The scientific name of the Golden Eagle is (Aquila chrysaetos) and its classified category is birds, with a life span of 15-30 years. The State Conservation Status is Priority Species, and State Protected. The Federal Conservation Status is least concern, and the game status is Non-Game.

The Golden Eagles are protected by three federal laws: (The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Lacey Act). These laws prohibit the possession, use and sale of eagles, eagle feathers or parts. This includes the transportation of eagles and feathers and parts that have been illegally obtained and are prohibited under these laws. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits the taking of Golden Eagles since 1962. (16 U.S.C. 668-668D)-one cannot pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, destroy, disturb and these restrictions help the future viability of eagles in the wild. A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. Penalties increase substantially for additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony. The Migratory Bird Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct investigations and publish documents related to North American birds and establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) to approve areas recommended by the Secretary for acquisition. The MBCC also approves wetlands conservation projects recommended by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council under the North American Wetlands Conservation act.

The Golden Eagle is one of the largest raptors found in North America. Adults are dark brown with a golden sheen on their features. Juveniles have neatly defined white patches of feathers on their tail and on the base of their tail. Golden Eagles are monogamous and may remain with their mate for several years or possibly for life and the pairs maintain territories that may be as large as 60 square miles, and they build huge nests and return to these nests year after year. The female eagle will lay 1-4 eggs and is also responsible for the most of incubation. The eggs hatch after about 40 days and after hatching both male and female will assist in the caring for the hatchlings. Around 10 weeks the chicks will start flying, but they will not be independent from their parents for several more weeks. The Golden Eagle uses their talons to catch their prey consisting of mostly small mammals like marmots, squirrels, hares, and rabbits and can also catch larger prey such as badgers, deer, coyotes, and cranes and domestic livestock. The data advises a stable population of Golden Eagles but a decline in the population of juvenile Golden Eagles in the southern Rocky Mountains with roughly 30,000 Golden Eagles across the United States. Having data from survey years of 2006 to 2009, limits the ability to access the long-term population trend. The size and shape and distribution of Golden Eagle nesting territories vary with topography and prey availability thus disturbances by areas that are good for roosting or foraging can stress eagles to a degree that leads to reproductive failures or mortality. 

The Golden Eagles are found throughout Nevada, and they prefer open country and hilly and mountainous areas. They can be found in a variety of habitats including deserts, tundra, shrublands, forests, farmland, wetlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. The threats to the Golden Eagle are Habitat loss, Lead Poisoning, Urban Development. Golden Eagles are monogamous and may remain with their mate for several years or possibly for life. Pairs maintain territories that may be as large as 60 square miles, they built nests within these territories, and they return to these nests yearly. The Golden Eagles like to build their nests on preferably cliffs, but it is not uncommon for them to build their nests on man-made structures (electric towers, windmills). Golden Eagles are known to be sensitive to human activity and are known to avoid developed areas. 

Recommended 2023-2024 Regulations:

• Limit of one raptor per permit of not more than one of any species.
• Exception: Under the authority of the second capture permit, a person may take another raptor of the same species to replace a bird, captured in the same year, which died or was lost.
• Limit of two permits issued to any one person per calendar year.
• Raptors may be taken any time of the day or night during the open season.
• Species Open to Falconry (Open Statewide): Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Great-horned Owl. 
• Northern Goshawk statewide except Elko County north of I-80, which is closed.
• Seasons and Take Restrictions: (Eyas Season FROM March 1 thru August 31 of each year).
• Passage Season- (January 1 thru December 31 of each year). GOLDEN EAGLES & FALCONRY REQUIREMENTS
• One Eyas must be left in each nest from which a raptor is captured.
• No Eyas may be removed prior to 10 days of age.
• No Aerie may be entered when young are 28 days or more of age.
• Special Quotas: (Eyas Northern Goshawk) Resident limit of 10 applications, nonresidents limit of 3 applications, quota of 10 individuals (Ferruginous Hawk) Resident limit of 5 applications, nonresident limit of 1 application, quota of 5 individuals. 
• Nevada Raptors- (18 regularly occurring diurnal raptors in NV: 15 breeding species, 3 additional migrants, 11 species of nocturnal raptor (owls) breed in Nevada, 8 diurnal and 1 nocturnal are allowed for falconry.
• Nevada Raptors: Great Horned Owl, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon.

NEVADA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (NAC) FOR RAPTORS & FALCONRY REQUIREMENTS
NAC 503.200 Definitions - (Used in NAC 503.200 to 503.345) inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:

• Falconry- the sport of taking, or attempting to take, quarry by means of a trained raptor. NDOW definition 
• Raptor- means a live migratory bird of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes, other than the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
• Eyas- means a nestling bird not yet capable of flight.
• Passage- means a bird that has fledged and is less than 1 year of age.
• Captivity-means a live raptor that is held in a controlled environment which is intensively manipulated by man for the purpose of producing raptors of selected species and which has boundaries designed to prevent raptors, eggs, or gametes of the selected species from entering or leaving the controlled environment.
• Captive bred or “bred in captivity”- means raptors, including eggs, hatched in captivity from parents that mated or otherwise transferred gametes in captivity. 
• Take- means to trap or capture or atempt to trap or capture a raptor for the purpose of falconry.

NAC 503.205 License or permit to hunt, trap, possess, or sell raptors: possession of eggs and feathers (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582) 1. It is unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, possess or sell any species of owl, hawk, or other bird of prey, including any raptor or its parts, without first obtaining a license or permit from the headquarters of the Department. 2) Raptor eggs may not be taken or possessed, except that eggs laid by a bird in the possession of a person who holds a permit to propagate raptors may be possessed if the holder of the permit notifies the headquarters of the Department in writing within 5 calendar days after the first egg has been laid. Eggs laid by a raptor held under the authority of a falconry license must be reported by license to the Department within 5 calendar days after the first egg has been laid. The licensee will dispose of the egg as directed by the Department. 3. Raptor feathers that are molted or are from raptors held in capacity that die, may be retained, and exchanged by licensees for imping purposes only.

NAC 503.210 Practice of falconry: General requirements- When practicing falconry on game species, a license shall comply with the provisions of Title 45 of NRS and all regulations of the Commissioner. A species of wildlife which is classified as protected by the Department, or as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, that is taken incidentally by a raptor may not be retained or possessed by a licensee. A species of wildlife which is classified as a game species by the Department  that is taken incidentally by a raptor during the closed season may not be retained or possessed by the licensee. A licensee shall not intentionally release a raptor after any wildlife which is in a refuge or in a state or national park or is on privately owned property where the licensee does not have permission to hunt. 

NAC 503.215 Acquisition of banding of raptors- 1. No person may acquire a raptor unless he first obtains from the Department a numbered, non-reuseable marker supplied by: (a) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service for those raptors required to be identified by such a marker pursuant to 50 C.F. R Part 21.29 or (b) The Department for all other raptors, and attaches it to the raptors, and attaches it to the raptor immediately upon acquisition. 2. The altering, counterfeiting, or defacing of a marker is prohibited except that a permittee may remove the rear tab from a marker and make smooth any imperfect surface if the integrity of the marker and its numbering are not affected.

NAC 503.220 Introduction into or removal from State of raptors. 1) It is unlawful, except by the written consent and approval of the Department, for any person at any time to receive, bring, or have brought or shipped into the State of Nevada, or to remove from one portion of this State to any other portion or to any other state, any raptor, or any eggs or young of any raptor. 2) Any person who holds a valid falconry license which is issued by the Department and lists the raptors in his possession may bring into this State or remove to any other state any raptor listed on the license without having a permit for importation or exportation if a numbered marker which is supplied by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the Department, as appropriate, and which is not reusable, is attached to the raptor. 3. A person who is a resident of another state and who holds a valid falconry license issued by the appropriate agency of that state may bring into or remove from this State a raptor in his possession under the authority of that  falconry license without having a permit for the importation or exportation of a raptor issued by the Department if a numbered marker which is supplied by the United State Fish and Wildlife Service or the appropriate agency of the state which issued the license if required, as appropriate, and which is not reusable, is attached to the raptor. 4. A raptor taken from the wild in Nevada by a resident of this State may not be permanently removed from this State unless the: (a) Resident holds a valid license issued by the Department pursuant to NRS 503.583 and leaves this State to establish his domicile in another state; or (b) Raptor has been held for at least 1 year.

NAC 503.225 Purchase, sale, or transfer of raptors. 1. A person who holds a valid falconry license issued by the Department may receive by transfer legally acquired raptors from other persons a valid falconry license or a propagation permit. Any person who receives a raptor by transfer, purchase, trade, or barter must be authorized to receive such a raptor pursuant to the provisions of NAC 503.235 and 503.250. 2. A licensed falconer may purchase, sell, trade, or barter any captive-bred raptor which is banded with a numbered seamless marker authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 3. A captive-bred raptor may not be transferred, purchased, sold, traded, or bartered until it is 2 weeks old and only after it is properly marked with a numbered seamless marker provided or authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 4. Each time a person acquires a raptor, he shall notify the Department within 5 calendar days after the acquisition. To comply with the provisions of this subsection, a person who acquires a raptor may submit to the Department a copy of form 3-186A, which must be submitted to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

NAC 503.230 Intentional release of raptor- A falconry license must obtain written authorization from the Department before a raptor of any species not indigenous to Nevada is intentionally released to the wild. The marker from the released bird must be removed and surrendered to the Department within 5 calendar days after the date on which the bird is released. The marker from an intentionally released bird which is indigenous to Nevada must also be removed and surrendered to the Department within 5 calendar days after the date on which the bird is released.

NAC 503.235 Falconry license: Requirement; application; examination; conditions; exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, a person who resides in the State of Nevada and who practices falconry or trains birds of prey must obtain a falconry license of the proper class from the Department. An applicant for a falconry license must include on his application: 
(a) The name of the applicant 
(b) The physical and mailing address of the applicant’s residence
(c) The telephone number of the applicant’s residence
(d) The date of birth of the applicant
(e) The driver’s license number of the applicant if he has been issued a driver’s license
(f) The number of raptors the applicant possesses and the species of each
(g) The age of each raptor, if known
(h) The sex of each raptor, if known
(i) The source and date of acquisition of each raptor
(j) The band number of each raptor 
(k) The applicant’s signature and the date on which he signed the application.

2. If the applicant has moved to this State with the intention of making this State his permanent residence and he holds a falconry license issued by the state from which he is moving, the applicant may attach a copy of his falconry license to his application in lieu of taking the examination required by subsection 3. If the applicant fails to attach a copy of his falconry license issued by his previous state of residence, he will be required to take the examination required by subsection 3.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, before the Department issues a falconry license, the applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on a supervised examination supplied or approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and administered by the Department. The examination will test the applicant’s knowledge of basic biology, the care and handling of raptors, and the literature, laws, and regulations, and other subjects relating to falconry. Failure of the examination will result in a 30-day waiting period after the date of the written examination before reexamination. 

4. A person must possess a valid falconer’s license when practicing falconry. In addition, a person who releases a raptor at game birds or game mammals during the open season must possess a valid hunting license issued by the Department.

5. The Department may deny issuance or renewal of any class of falconry license or permit if the applicant has been convicted of a violation of any provision of NAC 503.200 to 503.245, inclusive. An applicant whose license has been denied may appeal the denial to the Commission.

6. A person who does not reside in the State of Nevada does not have to obtain a falconry license of the proper class from the Department to practice falconry while visiting this State if he possesses a valid falconry license issued by the state of which he is a resident.

7. A person who possesses a raptor solely for commercial displays or exhibitions is not required to obtain a falconry license if: (a) The species of raptor used or to be used in the commercial display or exhibition is not listed as a protected species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq; and (B) The raptor is not used for the sport of falconry, NAC 502.240- Falconry license: Classifications, issuance: 1) The Department may issue apprentice, general and master falconry licenses. 2) The Department may issue an apprentice license to an applicant who: (a) is at least 14 years of age (b) Obtains a sponsor for the first 2 years during which he is an apprentice license. 3) The Department may issue a general license to an applicant who: (a) is at least 18 years of age (b) Has at least 2 years experience in the practice of falconry as an apprentice licensee or the equivalent classification of an apprentice license (c) Has possessed a raptor during each year that he was licensed as a apprentice or the equivalent (d) Submits a signed letter from his sponsor which recommends the issuance of a general license to the applicant. 4) The Department may issue a master license to an applicant who has at least 5 years experience in the practice of falconry as a general licensee or the equivalent classification of a general licensee. NAC 503.245 Sponsorship of apprentice licensee. 1. A person who is a general or master falconry licensee or the equivalent may sponsor an apprentice falconry licensee. 2. A person may not sponsor more than three apprentice licensees at one time. 3. If sponsorship is terminated, the holder of an apprentice license must obtain a new sponsor within 30 days of the date of termination of the sponsorship, or his apprentice license will be revoked.

NAC 503.250 Possession and replacement of raptors by apprentice, general licensee, or master licensee. 1. An apprentice licensee: (a) Shall not possess more than one raptor nor obtain more than one raptor for replacement during any 12-month period. (b) May possess only an American kestrel (Falco sparverius) a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) or a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). 2. A general licensee shall not possess more than two raptors nor obtain more than two raptors for replacement during any 12-month period.

NAC 503.255 Equipment required for license. Before obtaining a license, an applicant must allow an inspection by a representative of the Department to ensure that the applicant possesses: 1. At least one pair of Alymeri or similar jesses constructed of pliable, high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material to be used when any raptor is flow free. Traditional one- piece jesses may be used when a raptor is not being flown. 2. At least one flexible, weather-resistant leash and one strong swivel of acceptable falconry design. 3. At least one suitable container for each raptor drinking and bathing. The container must be 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor. 4. At least one weathering area and a perch of an acceptable design for each raptor. 5. A reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing a raptor. The device must be graduated in increments of not more than ½ ounce or 15 grams. NAC 503.260 Inspections. 1. A person holding a falconry license must allow the Department’s employees to enter his premises at any reasonable hour to inspect equipment, mews or other raptor housing facilities and raptors possessed by the licensee or to inspect, audit or copy any permit, book or record required to be kept by the provisions of NAC 503.200 to 503.345, inclusive, or federal regulations relating to falconry. 2. Refusal to allow inspection of raptors, facilities and equipment during reasonable hours will result in the denial of issuance or revocation of the raptor license or permit and seizure of any raptor in the licensee’s possession. 

NAC 503.265- Application for license must include information on raptors in applicants’ possession. A person who is applying to renew a falconry license, and a person who is applying for a new falconry license, must include on his application for the license each species of raptor and the band number of each raptor he possesses on the date of the application. A falconry license or permit to take a raptor will not be issued or renewed unless the applicant has provided the Department with the information required by this section. 

SENATE BILL (SB 125 in the 81st Legislative Session) 
SB 125 changed NRS 503.610 to allow for possession of a golden eagle if the golden eagle:

• Is obtained for rehabilitation in accordance with federal law (50 CFR 22)
• Is obtained in another state in accordance with federal law (50 CFR 22.26) including through the federal depredation permit lottery system
• Is legally possessed in another state and the master falconer moves to Nevada
• Is transferred to a master falconer from another master falconer in Nevada or another state if the Department authorizes the transfer

Section 2: Eagle Permit:

• Issued by the Department
• Authorizes a master falconry licensee to transport, transfer possess or use a golden eagle in falconry.

Section 3: Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not possess a golden eagle or use 
a golden eagle in falconry unless the person.

Section 3.1 Stipulations:

• Has a valid master falconry license issued the Department
• Has a valid eagle permit
• Has a current and valid hunting license
• If rehabilitating an eagle, has a valid permit to rehabilitate raptors PURSUANT TO NAC 503.315 or must be assisting a raptor rehabilitator pursuant to NAC 503.435

Section 3.2 Nonresident:

• Holds a valid master falconry license issued by the appropriate agency of the jurisdiction in which the person resides and legally possesses a golden eagle and may use it in falconry
• Possesses a valid nonresident Nevada hunting license
• Obtains written authorization from the Department to practice falconry in Nevada using a golden eagle (see Section 5)

Section 3.3 Person moving to state:

• If a person permanently moves to Nevada and lawfully possesses a golden eagle in their former jurisdiction they must: 
  • Obtain a Nevada Master Falconry License
  • Obtain an eagle permit
  • No later than 60 days after becoming a resident of Nevada

Section 4: Permit Application:

• Customary information such as name, mailing address, phone number, date of birth and Social Security Number
• Copy of current and valid master falconry license
• Copy of current and valid hunting license
• If rehabilitating a golden eagle, a copy of rehabilitation permit or proof of assistance to a raptor rehabilitator
• Two (2) letters of reference from persons who hold master falconry licenses and lawfully posses a golden eagle in Nevada or another state that must include:
• An assessment of the applicant’s ability to car for and fly golden eagles
• A concise history of the author’s experience with golden eagles
• Narrative explanation of the applicant’s direct experience with golden eagles or other large raptors 
• Proof that the facility to house an eagle conforms to the regulations
• Other information that the Department determines is necessary and related to the applicant housing, caring for, and possessing a golden eagle
• An eagle permit is valid for 1 year and may be renewed by submitting application with the above information

Section 5: Nonresident Specifics:

• Must be licensed as a master falconer in another state and legally posses a golden eagle
• If they wish to practice falconry in Nevada, they shall submit on the Department’s Form: (The date or dates on which the person wants to use the golden eagle in Nevada in the practice of falconry; the department will confirm that the requirements in Section 3 are met and will sign and return the form)
• Must have in their possession during the hunt: Master falconry license and documentation of legal possession of a golden eagle as issued by their state of residence
• A Nevada nonresident hunting license
• The form that signed by the Department

Section 6: Golden Eagle Condition:

• A master falconry licensee with an eagle permit must ensure that any golden eagle in their possession is in good condition
• A golden eagle is not in good condition if: More than five primary flight feathers are broken; more than four tail feathers are broken; body weight of the bird indicates malnourishment; bird has excessive parasite load
• If a bird is not in good condition: The department may remove the eagle; the department may provide the licensee with an opportunity to improve the condition of the bird, within a 6-month period
• Provide the Department with written confirmation from a qualified veterinarian that the golden eagle is in good condition
• OR the Department may remove the eagle
• These provisions do not prohibit a licensee from rehabilitation of an eagle with one or more of these conditions

Section 7: Housing

• Housing must be at least 12 feet in length, 12 feet in width and 8 feet in height

Section 8: Rehabilitation Provisions:

• Shall not posses for more than two (2) years after the date on which the bird was received
• Shall not release the bird into the wild without declaration it is rehabilitated by the Department licensed veterinarian, or licensed raptor rehabilitator
• If not rehabilitated within two years, the Department must be notified within 30 days of expiration of the 2-year period- the department may authorize possession for more than 2 years; a rehabilitated golden eagle must be released in a location that is as close as possible to where it was taken from

Section 9: Denial, Suspension or Revocation of an eagle permit if:

• Material misstatement or falsification of any document required for an eagle permit
• Failed to provide or maintain the housing and care for a golden eagle as required
• Failed to ensure that a golden eagle was maintained in good condition as required
• Has been convicted of violating any provision of NAC 503.200-503.470 and this regulation 
• Has been convicted of violating any law or regulation of any state or federal government relating to animal welfare or wildlife
• It may be appealed to the Commission

Section 10: Civil Penalty:

• The Department shall impose a civil penalty of $1000 for violations of subsection I of NRS 503.610

Section 11: Makes conforming changes to existing NAC 503.200-503.470
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