State Falconry Regulations
Find requirements for all 50 states
Each state administers its own falconry program under federal guidelines. Select your state below to find wildlife agency contacts, exam requirements, fees, facility specifications, and links to official regulations.
Falconry in the United States operates under a dual regulatory framework: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes federal baseline standards through 50 CFR 21.29, while each state wildlife agency administers its own falconry program with rules that meet or exceed those federal minimums. This means that while certain fundamentals are consistent nationwide, such as the three-tier licensing structure of apprentice, general, and master, the specific details of fees, exam formats, trapping seasons, species allowances, and facility requirements can vary significantly from one state to the next.
Understanding your state's specific regulations is essential before you begin the licensing process. Some states charge as little as $20 for a falconry license, while others may require $150 or more in combined application and licensing fees. Exam formats range from 50-question multiple choice tests to comprehensive 100-question exams covering raptor biology, training techniques, housing standards, and legal requirements. Facility specifications also differ: while the federal minimum mews size is 64 square feet, several states require larger enclosures or have additional requirements for weathering areas, perch types, and construction materials.
The state guides below are designed to give you a clear, accurate picture of what is required in your jurisdiction. Each guide includes current fee schedules, exam details, facility standards, species restrictions, and direct links to your state wildlife agency's falconry program. We verify this information regularly against official state sources, but we always recommend confirming details directly with your wildlife agency before beginning your application, as regulations can change between legislative sessions.
If you are new to falconry and not sure where to start, we recommend reading our complete guide to becoming a falconer before diving into state-specific requirements. That guide walks you through the entire process from initial research to your first hunting season, providing context that will make the state-specific details below much more meaningful.
West(11 states)
The western states offer vast public lands, open sagebrush terrain, and mountain forests that support diverse falconry opportunities. Western falconers enjoy some of the longest flight distances in the country, with prairie falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons all finding excellent habitat across the region. Licensing requirements vary widely, from straightforward processes in states like Idaho and Montana to more detailed programs in California and Colorado.
Midwest(12 states)
The heartland of American falconry, the Midwest combines expansive agricultural landscapes with prairie grasslands and river corridors that sustain thriving small game populations. Red-tailed Hawk falconry on cottontails is the regional specialty, and the accessible terrain makes the Midwest an excellent place for apprentices to develop their skills. Most midwestern states have well-organized falconry clubs that actively support new falconers through the licensing process.
South(10 states)
Southern states benefit from mild winters and extended hunting seasons that allow falconers to fly birds from early October well into March. The mix of open farmland, pine forests, and brushy fencerows creates productive habitat for both broadwing and shortwing falconry. Harris's Hawk falconry thrives in Texas and the Gulf states, while Red-tailed Hawks remain popular throughout the region for their versatility and reliability.
Southeast(8 states)
The Southeast combines lush hardwood forests, coastal plains, and piedmont terrain into a varied falconry landscape. The temperate climate supports a long flying season, and the dense cover found in southeastern habitats makes Cooper's Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks particularly effective hunting partners. Many southeastern states have streamlined their licensing processes in recent years, making it easier for aspiring falconers to get started.
Northeast(9 states)
The Northeast has one of the highest concentrations of falconers per capita in the United States, supported by active clubs and a strong tradition of mentorship dating back to the mid-twentieth century. The region's deciduous forests, rolling farmland, and coastal marshes provide diverse hunting opportunities year-round. Northeastern states tend to have detailed regulatory frameworks, so prospective falconers should study their state-specific rules carefully before applying.
How to Use This Directory
Click on any state to view its complete falconry licensing guide. Each state page includes the wildlife agency contact information you will need to schedule your exam, current fee schedules for application and license costs, detailed exam requirements including question count and pass score, facility standards with minimum mews dimensions, and links to official state regulations and falconry programs. If you are comparing requirements across multiple states, perhaps because you are considering a move or attending school in another state, you can open several state guides in separate tabs for easy side-by-side comparison.
Common Questions About State Licensing
Can I use my falconry license in another state?
Falconry licenses are issued by individual states and are generally valid only in the issuing state. However, most states have provisions for non-resident falconry permits or reciprocal agreements that allow visiting falconers to fly their birds while traveling. If you plan to hunt in another state, contact that state's wildlife agency in advance to learn about non-resident permit requirements and any restrictions that may apply.
What happens to my license if I move to a different state?
When you relocate to a new state, you will need to apply for a falconry license in your new state of residence. Most states will honor your existing license class if you can provide documentation of your experience and a letter from your previous state's wildlife agency. You may not need to retake the written exam, but your facilities in the new state will need to be inspected and approved before you can house raptors. Begin the transfer process as early as possible to minimize any gap in your licensing status.
Do I also need a federal falconry permit?
Yes. In addition to your state falconry license, you must obtain a federal falconry permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The federal permit is free and is typically processed through your state wildlife agency as part of the state licensing application. Both permits must be maintained and renewed to practice falconry legally in the United States.
📋 Federal Baseline
All states must meet federal minimum standards set by 50 CFR 21.29. States can add requirements but cannot be more permissive than federal rules.