What you need to do to get a falconry license

A falconry license is issued by your state's wildlife agency, not a federal office. The process takes three to six months and requires you to pass a written exam, find a mentor falconer, and prove you have the facilities to house a bird safely. Most states require you to be at least 14 years old, though some set the minimum at 16 or 18. You cannot skip the mentor step — every state law requires a licensed falconer to supervise your first two years.

The timeline matters because you explore before you have a mentor, not after. You study on your own, pass the exam, then the state helps match you with an experienced falconer who will sign off on your process. Only after that approval do you receive your license and can legally trap and keep a bird.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state wildlife agency directly — they issue falconry licenses and can tell you the exact requirements for your state, which vary on age, exam content, and facility rules.
  • You must pass a written exam covering bird biology, equipment, safety, and state hunting laws before you can be matched with a mentor.
  • A licensed mentor falconer must supervise your first two years and sign your process — you find them through your state's falconry association or the wildlife agency.
  • Your facilities must meet state standards for housing, which typically include a weatherproof enclosure, perches, and safety features specific to the type of bird you plan to keep.
  • The entire process from first contact to licensed falconer usually takes three to six months, depending on how quickly you study, pass the exam, and find a mentor.

Contact your state wildlife agency to start

Your first step is to call or visit the website of your state's fish and wildlife department, wildlife commission, or game and parks division — the name varies by state. Search "[your state] falconry license" to find the right office. They will send you the exam study guide, tell you the current age requirement, describe facility standards, and explain the mentor process for your state.

Some states post everything online, including exam dates and a list of licensed mentors. Others require a phone call. Either way, do not skip this step — state rules differ significantly. One state may require a 10-by-12-foot enclosure; another may set a different size. One may allow you to trap a red-tailed hawk when ready; another may require you to start with a different species. The wildlife agency has the binding answer.

Study for and pass the falconry exam

The exam covers bird anatomy, equipment (called "gear" in falconry), hunting laws, safety, and how to care for raptors. Most states allow you to take it at a testing center, library, or online, depending on the state. The exam is typically 100 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass. You can retake it if you fail, though some states charge a fee each time.

Study materials come from your state wildlife agency. Many states also recommend books like The Falconer's Apprentice by William Oakes or the Handbook of Avian Falconry. Falconry clubs in your state often hold study sessions. The exam is not a trick test — it is designed to make sure you understand how to keep a bird alive and follow the law. Most people who study the provided materials pass on their first try.

Find a mentor falconer

After you pass the exam, you need a licensed falconer to mentor you for your first two years. Your state wildlife agency will either give you a list of mentors accepting apprentices or direct you to your state falconry club, which maintains one. You contact mentors directly and ask if they are taking on an apprentice. This is not automatic — mentors choose their apprentices, and some are not accepting new ones.

The mentor relationship is real work. Your mentor will visit your facilities, teach you how to trap and handle a bird, supervise your first flights, and sign off on your progress. They are responsible for your actions under the law, so they take the choice seriously. Be honest about your commitment and your setup. If a mentor says no, keep asking others — you only need one to say yes.

Build facilities that meet state standards

Before you explore or trap a bird, your enclosure must meet your state's specifications. Most states require a weatherproof structure with solid walls on at least three sides, proper ventilation, and perches at the right height and thickness for the species you plan to keep. The size varies — some states specify minimum dimensions; others focus on the bird's ability to spread its wings and move safely.

Your mentor will inspect your facilities as part of the approval process. They will check that perches are the right diameter (too thin causes foot problems; too thick prevents proper grip), that the enclosure protects the bird from weather and predators, and that you have the equipment to safely handle the bird — gloves, scales, bells, and leashes. If your setup does not meet standards, you will have time to fix it before your mentor signs off.

Submit your process with your mentor's signature

Once you have passed the exam and found a mentor who approves of your facilities and your knowledge, you submit your process to the state wildlife agency. The process includes your personal information, proof that you passed the exam, your mentor's name and license number, and often photos or a description of your facilities. Your mentor signs the process, confirming they have inspected your setup and will supervise you.

Processing time varies by state — some take two weeks, others take two months. The wildlife agency may contact your mentor with questions or request additional information about your facilities. Once approved, you receive your falconry license, which is usually valid for two years. At the end of that period, you can renew it or let it expire.

Understand what your license allows and requires

A falconry license permits you to trap, keep, and hunt with a raptor under your state's hunting seasons and bag limits. It does not mean you can trap any bird you want — most states restrict apprentices to certain species, often red-tailed hawks or American kestrels, which are hardy and forgiving for beginners. You must follow all state hunting regulations, including seasons, daily limits, and where you can hunt.

Your license also comes with record-keeping requirements. You must log which bird you trapped, when, where, and what you hunted with it. Some states require annual reports. Your mentor remains responsible for your compliance during the apprenticeship period, so staying in touch with them and following the rules protects both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a falconry license if I am under 18?

It depends on your state. Some allow falconry at 14; others require 16 or 18. A few require parental consent for minors. Contact your state wildlife agency to find out the age rule where you live. If you are too young now, you can study the exam materials and prepare your facilities while you wait.

What if I cannot find a mentor in my area?

Your state falconry club can help connect you with mentors outside your when ready area — some mentors work with apprentices across a wider region. If your state has very few falconers, contact the club directly and ask about options. Some states have waiting lists for apprentices when mentors are scarce.

How much does a falconry license cost?

License fees vary by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50 for the initial license. Some states charge additional fees for the exam or for renewing your license. Your state wildlife agency will tell you the exact cost when you contact them. Equipment and facilities cost much more — a proper enclosure, gloves, scales, and other gear can run several hundred dollars.

Can I hunt with my bird right away after I get my license?

No. Your mentor must clear you for hunting, and that usually takes weeks or months of training. Your bird also needs time to adjust to captivity and to you. Most apprentices do not hunt until several months into their first year. Your mentor will tell you when the bird is ready and when you are ready to handle it safely in the field.

What happens after my two-year apprenticeship ends?

After two years, you can renew your license as a general falconer, which gives you more freedom in the birds you can keep and how you can hunt. You no longer need a mentor to sign off on your decisions, though many falconers stay in touch with theirs. Renewal usually requires passing a shorter exam or paying a renewal fee, depending on your state.