I've checked the eagle subforum and read the related threads. The result is...disheartening, to say the least. Looks like I'll have to join in the fight if I want any chance of making my dream a reality. What's happened is that the USFWS has basically permitted it, but at the same time put nearly insurmountable roadblocks before any actual falconry take of the birds is permitted. Considering the fact that the bird isn't even considered endangered, this strikes me as grossly unfair. Granted, with the issue windfarms are having that may not remain the case, but in that case I would assume it would be considered desirable to have an established, genetically diverse captive population to fall back on. Not to mention, some of the eagles thus taken for falconry might have otherwise ended up decorating the ground on a windfarm.
I'm not sure if the breeding is specifically prohibited yet, but it looks like the hows and whats and whys of it all are up in the air.
Edit: It is currently prohibited. What is up in the air is if and how it will be allowed-along with the who.
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