Arizona Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed falconer in Arizona
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Overview
Arizona regulates falconry through R12-4-422 Sport Falconry License. License permits capturing, possessing, training, transporting raptors for sport falconry in compliance with Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act. Three license levels: Apprentice, General, and Master. License valid until third December from issuance. Applicants must pass examination and have facilities inspected before license issuance. Sponsors must be 18+ years old Master or General falconer with 2+ years experience, max 3 apprentices. Facilities must meet Department standards. Out-of-state falconers exempt unless staying 180+ consecutive days. Department may revoke licenses for non-compliance. License validates appropriate hunting license when taking quarry with trained raptor.
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
Arizona issues three Sport Falconry license levels valid until third December from issuance. Apprentice requires age 12+, sponsor (General/Master falconer), may possess only one raptor, prohibited from possessing eagles, nestlings, imprinted raptors, or federally listed species. General requires age 16+, written statement from sponsor verifying 2 years apprentice practice with 4+ months/year maintaining/training/flying/hunting raptors, may possess up to 3 raptors plus federally permitted abatement/propagation raptors, prohibited from possessing eagles. Master requires 5 years General experience using own raptors, may possess any wild/captive-bred/hybrid raptors, unlimited captive-bred if trained for hunting, up to 3 eagles (golden/white-tailed/Steller's with Department approval and experience documentation), up to 5 wild-caught raptors maximum, plus federally permitted abatement/propagation raptors. Sponsors must be 18+, General/Master with 2+ years experience, max 3 apprentices. Out-of-state falconers exempt if staying under 180 consecutive days.
Exam Information
Arizona requires applicants to pass Department-administered examination before license issuance per R12-4-422(N). Examination verifies adequate knowledge of falconry practices, raptor biology and care, relevant wildlife laws and regulations, and applicable federal standards in 50 CFR Part 13 and Chapter I, Subchapter B before facilities inspection and license approval.
Housing Requirements
Arizona requires Department inspection of housing facilities, materials, and equipment before license issuance per R12-4-422(M). Facilities must provide healthy and safe environment, keep predators and domestic animals out, avoid raptor injury, be easy to access and clean, provide fresh water and sunlight. Housing must have suitable perch protected from extreme temperatures/wind/disturbance for each raptor, at least one opening for sunlight, solid walls or vertical bars spaced narrower than smallest raptor housed. Facilities may be inspected anytime during license period or after location changes. Property owners must provide written permission for facility and inspection access when facility not on falconer's property.
Equipment Requirements
Arizona requires per R12-4-422(M)(5)(b): at least one flexible weather-resistant leash, one appropriate swivel, water container at least 2 inches deep and wider than largest raptor, reliable scale graduated in 15-gram increments or less, suitable transport/housing equipment protecting from extreme temperatures/wind/disturbance, at least one pair of jesses (suitable material or Alymeri jesses with anklet/grommet/removable strap; one-piece jess only when raptor not being flown). All equipment must be appropriate for species possessed.