGES OPEN FOR COMMENTS - 10/1 update

[Dances with Ducks]

I agree that is how they have written it too.
But we got this news today:

George Allen, Chief of the Migratory Birds division at Fish and Wildlife Service, has been contacted by Parrotchick (one of the forum members here at BYC).

George has stated that FWS is willing to amend the regulations, but needs to ensure it is done legally. He is looking into what the correct protocol is for amending the regulations in the period of time between issuing the final ruling and the date it goes into effect. FWS must also take into account that the groups pushing for this new regulation want it passed soon so they can deal with the feral populations.

George stated that backyard/private ownership of muscovies for meat and/or eggs is reasonable to add to the regulation, but not pet ownership. I assume this would also allow for breeding of muscovies wherever local laws allow it.

So if FWS is willing to ammend the regs, we should be trying to give them the perspective of the muscovy owners.​

 

[cherndon712]

How do we go about getting those modifications stipulated in the regulation? Did he give you any info as to how we can go about that? Because I will do whatever need be done to help!

 

[Dances with Ducks]

The first post on this thread keeps getting updated, there is some contact information there.
I also found this http://www.fws.gov/invasives/contact.html
It is the FWS invasive species contact page and has some phone numbers. If they are not the people to talk with they will probably know who.

 

[PamelaJaye]

Okay, so if they come to take your ducks (hey, let's take this to the extreme), would they need to get a search warrant in order to enter your house? and what about your yard? can they enter that without a search warrant? that's not something that was ever covered on The Practice - just houses and car trunks.

 

[Parrotchick]

Quote:
There is no distinction between feral and non-feral muscovies; they ALL fall under the regulation. That so many of us view muscovies as either wild or domestic is what makes this case so unusual for FWS.

I had a long talk this morning with the Chief of Permits and Regulations for the Division of Migratory Birds at FWS. He was very reasonable, open minded, and interested to hear my concerns as a backyard flock owner. He is open to amending the regulation to allow for backyard flocks for meat and eggs. He does not want to explicitly allow for them as pets. Too many people have released ducks, snakes, whatever into the wild and unfortunately that makes things harder for responsible pet owners. I personally think we need to pick our battles and not insist at this time on a pet allowance at the expence of the other interests. After all, who realistically is going to come to your door to make sure that Mr. Duck has a date to go to freezer camp and that he shows up for said date?

In a nutshell (eggshell?) FWS did not receive comment from us and indeed did not even know that there were so many private folks like us out there with an interest in muscovies, otherwise they would have known who to contact to solicit opinions. They did not try to sneak this by. It is just an unusual situation for them because they are accustomed to dealing with wildlife, not animals that are relatively domesticated or even considered livestock by many.

I am going to try to get APA, 4H, and someone representing the hatcheries to write up their concerns and their realistic suggestions for revision to the regulations. We may be able to do a conference call as well. FWS knows about us now, but we don't have a lot of time. They know we have valid concerns and that there are many of us-probably more than there are people with concerns about the feral ducks. I hope to get a coordinated and cohesive package together to present within the next two weeks. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I started another thread asking for organizations to contact.

BTW, this is just my personal effort to address an issue that got under my skin. All viewpoints are my own; I do not profess any official representation of any group or interest.I make no claims to any expertise, be it with ducks or with fighting City Hall. I am not trying to tell others what to do or not do, just offering my findings and opinions. Your mileage may vary.

Please see the first post of this thread. Duck_breeder has been kind enough to assemble a lot of the information you need to know and keep it updated. Take a few minutes to read it and a lot of questions will be answered.

 

[muscovychef]

The wording is going to have to be watched. And I have to laugh Are breeders and hatcheries that sell muscovies have a form for us that says sign here only meat or egg. no pets?? Im sorry it doesnt set right. What rules are going to be set for us who have the birds???? You wont be selling them at bird swaps any more, Feed stores , Hatcheries.?????
Instead of drug running It will be muscovy running, Yes officer those are muscovy eggs in my tires.

 

[muscovychef]

Cottage rose Should have some contacts Brian used to be in charge of the united states muscovy club, It than Joined forces With heavy waterfowl club . I think it sank. But Brian still should have contacts. Show breeders and judges.
Il get ahold Of Rod Another judge and see if he cant help. Mertsers Might get involved as well I emailed him But he doesnt have muscovy. Hoffman Hatchery Or ridgeway Sell muscovies And should be very interested in getting this fixed They only sell white and its one of their main breeds. Il do some calling for you And let you know I have your number. Im back in hospital SAt. But Monday shoulds be a go.

 

[muscovychef]

Parrotchick,
I have started some of the ball rolling Il start calling Tomorrow And have sent emails. Because of my health I cant be there In person. But I can do alot of networking /I know dave and millie Holderread , And a few of the SPPA , Judges, your not alone.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

I contacted a few of the BYC Sponsors that sell scovies and pointed them to this thread in case they weren't aware of this either.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Good thinking Nifty