Although the Gyrfalcon is protected in both Canada and U.S., it is not listed as either endangered or threatened. Because of the species' use in falconry and value in foreign markets, however, its status has been controversial. Management of North American falcons is under state and provincial jurisdiction, but in Canada's 4 western provinces and 2 territories it is coordinated through Western Raptor Committee, comprised of representatives from wildlife agencies from each jurisdiction. Although biologically justifiable, these programs have met with limited success owing to political difficulties. Meanwhile, captive propagation has provided an increasing number of Gyrfalcons for falconry.
Most Gyrfalcons now flown in falconry are captive-produced birds.