New York Falconry License

🏛️ Wildlife Agency

All falconry licensing in New York is handled through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Contact them directly with questions about exam scheduling, license applications, and facility inspections.

📝 Exam Requirements

The New York falconry exam tests your knowledge of raptor biology, training techniques, housing requirements, health care, and both state and federal regulations. You must score at least 80% on the 100-question test to qualify for a license. Contact regional DEC office to schedule exam

Northeastern states generally offer falconry exams through state fish and wildlife agencies, with some states providing testing at multiple locations or on a regular schedule. Due to the density of falconers in the region, exam slots may fill quickly, so plan ahead and register early. Focus your study time on raptor biology, federal regulations, and your state's specific rules regarding trapping seasons, species limitations, and reporting requirements, which tend to be detailed in northeastern states.

Effective exam preparation involves a combination of textbook study, hands-on learning, and practice testing. The California Hawking Club Study Guide and the Apprentice Study Manual published by NAFA are widely recommended starting points. Many successful applicants also attend local club meetings where experienced falconers review exam topics and share insights on the questions most commonly missed. Plan to review raptor anatomy, molt cycles, common diseases, equipment requirements, and the federal regulations in 50 CFR 21.29 until you can recall key details from memory.

Need help preparing? See our falconry exam preparation guide for study strategies and practice questions.

💰 Fees

The total upfront cost for a New York falconry license is $40 (application plus license fee). You will also need to renew annually at $40 per year. These fees are separate from your federal falconry permit and state hunting license, which may have additional costs. Note: Verified from NY Environmental Conservation Law § 11-1003, 6 NYCRR 173.2, and NY State Falconry Guide. $40 fee for 5-year license. 5-year license period expires December 31; separate raptor possession permit required; exam fee: no fee

🏠 Facility Requirements

Before receiving your New York falconry license, your raptor housing facilities must meet state standards.New York requires a minimum mews size of 64 square feet. A separate weathering area is required where your bird can sun and bathe outdoors. Your facilities must pass a wildlife officer inspection before you can be licensed. 64 sq ft for small/medium raptors; 100 sq ft for eagles; minimum 6.5 ft ceiling height

Northeastern winters demand well-constructed, insulated mews that protect your bird from freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice storms. Your facility should be draft-free while maintaining adequate ventilation, as stale air can lead to respiratory problems. Consider a design with a solid roof capable of handling significant snow loads and doors that can be opened easily even when ice accumulates. Proper drainage is important to manage spring snowmelt and heavy rain.

Building a compliant mews typically costs between $500 and $2,000 for materials, depending on size and construction quality. Most falconers use pressure-treated lumber for the frame, half-inch hardware cloth for ventilation panels, and exterior-grade plywood or T1-11 siding for walls. The floor should be easy to clean, with many falconers choosing pea gravel or sand over solid surfaces for drainage. Budget additional time and materials for the weathering yard, which requires secure fencing, a bath pan, and at least one perch positioned to allow your bird full sun and shade access throughout the day.

For detailed construction guidance, see our mews construction guide and facility requirements overview.

🦅 Species Notes

New York has specific regulations regarding which raptor species may be used for falconry. As an apprentice, you are generally limited to Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels under federal rules, but state rules may impose additional restrictions or allowances.

• ⚠️Golden eagles require Master class and special permit
• ⚠️Peregrine falcon take restricted in some areas

Learn more about each species in our falconry species guide.

🔗 Resources

🏔️ Falconry in New York

The Northeast has one of the highest concentrations of falconers in the United States, supported by active state clubs and a strong tradition of mentorship. The region hosts numerous field meets, raptor identification workshops, and educational events throughout the year. Red-tailed Hawks remain the most popular species for apprentices, while experienced falconers enjoy the diverse opportunities offered by the region's varied habitat, from upland game hawking to coastal waterfowl flights.

🪤 Trapping in New York

Northeastern trapping is shaped by the region's compact geography and the autumn raptor migration that funnels birds along the Atlantic coast and Appalachian ridgelines. Passage Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper's Hawks concentrate at well-known migration corridors, and experienced trappers time their efforts to coincide with peak movement in October and November. The suburban and exurban landscapes common in the Northeast mean that falconers must be thoughtful about trapping locations, obtaining landowner permission and choosing sites away from busy roads and residential areas. Dho-gazi nets and bal-chatri traps both work well, and the shorter distances between trapping areas allow northeastern falconers to check multiple sites in a single outing.

🦅 Popular Falconry Species

Red-tailed Hawks are the cornerstone of northeastern falconry, performing well in the fragmented woodland and field-edge habitat that is typical of the region. They are especially effective on cottontails in the brushy margins of agricultural land, old orchards, and power line cuts that provide ideal hunting cover. Cooper's Hawks have a devoted following among northeastern falconers who enjoy the challenge of flying these fast, agile accipiters in tight woodland settings on squirrels and starlings. Peregrine Falcons are flown by experienced falconers along the coast for duck hawking, taking advantage of the Atlantic flyway migration and the extensive marshland found from New Jersey through Maine.

Explore detailed profiles of each species in our falconry species guide.

🌡️ Climate & Seasonal Considerations

The northeastern falconry season spans roughly October through February, with the quality of flying depending heavily on weather patterns that can change dramatically from week to week. Early season offers comfortable temperatures and active quarry before the first hard frosts, while midwinter brings short days, deep cold, and occasional nor'easters that can shut down flying for days at a time. Snow cover is common from December onward in New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic, and while it can make quarry easier to track, it also limits accessible hunting areas. The key to successful northeast falconry is flexibility, adjusting your schedule around weather windows and being prepared to fly on short notice when conditions align.

🤝 Finding a Mentor in New York

Every apprentice falconer needs a licensed sponsor who holds a general or master class permit. Finding the right mentor is one of the most important steps in your falconry journey, and New York has an active community ready to help newcomers learn the craft. Start by attending meetings of your state falconry club, where you can meet experienced falconers in a relaxed setting and demonstrate your genuine interest in the sport. Many sponsors prefer to work with apprentices who have already begun studying for the exam and show commitment to the long-term responsibilities of raptor care.

If your state club does not have a formal mentorship matching program, reach out to the North American Falconers' Association or post an introduction in regional falconry forums. Be prepared to travel to meet potential sponsors, as falconry communities in some states are spread across large areas. The mentor-apprentice relationship typically lasts at least two years, during which your sponsor will guide you through trapping your first bird, building training skills, and developing the judgment that comes only from experience in the field.

Read our complete guide to finding a falconry sponsor for detailed advice on connecting with mentors.

🗺️ Your Path to a License in New York

Obtaining your New York falconry license is a multi-step process that typically takes three to six months from your first study session to holding a licensed raptor. The journey begins with self-education: read foundational texts, study raptor biology and regulations, and attend local club meetings to absorb knowledge from experienced practitioners. Once you feel confident in your understanding of the material, schedule your written exam through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and aim for a score well above the 80% minimum.

After passing the exam, focus on building your facilities to meet New York's standards and securing a licensed sponsor. Your sponsor will help you navigate the facility inspection process and guide your first trapping experience once your license is approved. With your mews inspected and your permits in hand, you will be ready to trap your first raptor and begin the most rewarding phase of your falconry education: learning in the field alongside your bird. The effort required to earn your license is significant, but every licensed falconer will tell you that the reward of flying a trained raptor over wild quarry is worth every hour of preparation.