Muscovies have been domesticated since the 1500s. They are raised as livestock around the world.
I'm of the strong opinion that the FWS is overstepping their legal authority to try and regulate livestock. Yes, the migratory bill treaty does get involved, but I don't believe that this really changes anything. If congress signs a treaty that abridges one of our rights, what takes priority, the Constitution or the treaty?
There will be a public comment period once the rules are published. I think that it's 90 days.
I'm going to push for the following:
Amend '21.14 Permit exceptions for captive-bred migratory waterfowl other than mallard ducks' to include the following language:
1. "Domestic Muscovies have a long history of domestication and have long been raised as livestock both in the United States and around the world. Muscovy ducks that are owned as livestock (for the production of meat, eggs, or breeding stock), pets, or for exhibition, shall be considered domestic Muscovy ducks."
2. "No migratory bird permit(s) shall be required to possess, propagate, or sell (as live birds, meat, or eggs) domestic Muscovy ducks."
3. "The intentional release of domestic Muscovy ducks to the wild shall be prohibited."
4. "You may not take Muscovy ducks or their eggs from the wild, unless such taking is provided for elsewhere in this subchapter."
Do not place any additional restrictions on domestic Muscovy ducks other than items 2-4 above.
Keep '21.54 Control order for muscovy ducks in the United States' in effect without revision. It seems important that landowners, and Federal, State, Tribal and local wildlife management agencies be able to control feral populations Muscovy ducks in areas where they are not native without a depredation permit.