(a) No person may release a raptor to the wild if:
  (1) the raptor is a hybrid; or
  (2) the raptor is a species or subspecies that is not indigenous to Texas.
(b) No person may permanently release a captive-bred indigenous raptor to the wild unless authorized to do so by the department in writing. If the department authorizes such release, the permittee shall:
  (1) hack the bird to the wild at an appropriate time of year and an appropriate location;
  (2) remove any falconry band and/or telemetry devices from the bird; and
  (3) report release of the bird as provided in §65.270 of this title (relating to Notification, Reporting, and Recordkeeping Requirements).
(c) An indigenous raptor that was acquired by trapping from the wild may be released to the wild only at a time of year and at a location that is consistent with and facilitates the raptor's ability to survive in the wild. All bands and telemetry must be removed and the permittee is required to provide notification as set forth in §65.270 of this title.

Source Note: The provisions of this §65.273 adopted to be effective June 3, 2010, 35 TexReg 4425