Legal Falconry Species in Illinois
Complete list of raptor species legal for falconry 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.
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Species List
Showing 24 of 24 species
| Species | Experience Level | Permit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
American Kestrel Falco sparverius |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). EXCE... |
Barred Owl Strix varia |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 n... |
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit (Captive-bred only for wild IL take) |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family. FEDERAL RESTRICTION: Wild take of Broad-winged Hawks... |
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propaga... |
Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos |
Master |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Experience Documentation |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice (1590.80(a)) or General (1590.80(b)). REQUIREMENTS... |
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 n... |
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit |
All experience levels per Falconiform family allowance (1590.80). Not native to IL - captive-bred or... |
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). Not native to IL - captive-bred ... |
Long-eared Owl Asio otus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 n... |
Merlin Falco columbarius |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Falconiform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propagati... |
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 n... |
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus |
Master |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Peregrine Permit (Lottery) |
Master falconers only for wild take. APPRENTICE EXCLUDED: 1590.80(a)(4) explicitly prohibits apprent... |
Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Falconiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 ... |
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 250 permits statewide, max... |
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propaga... |
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit |
All experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). Rare winter visitor to Illinois fro... |
Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus |
Master |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Experience Documentation |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice (1590.80(a)) or General (1590.80(b)). REQUIREMENTS... |
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni |
Apprentice |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Capture Permit |
All experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$10... |
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla |
Master |
Illinois Falconry Permit + Experience Documentation |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice (1590.80(a)) or General (1590.80(b)). REQUIREMENTS... |