LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Established August 2026

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1: NAME, PURPOSE, AND MISSION

A. Name: Let it be known to all who shall witness these pages, that In the month of August, Two Thousand and Twenty Six, in the state of Louisiana, together with other resident citizens of this state who are like minded individuals and share a common interest for birds of prey and who seek to improve the habitat of all raptors, aid, and encourage competency in the art and practice of falconry among interested persons, we do hereby come together to form as a state wide group and associate ourselves as a non-profit fraternal organization, to be known as the LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION, known herein as the ASSOCIATION.

B. Purpose: The Purpose shall be for the improvement, education and training of the abilities and qualifications of falconers through high standards, moral values, ethics, personal conduct and experience in handling and hunting with wild birds of prey. Also, by serving as a Liaison between our members, the General public, interested citizens and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This is accomplished by maintaining a great working relationship and effective communications with DWLF Falconry coordinator and remaining up to date and current on any changes or updates to the Falconry laws or regulations.

C. Mission: The MISSION of this organization (Louisiana Hawking Association) SHALL BE TO ADVANCE for THE ART AND PRACTICE OF FALCONRY as a hunting field sport, by the official gathering of Louisiana residents who are licensed Falconers of this state.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility:

Any legal resident 14 years of age or older of the United States or interested citizen of the state of Louisiana shall be eligible to apply for membership in the Louisiana Hawking Association by submitting a completed application along with a copy of their state issued ID, falconry Permit and their membership dues to the secretary/treasurer. Membership classification shall be assigned by the secretary/treasurer in accordance with the provisions detailed hereinafter. All members are encouraged, but not required, to become members of the North American Falconers Association (NAFA).
Any person may be appointed as an Honorary Member or may become an Associate Member of the Association
Any worthy organization having purposes complementary or similar to those of this ASSOCIATION may become an Affiliated Member of the LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE III: ORGANIZATIONAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

1. The Authority for the normal operation and management of the LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION shall rest ultimately in the Membership. This authority shall be exercised by delegation, through these Bylaws, to a Board of Directors, which shall consist of elected representatives of the Membership, who shall also be the policy-making body of the Association. The Board members in accordance with these bylaws may delegate authority for operational management of the Association to the President who shall also function as Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Directors.

2. The President shall be responsible only to the Board of Directors as an entity, and not to individual members thereof. Individual Directors shall be responsible both to the Board as a whole and to the Regular Membership of their respective Region. The Board of Directors, collectively, shall be responsible to the Regular Membership.

3. The Bylaws shall provide for exercise of final authority by the Membership by prescribing procedures for Membership Meetings. The Bylaws shall provide further for mandatory submission of any matter to the Membership for vote in response to actions of a “Committee of the Whole” at Membership Meetings, or to requests from a representative number or percentage of the Members. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to removal of Officers, proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and dissolution of the Association. Similarly, the By-Laws shall provide for removal from office of any officer of the ASSOCIATION by the Board of Directors, as well as for referral of any matter by the Board to the Regular Membership for vote by mail.

ARTICLE IV: DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES

Officers of the LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION shall consist of a President and a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary, in the Board's judgment, to provide for the efficient executive, administrative, and financial management of the ASSOCIATION. The President and the Vice President shall be elected from the Regular Membership; all other officers shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, from among the Regular Membership.

2. The President may appoint such standing or ad hoc committees, as he considers necessary for the proper functioning of the ASSOCIATION.

3. No Director, officer, or member of a committee of this ASSOCIATION shall receive compensation of any kind from ASSOCIATION funds or assets for services rendered, except for payment of legitimate expenses as approved by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

1. A business meeting of the Regular Membership, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least once annually. Proxy voting may be permitted, and voting by mail shall be permitted. Quorums and percentages of vote shall be as prescribed in the By-Laws.

2. A business meeting of the Board of Directors, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least once per year. Voting by mail shall be permitted. Quorums and percentages of vote shall be as provided in the By-Laws. Proxy voting shall not be permitted at Directors' Meetings.

ARTICLE VI: BY-LAWS

Consistent with the provisions of this Constitution, the Regular Membership shall establish and maintain By-Laws governing the management and operation of the ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

1. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted by the Board of Directors in writing to all Regular Members, not less than 20 days prior to vote.

2. This Constitution may be amended by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Regular Members who make timely response to such proposed amendment, either in person or by mail.

ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION

1. In the same manner as provided for amending this Constitution, the Regular Membership may terminate the existence of the ASSOCIATION. Dissolution procedures shall be as provided in the By-Laws; provided that, upon dissolution, no Member of any category shall receive all or any part of the assets of the ASSOCIATION.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Membership categories and criteria.

Membership Classification and Privileges:

Apprentice Member- Is any legal citizen of the United States, of good moral character, and is a resident within the State of Louisiana, and is over the age of 14 years old and holds an Apprentice class Falconry license, and has legally practiced Falconry in Louisiana, may become an Apprentice Member. Apprentice members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Association, including the right to vote, except the right to serve as director, or to hold office.

2. Regular Member- Is any legal citizen of the United States, of good moral character, and is a resident within the State of Louisiana, and is over the age of 17 years old and holds a General or a Master class Falconry license, and has legally practiced Falconry in Louisiana, may become an Regular Member. A Regular Member shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Association, including the right to vote, to serve as Director, and to hold office or a position of appointment.

3. Out of State Member- Is any legal citizen of the United States, of good moral character, who holds a current and valid Falconry license issued by another state other than Louisiana, who seeks a membership in the Louisiana Hawking Association, they shall qualify for a Membership in the LHA and therefore be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Association, except the right to vote, serve as Director, or hold office.

4. Associate / Affiliate Member- Is a supporting individual, or any reputable organization, incorporated or unincorporated, local, regional, national, or international, and having purposes and objectives complementary to, similar to, or allied with those of the LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION, however, they do not possess any Falconry licenses, may become an Associate or Affiliated Member. shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the association, except the right to vote, serve as Director, or hold office.

5. Honorary Member- This category and terms will be added and voted on at a later time TBD.

Membership Term:

Membership shall run concurrently from calendar year to calendar year, or from 01 January thru 31 December, membership will be effective upon the receipt of dues.

Admission to Membership.

a. Admission to all categories of Membership shall be within the discretion of the Board of Directors. For the admission of any person or organization to Membership, a concurrence of four of the 6 Directors shall be required.

b. Applicants for Regular, Out of State, Associate, and Affiliated Membership shall, prior to acceptance, submit a Membership application in a form to be determined by the Board of Directors, and shall tender current dues. The application form shall include the applicant's mailing address, which shall be used for all purposes.

c. Honorary Membership shall be awarded in accordance with criteria and in numbers to be determined by the Board of Directors.

d. Out of State members may be granted Regular Membership status in numbers set forth at the sole discretion of and by the Board of Directors. Such status shall continue at the pleasure of the Board of Directors so long as there is no interruption of membership.

Number and Duration of Memberships.

a. Number.

Regular, Out of State, Associate, and Affiliated Membership shall be without restriction as to number. However, the number of Honorary Members shall not exceed 5 living members at any one time.

b. Duration.

(1) Upon the timely payment of annual dues, Regular, Out of State, Associate, and Affiliated Membership shall extend from calendar year to calendar year without interruption, unless otherwise terminated in accordance with these By-Laws. Honorary Memberships shall continue at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(2) A Regular, Out of State, Associate, or Affiliated Member who or which fails to renew Membership on a timely basis may be readmitted to Membership without reapplication if dues for the current year are paid. Such readmission will not constitute "Membership without interruption" and shall not entitle the readmitted Member to any privileges of Membership, including distribution of publications for any year for which dues were not paid.

(3) The number of Out of State members granted Regular Membership status shall not exceed 10 percent of the Regular Membership that has legal residence within the State of Louisiana.

DUES:

Annual dues for Membership shall be established in amounts recommended by the Board and approved by a majority vote of the membership as prescribed for amending the Association’s Bylaws.

2. Annual dues shall be in the amount of $20.00 and shall be due and payable to the Treasurer, at the time of submission of application for Membership, and for renewals, between January 1st and February 28th annually.

3. Dues shall not be apportionable for any part of a calendar year, either upon admission to or termination of Membership.

Mailing Address

It shall be the responsibility of each Member to maintain the current mailing address, of legal residence, on file with the ASSOCIATION at all times. Such address shall be used for all purposes within the ASSOCIATION, including mailing of ASSOCIATION publications and determination of residence for voting and election qualification.

Membership Termination

Membership may be terminated by resignation, failure to renew membership, by two thirds vote of the membership or Death.

2. Membership shall be terminated if not renewed by February 28th.

3. Membership may be terminated by a unanimous vote of the board of directors, if a member is convicted of a violation of a wildlife-related law.

4. A member may apply to rejoin the association one year after termination by the board of directors.

Regular Membership Meetings

Frequency: The Regular Membership shall meet physically at least once a year upon the call of the President. Such meetings shall be termed a Regular Meeting.

2. Quorum: At a Regular Meeting, a quorum shall consist of not less than twenty percent of the Regular Membership in good standing, represented in person, or by written ballot sent by mail for voting on specific subjects previously made known to the Regular Membership. Not less than 10% of the Regular Membership must be present in person. A majority vote of the quorum shall control.

3. Committee of the whole: In the absence of a quorum, those present in person at the Regular Meeting shall function as a Committee of the Whole to draft resolutions and proposals for a written vote. A majority vote of the Committee shall control.

ARTICLE II: OFFICERS

Section 1

Qualifications, Terms, and Appointments.

A. Electorate. The President and Vice President of the ASSOCIATION shall be elected by majority of the eligible voting Membership.

B. Disqualification. Any Regular Member of this ASSOCIATION who pleads guilty, nolo contendere, or is convicted of any felony or its state, federal or provincial equivalent of whatever kind, or any misdemeanor for falconry or wildlife related activities potentially punishable by incarceration shall be forever ineligible to hold or continue to hold the office of President, or Vice President, in the ASSOCIATION.

C. Terms: The term of an Officer shall be two (2) years, with the President and Secretary voted in every even number year and the Vice President and Treasurer voted in every odd number year.

D. Donations: Donations may be made in the name of the Association upon approval of the Majority of the Board of Directors.

E. Compensation: No member of the Board of Directors shall receive any compensation from the Association.

Section 2

Officer’s Duties and Responsibilities

Officers(x4) of the Association must be Regular members in good standing and shall be elected by majority vote of the entire Membership and shall consist of the following positions and responsibilities. The President and the Vice President shall not hold any other office in the ASSOCIATION during their term of office.

President –The President shall plan, coordinate and preside over all meetings of the membership and board of Directors and supervises activities with the other officers. They shall also serve as the chief spokesperson of the Association and maintain communication with the officers to ensure the remainder of the Association remains informed at all times

The President shall serve as the chief liaison and maintains communications with the LDWF Falconry coordinator and other local, state or Federal government agencies on al things related to Falconry, including events or any regulation changes or updates and ensures any changes are immediately disseminated to all members if necessary and ensure a notice is posted to the website for immediate statewide dissemination.

2. Vice President – The Vice President supports and assists the President in all areas and acts on their behalf whenever the President is unable to or is out of the state or temporarily unavailable. The VP when necessary, advises the President of any issues they may be informed of that could affect the membership or the association legally or administratively.

3. Treasurer- The Treasurer Shall serve as custodian of all ASSOCIATION funds and property, and keeps a strict and accurate accounting of all receipts and expenditures.

a. Collect and receive all monies due to the Association from whatever source.

b. Pay only such expenditures as have been authorized by the Board of Directors and are within the unappropriated budget balances.

c. Deposit all ASSOCIATION funds and securities in suitable checking and/or savings accounts protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC), or similar organization; insure that signature cards on file with the bank(s) bear the signatures of the Treasurer, the President, and the Vice President; and, insure that the accounts are so restricted that the signatures of the Treasurer and of either the President or Vice President shall be required on all checks drawn thereon or withdrawals made therefrom.

d. The Treasurer shall Maintain proper accounting records of the ASSOCIATION, and upon 10 day’s notice from the Board of Directors, submit to the Board a current statement of receipts and expenditures and a statement of fund balances.

e. Insure that the ASSOCIATION books of account are financially reviewed at the end of each calendar year by disinterested, qualified auditors approved by the Board of Directors, and that a report of such audit is furnished the Board of Directors annually.

f. Maintain for sale to the membership and account for all surplus copies of ASSOCIATION publications and Membership items such as T-Shirts, pins, patches, and decals, in accordance with policies and at prices established by the Board of Directors.

The treasurer keeps the Vice President informed of any financial related matters as necessary and briefs a financial report to the membership at the annual meeting. Within 30 days of election Shall update signature card on file for Association bank account (2 names on account at all times)

4. Secretary- The Secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the Regular Membership. Notices of physical meetings shall include a proxy statement.

a. Maintain all ASSOCIATION files and records, other than financial, which are necessary for the conduct of ASSOCIATION affairs.

b. Keeps minutes and/or other records of all meetings of the Regular Membership, including meetings by mail or in person.

c. Keep records of all actions taken by the Board of Directors.

d. As directed by the Board of Directors, conduct correspondence on behalf of the ASSOCIATION, and maintain records of such correspondence, and maintain records of such other official correspondence of the ASSOCIATION as may be furnished by the Board of Directors and the officers of the ASSOCIATION.

e. Perform such other and further duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

f. They are the keeper of the Constitution and bylaws and are responsible for maintaining any updates or changes to it. They keep the Treasurer and Vice President informed of any issues pertaining to membership of the association. Within 30 days of election Shall update signature card on file for Association bank account (2 names on account at all times)

ARTICLE III: DIRECTORS

Due to the newly formed Association, there is no current need to over complicate the establishment of processes by forcing a need for Directors at this time. As this Association becomes more rooted and established and membership increases to the point that it will be more beneficial to the Association for the President to implement and establish Directors, there will be a motion raised and when approved Directors will then be established and appointed as such..

All Responsibilities and authority to operate a board of Directors will then be outlined and articulated in detail and will then be voted on and approved then added to these bylaws accordingly.

ARTICLE IV: ELECTION of OFFICERS AND VOTING

Section 1.

The Board of Directors shall have general authority to plan for, schedule, and supervise the election of Officers by the Regular Membership. Voting rules and procedures to be promulgated by the Board of Directors shall, among other matters:

Permit the completion of regular elections not less than 30 days prior to expiration of the affected incumbents' terms.

a. Provide all Regular Members timely notice of both nominations and elections, and reasonable opportunity to nominate and to vote.

b. Ensure that at least one qualified candidate is nominated for each office to be filled, and tat each nominee is willing to accept the office if elected. Active competition for election to office shall be encouraged.

c. Ensure that elections are conducted in a fair and equitable manner.

d. Declare an election null and void if a candidate who had been elected to office would be disqualified from holding office pursuant to, Section 1(B) of Article II. The Board of Directors in determining what shall constitute adequate proof of a conviction of a crime shall rely on competent, relevant, and public legal documents, or the admission of the candidate either orally or in writing.

Section 2.

Termination and Removal of Officers

(1) With the approval of the Board of Directors, the President or Vice President may resign. The following additional acts or omissions shall be equivalent to resignation, and approval of the Board of Directors shall not be required:

a. Termination of Regular Membership.

b. Unreasonable absence of the President or Vice President from his residence, as determined by the Board of Directors, shall be cause for the termination of his Presidency or Vice Presidency. In reaching a decision in such cases, the Board shall consider, among other things, the duration of the absence and the effectiveness of the individual’s communication with his constituents, as well as the performance of his duties, during his absence.

c. The President, or Vice President, may be removed from office upon written petition signed by twenty-five percent (25%) of the Regular Members (but not less than twenty members) or by four Directors and approved by affirmative vote of a majority (over fifty percent) of the Regular Members who vote by mail in response to such a petition. Within thirty days following receipt of such petition, the Board of Directors shall submit the petition to the Regular Membership for vote. Notice of such petition and a ballot shall be mailed to each Regular Member not less than twenty days prior to the last day on which votes will be accepted.

Section 3.

VOTING

A. General: The primary method of voting shall be in person at either an annual or semiannual meeting of the regular membership by written ballot as much as possible, and shall conceal the identity of the Regular member, in good standing. Voice Vote and voting by show of hands are not allowed as official votes. Only Regular Members, as defined in Article I Section 1 and elsewhere, are entitled to vote.

B. majority (over 50%) of all votes cast for a particular office shall be required for election to that position. If no candidate receives a majority, a special election between the two candidates receiving the most votes shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible. If two or more candidates be tied for the most votes, or if one candidate receives the largest number and two or more be tied for the second-largest number, then all who are tied shall participate in the special election.

(When conditions permit the need to fill a vacancy, a special election can be held with proper notice to the membership, and sufficient time permitted to allow for member considerations and if necessary to vote by mail or email).

C. Ballot: A ballot for the casting of votes by the Regular Membership, in good standing, shall be upon a form approved by the officers. Each ballot shall contain the issues or candidates to be voted upon. Ballots collected in any vote, by mail or otherwise, shall be held by the Secretary for a period of not less than one year and will be made available to any Regular Member for inspection, upon reasonable request. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

D. Notice for a vote by mail: Notice of the issues involved in a vote by mail, including a ballot on which to record the vote, shall be mailed to each Regular Member at his or her mailing address on file with the Association, not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the effective date for counting the ballots. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

E. Notice for a vote by Email: Notice of the issues involved in a vote by Email, including a ballot on which to record the vote, shall be emailed to each Regular Member at his or her email address on file with the Association, not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the effective date for counting the ballots. Vote by ballot at meetings. Notice of the issues involved, and or candidates, including a ballot on which to record the vote, shall be hand delivered, by an officer to each Regular Member, in good standing at the earliest possible opportune time during meetings. The ballots will be returned at a time announced and shall be counted by officers or members appointed by the President. If possible, results of the vote by ballot at meetings shall be announced by the President at the same meeting. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

Section 4

Results of Voting and Reintroduction

A. Counting of ballots shall be by the Secretary and or any officer or other member appointed for this purpose by the President.

B. Results of voting shall be made known to the Membership as soon as practical to do so in the following manner:

(1) Announcement, by voice, at a regular meeting.

(2) In any other manner deemed appropriate by the President to inform the Membership of the results.

C. Results maintained. ballots collected in any vote, by mail or otherwise, shall be held by the Secretary for a period of not less than one year and will be made available to any Regular Member for inspection, upon reasonable request.

D. Authority of the vote. Authority of any vote cast by ballot is the final authority of the Regular Membership and there is no appeal.

E. Re-introduction of proposals, issues or candidates for membership. A proposal, issue or candidate for membership, originally denied by the Regular Membership, by ballot, or by the Officers, may be re-introduced for consideration after a period of one year.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted by the Officers, in writing, to all Eligible Members not less than 21 days prior to voting.
This Constitution / Bylaws may be amended by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members who make a timely response to such proposed amendment, either in person or electronically.

ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION

In the same manner as prescribed for amending the Constitution and by-laws, the Regular Membership may by affirmative vote terminate the existence of the Association immediately or at a future time.

2. In such event, or in the event of termination of the Association by operation of law or in any manner, the Officers shall forthwith proceed to settle the affairs of the Association. All property and assets of the Association, including accounts receivable, if any, shall be reduced to cash or other suitable disposition made, and all outstanding Association debts, obligations, or liabilities shall be satisfied insofar as assets of the Association permit.

3. When the above requirements have been satisfied, the Officers shall dispose of the remaining balance of the cash, if any, and any other transferable property Shall be Donated to NAFA. A full and general accounting of the dissolution shall be given by the Officers to the Regular Membership.

LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

LOUISIANA HAWKING ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS