CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.In order to improve, aid, and encourage competency in the art and practice of falconry among interested persons, we do hereby associate ourselves as an organization to be know as the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERNITY.

Section 2. We further declare that our purpose is to provide communication among and disseminate information to interested Members; to promote scientific study of the raptorial species, their care, welfare and training; to promote conservation of the birds of prey and an appreciation of their value in nature and in wildlife conservation programs; to urge maintenance of falconry as a legal field sport; and to continue traditions which will aid, perpetuate and further the welfare of falconry and the raptors it employs.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Any interested individual who is a Florida resident, holds a current Florida falconry permit and hunting license, is over 14 years of age and is of good character may become a Regular Member of this FRATERNITY.

Section 2. Any interested individual who is either a nonresident or who does not possess a current Florida falconry permit, is over 10 years of age and of good character may become an Associate Member of this FRATERNITY. Individuals in this category are ineligible to hold office and have no voting privileges.

Section 3.Any worthy organization having purposes complimentary or similar to those of the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERNITY may become an Affiliated Member. Individuals in this category are ineligible to hold office and have no voting privileges.

ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATIONAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Section 1. Authority for the operation and management of the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERNITY shall rest ultimately in the Regular Membership.This authority normally shall be exercised by delegation, through the By-Laws, to a Board, made up of a President and Secretary / Treasurer, which shall be elected from among the Regular Membership and Directors, which shall be appointed by the president. The Board shall be the policymaking body of the FRATERNITY, in conformity with the by-Laws. The Board futher shall delegate authority for operation and management of the FRATERNITY to a president, who shall be elected from among the Regular Membership, and who shall function as presiding officer of the Board.

Section 2. The president shall be responsible only to the Board 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.The Board, collectively, shall be responsible to the Regular Membership.

Section 3. The By-Laws shall provide for exercise of final authority by the Regular Membership by prescribing procedures for Regular Membership meetings. They shall provide further for mandatory submission of any matter to the Regular Membership for vote by mail in response to actions of a "Committee of the whole" at such a Meeting, or to petitions from a representative number or percentage of the Regular Members at any time. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to, removal of officers or Directors, proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws, and dissolution of the FRATERNITY. Similarly, the By-Laws shall provide for removal from office any Officer or Director of the FRATERNITY by the Board, as well as for referral of any matter by the board to the Regular Membership for a vote by mail

ARTICLE IV: DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Board shall consist of Officers and Directors, all of whom shall be Regular Members, elected from among the Regular Membership by a quorum vote.

Section 2. Officers of the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERNITY shall consist of a President, a Secretary / Treasurer and three Regional Directors to provide for the efficient executive, administrative and financial management of the FRATERNITY. The officers shall be elected from the Regular Membership, with the Directors being appointed by the President from the Regular Membership within their respective region.

Section 3.The President may appoint such standing or ad hoc committees as he considers necessary for the proper functioning of the FRATERNITY.

Section 4. No Director, Officer or Member of a Committee of this FRATERNITY shall receive compensation of any kind from FRATERNITY funds or assets for services rendered, except for payment of legitimate expenses approved by the Board.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section 1. A business meeting of the regular Membership, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least once every year. Proxy voting shall not be permitted voting by mail shall be permitted. Quorurns and percentages of vote shall be as prescribed in By- Laws.

Section 2. A business meeting of the Board, either in person or by mail, shall be held at least twice a year. Voting by mail shall be permitted. Quotums and percentages of vote shall be as provided in the By-Laws. Proxy voting shall not be permitted at Board Meetings.

ARTICLE VI: BY-LAWS

Section 1. Consistent with the provisions of this Constitution, the Regular Membership shall establish and maintain By-Laws governing the management and operation of the FRATERNITY.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

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

Section 2. This Constitution may be amended by affirmative vote of a quorum of the Regular Members who make timely response to such proposed amendments, whether in person or by mail.

ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION

Section 1. In the same manner as provided for amending this Constitution, the Regular membership may terminate this FRATERNITY. Upon dissolution, no Member of any category shall receive assets of the FRATERNITY.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Membership categories and criteria

a. Regular Membership: Open to individuals who are Florida residents, hold a current Florida falconry permit and hunting license, are over 14 years of age and are of good character

b.Associate Membership: Open to individuals who are either non-residents or who do not possess a current Florida falconry permit or hunting license, 10 years of age and of good character

c.Affiliated Membership: Open to any worthy organization having purposes complimentary or similar to those of the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERNITY.

Section 2. Membership Admission

a .Admission to Membership shall be within the discretion of the Officers and Directors. For the admission of any person or organization to Membership, a concurrence of a majority of the Board shall be required. In the event of a tie, the President shall cast the deciding vote.

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

Section 3. Number and Duration of Membership

a. Number

(1) Regular, Associate, and Affiliated Membership shall be without restriction as to number.

b. Duration.

(1) Upon the timely payment of annual dues, Regular, Associate and Affiliated

Membership shall extend from January 1 through December 31 without interruption, unless otherwise terminated

(2) A Regular, Associate or Affiliated Member who fails to renew on a timely basis may be readmitted to Membership without reapplication if dues for the current year are paid at any time prior to July 31st of that same year.

Section 4. Privileges of Membership.

a. Regular Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the FRATERNITY, including the rights to vote, to serve as a Director and to hold office.

b.Associate and Affiliated Members (as for natural persons) shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the FRATERNITY under these By-Laws, except the rights to vote, to serve as a Director or to hold office.

c.Regular Members may become Officers of the FRATERNITY by serving as either President or Treasurer/Secretary or they may serve as elected Directors, all constituting positions of the Board.

Section 5. Dues.

a. Annual dues for Regular, Associate and Affiliated Membership shall be established in amounts recommended by the Directors and approved by a quorum vote of the Regular Membership in a vote by mail (presently $20 regular/affiliate member, $15 associate member.)

b.Dues shall be payable to the FLORIDA HAWKING FRATERITY and sent to the treasurer at the time of submission of application for Membership, or in case of renewals, by January 1st annually.

c.Dues shall not be prorated for any part of a calendar year, either upon admission to or termination from membership.

Section 6. Mailing Address.

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

Section 7. Termination or Suspension of Membership.

a. Regular, Associate or Affiliated Membership may be terminated by resignation or death of the Member.

b. Associate or Affiliated Membership may be terminated for such cause and in such manner as, in the sole judgment of the Officers and Directors, is in the best interests of the FRATERNITY.

c.Regular, Associate or Affiliated Membership will terminate automatically if not renewed by payment of prescribed annual dues on or before January 1st annually.

d.Regular Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Officers and Directors if, in the sole judgement of the Board, such Member has violated the Constitution, By-Laws, rules or regulations of the FRATERNITY, or if, in the sole judgement of the Board, such Member's suspension or termination shall be imposed only by affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors, provided that a statement of the grounds for such action shall be sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, to such Member at his address of file with the FRATERNITY at least 30 days prior to suspension or termination action is taken by the Board and provided further that such statement shall advise the Member of the scheduled date of Board action and that he may, prior to that date, submit to the Board for its considerations, any matters in explanation, defense, extenuation, or mitigation. Actions by the Board with respect to suspension or termination shall be final and shall not be subject to ratification by or appeal to the Regular Membership.

ARTICLE II. DIRECTORS

Section 1. Appointment, Qualifications and Terms

a Appointment.

All directors shall be appointed by the president from the Regular Membership from their region for a term of two years, beginning on January 1st and expiring on December 31 th of the following year.

b.Qualifications.

(1) Directors must meet membership and residence qualifications as follows: Directors must be Regular Members of this FRATERNITY and have held Membership therein for a minimum of 365 consecutive days immediately preceding their assumption of office.

(2) Residence. Directors must be residents of the Regions from which appointed. Residence for purposes of Director qualification, shall be the mailing address furnished by the individual and maintained on file by the FRATERNITY for all purposes.

c.Terms

The term of office of a Director shall expire on December 31st of the calendar year, regardless of the time of appointment.

Section 2. Board Meetings

a. The Officers and Directors shall meet, either in person or by use of the mails, upon call of the president at any time, but not less than twice each calendar year. The president shall preside over all Board Meetings, except as otherwise prescribed in these By-Laws.

b. A quorum as such will not be required but, unless otherwise prescribed herein, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board and the President, in person or in writing, shall be required for action on any matter. The president, as presiding officer, shall be entitled to vote only to break a tie among all the remainder of the Board or to permit action an a matter in which Officers and Directors have voted affirmatively.

c. If the Board meet in person, written notice shall be mailed to each Board Member not less than 20 days prior to such meeting.

Section 3. Termination and Removal of Directors or Officers

a. With the approval of the Board, an Officer or Director may resign.The additional acts or omissions shall be equivalent to resignation and approval of the Board shall not be required:

(1) Termination of Regular Membership

(2) Failure to make timely a response to Board Meetings by mail or in person.

b.In the event of a vacancy by any manner other than by expiration of a term, the President shall appoint a replacement with a majority confirmation of the remaining members of the Board.

c.The Officers or Directors may be removed from office by petition and vote of the Regular Membership in the same manner as prescribed in ARTICLE II Section 4b.

Section 1. Submission to Membership

a. Within the discretion of the Board, any matter may be submitted to the Regular Membership for vote by mail. In such event, the Board shall be bound by the resulting vote of the Regular Membership upon the issues submitted.

b.Upon written petition of ten percent (10%) of the Regular Members, any matter, including but not limited to, proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws, shall be submitted to the Regular Membership for vote by mail. The Board shall be bound by the resulting vote of the Regular Membership.

c.Within 15 days following receipt of such petition, the Board shall submit the matter to the Regular Membership for vote. The manner of submission and voting on all matters shall comply with the rules pertaining to Membership Meetings by mail set forth in ARTICLE IV Section 2 of these By-Laws.

ARTICLE III: PRESIDENT & SECRETARY

Section 1 Appointment and Tenure

a.The President shall be elected by the Regular Membership for a term of two calendar years, the term beginning on January 1st and expiring December 31 st of the following year.

b.The President shall be responsible for the prompt appointment of officers to fill any vacant positions. In the event the office of President shall be vacant at any time, or if the Board be called to vote upon removal of the President from office, the Director senior in age shall function as presiding officer until a new President has been elected.

c. There shall be no appointment, approval of appointment or removal of any Director or Treasurer without a majority vote of the board.

d. The Secretary / Treasurer of the FRATERNITY shall be elected by the Regular Membership, with the approval of the existing Directors, to serve two calendar years, expiring on December 3lth of the second year.

e.The President shall not hold any other office in the FRATERNITY during his tenure

f. A majority (over 50%) of all votes cast for President 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.

g. In the event only one candidate is nominated for the office of President, the election shall be considered waived by the Regular Membership and the sole norninee shall assume office on January 1 following the nomination process.

Section 2. Duties

a. President. The President shall call and preside at all meetings of the Directors of the FRATERNITY. He shall be responsible for the planning and presentation of all matters requiring action by the Board or Regular Membership, and shall conduct FRATERNITY business in accord with policies set by the Board, and shall perform such further acts and duties as mav be prescribed by the board.

b.Secretary/Treasurer. The secretary shall:

(1) Give or cause to be given notice of all meeting of the Regular Membership.

(2) Keep minutes and/or other records of all meetings of the Regular Membership, including meetings in person or by mail.

(3) Keep records of all actions taken by the Board.

(4) Maintain a complete all FRATERNITY file of publications

(5) Maintain all FRATERNITY files and records, including financial, which are necessary for the conduct of FRATERNITY affairs, and membership lists, complete with addresses and telephone numbers of current Members in all categories.

(6) Serve as custodian of all FRATERNITY funds and property, and keep a strict accounting of all receipts and expenditures.

(7) Collect and receive all monies due the FRATERNITY from whatever source, deposit these funds in a suitable checking and/or savings account protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or similarly organization.

ARTICLE IV: REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Section 1. Regular Meetings

a. Time and Place. The Regular Membership shall meet physically once a year, upon call of the President. Such meeting shall be termed a "Regular Meeting". This may be transacted during the course of a field meet.

b.Quorum: At a Regular Meeting, a quorum shall consist of the total number of the Regular Members 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. A majority vote of the quorum shall control.

c.Notice:. Written notice of Regular Meetings of the Regular Membership, to include time, place and general nature of business to be transacted shall be given each Regular Member not less than 30 days prior to such meeting.

d.Voting. The Officers and Directors shall, when appropriate for specific subjects, provide for voting by mail at Regular Meetings.

Section 2. Membership Meetings by Mail

a. Mail Vote. Any voting by mail, in which ballots are provided to the entire Regular Membership in good standing, shall be equivalent to a Membership Meeting on the subjects concerned

b.Quorum. For the purpose of meetings held by mail, a quorum, as such, shall not be required except as provided for estalishedment of dues and geographic regions, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws of the FRATERNITY, a majority (over 50%) of the votes cast by the Regular Members responding in timely fashion to a vote by mail shall control.

c. Notice. Full 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 mailing address on file with the Treasurer / Secretary not less than 20 days prior to the effective date for counting the ballots.

ARTICLE V: FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS

Section 1. Editors of FRATERNITY Publications

a.The editor of FRATERNITY publications shall be appointed by the President from the Regular Membership, with the approval of the Board, to serve at the pleasure of the Board.

b.Such Editor shall compile, publish and distribute FRATERNITY publications in conformity with operational, editorial and financial policies determined by the Board.

Section 2. The Newsletter

a. The official newsletter of the Florida Hawking Fraternity shall be know as TALEFEATHERS. The purpose of the newsletter is to inform the readership of members activities, dissemiate information pertinent to the ethical practice of falconry and to keep members up -to- date on any legislative events affection the sport.

1.This publication shall be sent to all Membership categories of the FHF, without any charge in addition to prescribed dues, if any.

2. To Institutional Subscribers, i.e., to any appropriate public or private institution having purpose complimentary or similar to those of this FRATERNITY.