Alaska Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed falconer in Alaska
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Overview
Alaska regulates falconry through 5 AAC 92.037. Permit and valid Alaska hunting license required for taking, transporting, possessing raptors or practicing falconry. Permits issued under Alaska Falconry Manual No. 11 (July 1, 2022) standards adopted by reference. Three permit classes follow manual. Wild-caught raptors cannot be permanently exported except by resident moving to another state (must have possessed 1+ year and meet residency requirements). Nonresidents may temporarily import raptors with home jurisdiction valid permit. Commissioner prior written approval required for temporary/permanent raptor import/export with specified exceptions. Nonresident take permits available: 15 annual maximum via targeted hunt system, US citizens only, nontransferable. Peregrine falcon taking requires master permit or general with 2+ years general experience.
Apprentice
Requirements for beginning falconers. Typically includes 2 years of apprenticeship, sponsorship by a general or master falconer, and basic housing standards.
General
Requirements for intermediate falconers. Requires at least 2 years as an apprentice and allows for a wider selection of species and multiple birds.
Master
Requirements for advanced falconers. Requires at least 5 years of experience as a general falconer and allows the maximum number of birds and species.
License Information
Alaska issues permits per Alaska Falconry Manual No. 11 (July 1, 2022) adopted by reference in 5 AAC 92.037. Three classes follow manual standards. Permit and valid Alaska hunting license required for residents. Nonresidents with valid home jurisdiction permit may temporarily import raptors under temporary permit issued by commissioner; conditions per manual. Nonresidents moving to AK must apply for AK permit within 30 days of raptor arrival. Wild-caught AK raptors may be temporarily exported 12 months by AK resident meeting AS 16.05.415 residency requirements or possessing raptor 1+ year. Nonresident take permits: 15 annual maximum via targeted hunt, US citizens only, $200 fee, nontransferable, manual standards apply. Up to 5 passage raptor permits, 5 eyas Peale's peregrine (Units 1-4) permits, 5 eyas goshawk permits. Applicants limited to one nonresident permit/year. Successful takers ineligible 4 years; unsuccessful applicants ineligible next year. Peregrine taking requires master or general with 2+ years general experience.
Exam Information
Alaska examination and permitting standards follow Alaska Falconry Manual No. 11, dated July 1, 2022, adopted by reference in 5 AAC 92.037(a). Examination requirements per Falconry Standards section of manual ensure adequate knowledge before permit issuance. Permits issued under manual standards, procedures, and conditions. Commissioner may impose additional permit conditions as necessary per 5 AAC 92.037(d).
Housing Requirements
Alaska facilities must meet standards in Alaska Falconry Manual No. 11, dated July 1, 2022, adopted by reference in 5 AAC 92.037. Facilities inspected and approved before permit issuance per manual requirements. All housing must provide adequate protection, space, and environmental conditions for raptors possessed. Facilities must comply with Alaska regulations and manual specifications for proper raptor welfare.
Equipment Requirements
Alaska equipment must meet standards in Alaska Falconry Manual No. 11, dated July 1, 2022, adopted by reference in 5 AAC 92.037. All equipment must be appropriate for species and suitable for proper raptor care, handling, and welfare per manual. Wild-caught gyrfalcons exported by nonresidents must be microchipped and registered with internationally recognized microchip registry per 5 AAC 92.037(h). Proof of microchip registration due to department within 90 days of export; failure makes individual ineligible for future permits.