Under what condition can a captive bred raptor be released to the wild?

A captive bred raptor can be released to the wild only if authorized by the appropriate wildlife regulatory body, which in this case is the department responsible for wildlife in Texas. This authorization typically involves reviewing specific criteria and circumstances related to the bird's health, behavior, and the suitability of the wild environment for its survival. Such regulations are crucial to ensure that the release does not negatively impact wild populations, the individual bird's well-being, and ecosystem balance. Proper authorization helps maintain responsible falconry practices and ensures compliance with legal requirements regarding the conservation of wildlife.

The other choices do not align with legal and ethical standards in wildlife management. Releasing a raptor under any circumstances could place both the bird and the ecosystem at risk. Restricting releases to the breeding season does not take into account the individual bird's readiness or the appropriate conditions for survival. Additionally, simply keeping a raptor for a year does not guarantee it is fit for release; a thorough assessment is required regardless of how long it has been in captivity.