The Path to Becoming a Falconer
A step-by-step roadmap from “I’m interested” to “I’m flying my first bird.” Here’s exactly what to do—and in what order.
Becoming a falconer is a structured process with clear milestones, but the timeline varies widely depending on your location, dedication, and luck in finding a sponsor. Unlike many outdoor pursuits where you can simply buy gear and start, falconry requires passing exams, building inspected facilities, and completing a mandatory apprenticeship under an experienced mentor. This regulated approach exists to protect both the birds and the tradition. Understanding each step in advance helps you plan realistically and avoid the frustration of unexpected delays.
⏱️ Realistic Timeline
From starting your research to flying your first bird: 6-18 months. The biggest variable is finding a sponsor. Some people find one in weeks; others search for over a year.
The Seven Steps
Learn the Basics
Before committing time and money, make sure you understand what you’re getting into. Read everything you can. Watch videos. Visit a falconry meet if possible.
Action Items:
- Read "The Falconer's Apprentice" by William Oakes (best intro book)
- Study the California Hawking Club manual (free online, applies nationally)
- Watch YouTube falconry channels for realistic expectations
- Attend a local falconry club meeting as a guest
⏱️ Timeline: 1-3 months
Find a Sponsor
This is often the hardest step. A sponsor is a licensed General or Master falconer who agrees to mentor you through your apprenticeship. Without one, you cannot get licensed.
Where to Find Sponsors:
- State and regional falconry clubs
- NAFA (North American Falconers Association) events
- State wildlife agency referral lists (some states maintain these)
- Online falconry forums and Facebook groups
Pro tip: Don’t ask "Will you be my sponsor?" in your first conversation. Build a relationship first. Show you’re serious. Read our detailed guide on finding a sponsor.
⏱️ Timeline: 1-12+ months (highly variable)
Study for the Exam
Every state requires passing a written exam covering falconry regulations, raptor biology, training, health, and husbandry. The test is typically 100+ questions with a passing score of 80%.
Study Resources:
- California Hawking Club Study Guide (gold standard)
- Your state’s falconry regulations (know them cold)
- Federal falconry regulations (50 CFR 21.29)
- "The Falconer's Apprentice" and other recommended reading
- Practice tests (many states have sample questions)
Pro tip: Start studying before you find a sponsor. The knowledge helps you ask better questions and shows sponsors you’re serious.
⏱️ Timeline: 2-4 months of study
Pass the Exam
Contact your state wildlife agency to schedule the test. Some states offer it year-round; others have limited testing dates. Fees vary from free to ~$50.
What to Expect:
- Written multiple-choice exam (usually 100-150 questions)
- Passing score: typically 80%
- Time limit: usually 2-3 hours (plenty of time)
- Topics: regulations, biology, training, equipment, health, ethics
- Results: often immediate or within a few days
If you fail: Most states allow retakes after a waiting period (often 30 days). It’s not the end of the world—but study harder next time.
⏱️ Timeline: 1 day (scheduling may take weeks)
Build Your Facilities
Before you can get your license, a wildlife officer must inspect your facilities (mews and weathering area). They must meet specific requirements for size, security, and bird welfare.
Minimum Requirements (typical):
- Mews: 8’ × 8’ minimum (larger recommended)
- Weathering area: outdoor area with perch, water, shade
- Predator-proof construction
- Protection from weather extremes
- Proper ventilation and lighting
- Secure door with lock
Pro tip: Get your sponsor’s input on mews design. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Many apprentices over-build; functional is better than fancy.
⏱️ Timeline: 2-8 weeks (depending on complexity)
Get Licensed
With your exam passed, facilities inspected, and sponsor confirmed, you can apply for your Apprentice Falconer license. This typically involves both state and federal permits.
License Components:
- State falconry license (through your wildlife agency)
- Federal falconry permit (through your state, covers MBTA)
- State hunting license (required to hunt with your bird)
- Fees: typically $25-100 total annually
⏱️ Timeline: 2-6 weeks for processing
Acquire Your First Bird
As an apprentice, you’re limited to one bird at a time: either a Red-tailed Hawk or an American Kestrel. Most sponsors recommend starting with a passage (first-year, wild-caught) Red-tailed Hawk.
Acquiring Options:
- Trap a passage bird (most common, recommended)
- Purchase from a breeder (limited options for apprentice species)
- Receive a bird from a rehab facility (rare, non-releasable birds)
Timing matters: Trapping season is typically fall (September-November). Plan your licensing timeline accordingly.
⏱️ Timeline: Trapping usually takes 1-7 days once you start
The Apprenticeship Period
Once you have your bird, your apprenticeship officially begins. For the next two years (minimum), you’ll train and hunt under your sponsor’s guidance. During this time:
- You can only possess one bird (Red-tail or Kestrel)
- Your sponsor should be available for questions and guidance
- You’re learning by doing—expect mistakes
- Many apprentices hunt with their sponsors regularly
- Document your progress (FalconryLab can help with this!)
After two years, you can apply for a General license, which opens up more species options and allows up to three birds. Five more years gets you Master status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the process: Take time to learn before you get a bird
- Choosing the wrong sponsor: A bad fit can ruin your experience
- Over-building facilities: Start simple; upgrade later
- Ignoring your sponsor’s advice: They’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to
- Starting with a Kestrel: Despite being "smaller," they’re harder for beginners
- Poor timing: Getting licensed in spring means waiting months to trap
How Much Does Falconry Cost?
One of the most common questions from aspiring falconers is about cost. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to invest in your first year:
First-Year Cost Estimate
Costs vary significantly by region. DIY mews and buying used equipment can bring costs toward the lower end. GPS telemetry is the single biggest variable expense.
After the first year, ongoing annual costs are much lower—typically $200-500 for license renewal, food, and equipment replacement. The biggest ongoing cost is your time, not money.
Ready to Start?
The path to becoming a falconer is long, but every licensed falconer has walked it. Start with step one: learn everything you can. The next step—finding a sponsor—is often the hardest, but it’s also where you’ll start building relationships in the falconry community that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a falconer?
From starting your research to flying your first bird, expect 6-18 months. The biggest variable is finding a sponsor. After that, the minimum apprenticeship period is two years before you can apply for a General license.
Can you practice falconry in every U.S. state?
Yes, falconry is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though regulations vary. Some states have more restrictive species lists or higher fees. Check our state-by-state directory for your state’s specific requirements.
Do I need land to practice falconry?
You do not need to own hunting land, but you do need access to legal hunting areas. Many falconers hunt on public land (BLM, state wildlife areas) or obtain permission from private landowners. Your mews and weathering area must be at your residence or a permitted location.
What is the best age to start falconry?
Most states require you to be at least 12-14 years old to hold a falconry license (minors typically need parental consent and a sponsor). That said, people of all ages start falconry—from teenagers to retirees. The physical demands are moderate, and the knowledge requirements are the same regardless of age.
The single most impactful thing you can do right now is start studying for the falconry exam, even before finding a sponsor. Order the California Hawking Club Study Guide and begin reading your state’s specific falconry regulations, which are typically available free on your wildlife agency’s website. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Simultaneously, locate your nearest falconry club and plan to attend their next meeting as a guest. These two parallel actions—studying and making community connections—will accelerate your timeline more than anything else.