What is the status of an escaped raptor that has equipment on it when recaptured?

When a raptor escapes and is later recaptured, the appropriate protocol is to treat it as a new capture. This means that regardless of the equipment it is wearing, the bird goes through the same process as any other wild raptor that is captured and needs to be documented and registered appropriately.

This approach ensures that the regulations surrounding falconry, including capture limits and record-keeping, are followed consistently. If a bird is considered a new capture, it helps to manage the population and maintain sustainability within the falconry community. The fact that the raptor has equipment does not change its status under the law; it is treated according to the standard procedures for new captures.

The other options imply different outcomes that do not align with the rules governing falconry. For example, returning it to the original owner is not a guarantee since the capturing of the bird is what dictates its status, and counting it against capture limits ensures that each falconer is adhering to their allowed numbers of raptors for hunting. Keeping it indefinitely is also not allowed, as all handling of raptors must be aligned with legal and ethical standards.