Can an apprentice possess a Screech owl under falconry regulations?

In Texas, under falconry regulations, an apprentice falconer is allowed to possess a Screech owl as part of their practice. This is because the species is classified as a small bird of prey, and the regulations permit apprentices to handle certain raptors for educational and training purposes. The intention behind this allowance is to provide apprentice falconers with the opportunity to learn essential skills in raptor handling, training, and care.

The regulations are structured to ensure that apprentices can gain practical experience with suitable birds while under the supervision of a licensed mentor. Owls, such as the Screech owl, fall within the types of birds that apprentices can ethically and legally manage, fostering a responsible approach to falconry education.

This option aligns with the overall framework of falconry, where the emphasis is on fostering a deep understanding of raptor behavior, habitat, and conservation, particularly for those at the apprentice level.