Illinois Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Illinois
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Apprentice Level
Entry level for aspiring falconers - typically 2 years minimum
Key Requirements Overview
Pass the falconry examination (typically 80% minimum score)
Find and secure a sponsor (general or master falconer)
Build or purchase approved mews (housing)
Acquire necessary equipment (jesses, leash, perch, etc.)
Pass facilities inspection
Limited to 1 bird from approved species list
Exam Completion
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the Illinois Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: IL Administrative CodeLicense Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
Find a General or Master Falconer Sponsor
Locate a sponsor with at least 2 years of falconry experience at the General or Master level who will supervise your first 2 years
Specifications: {"sponsorExperience": "2 years", "sponsorshipDuration": "2 years"}
Citation: IL Administrative CodeMew Construction
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)
Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: IL Administrative CodeMew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: IL Administrative CodeEquipment Requirements
Acquire Required Falconry Equipment
Purchase or make essential equipment for training and hunting including glove, jesses, bells, bath, and scale
Specifications: {"equipmentList": ["Leather falconry glove", "Jesses (leather straps)", "Bells or radio telemetry", "Bath container", "Scale (accurate to 10g)", "Perches and swivels"]}
Citation: IL Administrative CodeHunting License
Obtain Illinois Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Illinois hunting license (required for all falconers)
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture or Acquire First Bird
Trap a wild passage raptor or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.
Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Cooper's Hawk"]}
Citation: IL Administrative CodeDocumentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: IL Administrative CodeApprentice-Eligible Species in Illinois
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Illinois. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 250 permits statewide, max 2 wild raptors/year). Eyasses Feb 1-Aug 1 (General/Master, leave 1 in nest). Passage Sept 1-March 1. Apprentice: max 1 bird, max 2 replacements/year, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, most common apprentice choice.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). EXCEPTION: Haggards (adults over 1 year) may be captured Sept 1-Jan 1 (1590.90(a)(3)). Apprentice: max 1 bird, max 2 replacements/year, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent apprentice bird.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicusAll experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Native Illinois owls. Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propagation permit after 1 year (vs 2 years for most). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent bird hunter.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propagation permit after 1 year (vs 2 years for most). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent bird hunter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round (winter visitor/rare resident), highly skilled hawk for experienced falconers. Large raptor suitable for eagle permit experience requirement.