What a falconry license is and why you need one

A falconry license is a permit issued by your state's wildlife agency that allows you to legally hunt with a bird of prey — typically a hawk, falcon, or eagle. Without it, hunting with a raptor is illegal in all 50 states, even on your own land. The license exists because raptors are protected under federal law, and states manage the details of who can use them and how.

The license itself is separate from a hunting license. You need both: a standard hunting license to hunt anything in your state, plus a falconry license specifically to use a bird. The falconry license proves you have passed a written exam on raptor biology, care, and hunting law, and that you have built a proper facility to house your bird.

Most states issue falconry licenses for a set term — usually three years — and require renewal before that term ends. The cost varies by state, typically between $20 and $100 for the initial license, with renewal fees often lower.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written exam on raptor biology, hunting regulations, and bird care before any state will issue a falconry license.
  • Your state's wildlife agency administers the license, not a federal office, and requirements and fees vary significantly by state.
  • You need a legal facility — called a mews — built to specific dimensions before you can legally trap and house a bird.
  • The entire process from studying to holding a bird typically takes three to six months, depending on how quickly you build your mews and pass the exam.
  • Falconry licenses are not transferable; if you move to another state, you must meet that state's requirements and obtain a new license.

The written exam: what it covers and how to prepare

Every state requires you to pass a written exam before issuing a falconry license. The exam tests your knowledge of raptor biology, hunting law, bird care, and equipment. Most states use a standardized test with 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.

The exam covers topics like how to identify different raptor species, what each species eats and how often, signs of disease or injury in captive birds, proper housing dimensions, how to safely handle and train a bird, and the specific hunting seasons and bag limits in your state. You will also be tested on federal regulations — particularly the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects most raptors — and on what you can and cannot do with a licensed bird.

Most states provide a study guide or reading list. The North American Falconry and Hunting Hawk Association publishes a handbook called The Falconer's Apprentice, which covers the material on most state exams. Your state's wildlife agency website will list the specific topics and often provide sample questions. Many states allow you to take the exam multiple times if you fail, though you may have to wait 30 days between attempts.

You can take the exam at your state wildlife office, at certain hunting and fishing license vendors, or online through your state's licensing system. Check your state's website for current testing locations and whether you need to register in advance.

Building a legal mews before you trap a bird

A mews is the facility where you house and care for your raptor. It must meet specific size and construction standards set by your state and the federal government. You cannot legally trap a bird until your mews is built and inspected.

The minimum size for a mews depends on the type of bird you plan to keep. For a red-tailed hawk — the most common first bird for falconers — the mews must be at least 12 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 8 feet high. The structure must have solid walls on at least three sides to protect the bird from weather and disturbance, with the fourth side typically open or screened. The floor should be concrete or gravel for straightforward cleaning, and you need perches, a bath, and find storage for food.

Your state's wildlife agency will provide detailed specifications. Some states require a licensed falconer to inspect your mews before you trap a bird; others inspect after. Contact your state wildlife office to request an inspection form and learn whether you need to schedule an appointment or straightforward notify them when the mews is ready. The inspection is usually free, but you pay for materials and construction.

Building a mews typically costs between $500 and $2,000, depending on materials and whether you build it yourself or hire help. This is a one-time cost; you do not need to rebuild for license renewal as long as the mews remains in good condition.

Obtaining your hunting license and falconry license

Before you can get a falconry license, you must hold a valid hunting license from your state. Purchase your hunting license through your state's wildlife agency website, at a hunting and fishing license vendor, or by phone. The cost is typically $15 to $30 for a resident annual license, depending on your state and age.

Once you have passed the falconry exam and your mews has been inspected and approved, you can explore for the falconry license itself. Most states allow you to explore online through their licensing portal, by mail, or in person at a wildlife office. You will need to provide proof that you passed the exam, proof of your hunting license, and documentation that your mews passed inspection.

Some states require you to find a mentor — an experienced falconer who will supervise your first year or two — before they issue a license. If your state has this requirement, you must contact potential mentors and find their agreement before you explore. Your state wildlife office can provide a list of licensed falconers willing to mentor.

Once your process is approved, you will receive your falconry license by mail or email. The license is valid for the term stated — usually three years — and you must carry it whenever you are hunting with your bird.

Trapping and training your first bird

With a valid falconry license in hand and an approved mews, you can legally trap a wild raptor. Most beginning falconers trap a red-tailed hawk, which is hardy, relatively forgiving of handling mistakes, and widely available. Your state sets the trapping season — usually in late summer or fall — and the number of birds you can trap in a year.

Trapping requires specific equipment: a bal-chatri (a small cage with nooses), a lure, and often a live bait bird. You will also need leather gloves, a perch, and jesses and bells — the straps and bells that attach to the bird's legs. Many states require you to attend a trapping workshop or demonstrate competency before your first trap. Check your state's rules and your mentor's guidance on what you need to do.

Once you trap a bird, you have a short window — usually 24 to 48 hours — to notify your state wildlife office. You will be assigned a unique band number for that bird, which you must record and report. The bird must be banded with a federal leg band before you can legally keep it.

Training a wild-caught raptor to hunt with you takes weeks to months. Your mentor will guide you through manning (getting the bird used to your presence), manning on the glove (teaching it to land on your arm), and eventually flying free to hunt. This is the most time-intensive part of falconry, and mistakes can injure or kill the bird.

Renewing your falconry license

Falconry licenses expire after a set term, usually three years. To renew, you must submit a renewal process to your state wildlife office before the expiration date. Most states allow you to renew online or by mail.

Renewal requirements vary by state. Some states require you to pass the exam again; others do not. Many states require you to report what birds you have kept and released during the license term, and to confirm that your mews is still in good condition. A few states conduct a mews inspection during renewal.

Renewal fees are typically lower than the initial license fee — often $15 to $50 — and the process is usually faster than obtaining your first license. Submit your renewal process at least 30 days before your license expires to avoid a lapse in coverage.

State-by-state differences and where to find your requirements

Falconry regulations are set by each state, so requirements, fees, exam content, and mentorship rules differ. Some states are more restrictive than others. A few states have long waiting lists for new falconers; others have no limit. Some require a mentor for the first two years; others require one only for the first year.

To find your state's specific requirements, visit your state's wildlife agency website and search for "falconry" or "raptor hunting." The website will have the exam study guide, mews specifications, process forms, and current fees. You can also call your state wildlife office directly; falconry coordinators are usually available to answer questions about the process.

If you plan to move to another state after obtaining a falconry license, your license does not transfer. You will need to meet the new state's requirements and obtain a new license. Some states recognize out-of-state licenses for a limited time (usually 30 to 90 days) if you are visiting, but you cannot legally hunt with a bird in a state where you do not hold a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a falconry license from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and build your mews. Most people take two to four weeks to prepare for and pass the exam. Building a mews takes two to eight weeks, depending on your construction skills and the complexity of your design. Inspection and license approval typically take one to four weeks. Overall, plan for three to six months from the day you decide to start until you hold a license.

Can I keep a bird before my mews is inspected?

No. You cannot legally trap or keep a raptor until your mews has been inspected and approved by your state wildlife agency. Keeping a bird without a license and approved facility is a federal crime and can result in fines and imprisonment.

What happens if I fail the falconry exam?

Most states allow you to retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 30 days. You can take it as many times as needed until you pass. There is no limit on attempts in most states, though some charge a fee for each retake.

Do I need a mentor to get a falconry license?

It depends on your state. Some states require a mentor before you trap your first bird; others do not. Even if your state does not require one, finding an experienced falconer to guide you is strongly recommended. Falconry is dangerous for both you and the bird if done incorrectly, and a mentor can teach you techniques that books and exams cannot.

Can I hunt with a falconry bird year-round?

No. Your state sets specific hunting seasons for falconry, which vary by species and region. You can only hunt during the open season for the type of bird you have. Outside the season, you can keep and train your bird, but you cannot hunt with it. Your state's hunting regulations guide will list the exact dates.