Falconry License
The sport of falconry has a rich history
throughout the world. It involves a
dedicated and knowledgeable falconer,
and a healthy well-trained raptor
working together as a hunting team.
Pictured above is an American kestrel,
a perfect bird for an apprentice falconer
~Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service
This license authorizes a New York State resident to participate in the sport of falconry. Falconry includes hunting small game with a trained raptor such as a falcon, hawk or owl. The license allows a person to obtain, buy, sell, barter, possess and train raptors for falconry purposes.
License Details
Fee
The cost of the falconry license is $40.
Duration
The duration of the falconry license is 5 years.
License Types
There are 3 different levels of a falconry license:
Level 1 - Apprentice:
- Must train under sponsorship of a master or general falconer
- Can have 1 raptor
- Must be 14-years of age or older
Level 2 - General:
- Must have at least 2 years' experience as an apprentice falconer
- Can have up to 3 raptors
- Must be 18-years of age or older
Level 3 - Master:
- Must have at least 5 years' experience as a general falconer
- Can have up to 13 raptors
What This License Allows
- Obtaining, buying, selling, bartering, possessing and training raptors
- Hunting small game and migratory game birds with raptors
- Hunting domestic game birds with raptors on a licensed shooting preserve
- Breeding raptors on a limited basis
- Displaying raptors for educational purposes
- Master level only - Using raptors to scare, flush and pursue wildlife causing damage to property or threatening human health or safety
Other Pertinent Information
Falconry hunting seasons:
Building/facility and equipment requirements:
- Falconers must meet the building facility (MEWS) requirements for raptors. (Leaves DEC website)
How to Apply
Applying for the Apprentice License
Download the exam study guide (PDF)
and the practice exam manual (PDF)
to prepare for the exam and learn more about
falconry.
- Pass the falconry examination with a score of 80% or higher. See Registering for the Falconry Examination below.
- Have a current year hunting license.
- Complete and submit the Falconry License Application and required documents (an application form and required documents are provided after passing the exam).
Registering for the Falconry Examination
- Register on-line. Registration Deadline is April 12, 2023.
You will receive a registration confirmation once complete along with additional information on taking the exam.
- Exam Dates: Friday, April 14, 2023
- Exam time: Any time between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- Time allotted to complete the exam: 2 Hours
- Exam Fee: No fee.
- Exam Study Materials:
- At the end of the examination, upon successful completion with a grade of 80% or greater, you will be provided with a license application form and further instructions on how to apply for the license, including:
- Finding a General or Master Falconer as your sponsor
- Building your facility.
- Acquiring your equipment.
- Getting a facility and equipment inspection by DEC
Applying/Upgrading to the General or Master License
- Meet the minimum requirements:
- General Falconer
- 18-years of age or older
- Trained and hunted with raptor for at least 4 months annually out of the 2-years as an apprentice falconer.
- Master Falconer
- Trained and hunted with raptor for at least 3 years out of the 5 years as a general falconer
- General Falconer
- Submit the following to DEC's Special Licenses Unit:
- Written summary detailing your experience maintaining raptors. Must include a summary of the raptor species you held, and the length of time you had each bird
- Written recommendation and approval for advancement to the next level:
- General falconer: from your sponsor and at least one other general or master falconer who has evaluated your apprenticeship in the field
- Master falconer: from 3 master falconers who evaluated you in the field and from the NYS Falconry Advisory Board
Renewing & Reporting
License Renewal
Licenses expire on December 31 every 5th year after the license was issued. A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the license expiration date noted on the license. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2-weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact us.
Annual Reporting
Complete the Falconry Annual Report Form (PDF) and submit by December 31 each year. Required for all licensed falconers.
Laws & Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature (Leaves DEC website)
- 11-1001 Definitions
- 11-1003 Falconry License
- 11-1007 Department authority
- 11-1009 Prohibitions
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- Part 173: Falconry (Leaves DEC Website)
- Part 175: Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures (Leaves DEC Website)
- Part 2 - Section 2.25(f): Hunting Upland Game Birds (Leaves DEC Website)
- Part 2 - Section 2.30(e): Migratory Game Bird Open Seasons (Leaves DEC Website)
Federal Law
- Title 50 Section 21.29: Falconry Standards and Falconry Permitting (Leaves DEC website)
Contact Information
DEC Special Licenses Unit
Address: 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233
E-mail: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov
Phone: 518-402-8985
Other Resources and Information
NYS Falconry Association (Leaves DEC website) - statewide association for prospective and current falconers.
