Kentucky Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed falconer in Kentucky
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Overview
Kentucky regulates falconry through 301 KAR 2:195 in compliance with 50 CFR Parts 13, 17, 21, 22. Three permit classes exist: Apprentice (age 12+, one raptor), General (age 16+, up to three raptors), and Master (5 years at General, up to five wild raptors). Apprentice applicants must pass written exam with 80% score within 90 minutes (max 3 exams per 12 months). Application valid 12 months after passing exam. Facilities inspected before permit issuance. Apprentices require sponsor with valid General or Master permit. First-time General applicants must practice falconry average 6 months/year with min 4 months each year for 2 years. Master applicants must practice average 4 months/year in 4 of last 5 years.
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
Kentucky issues three permit classes. Apprentice requires age 12+ (parental co-signature if under 18), sponsor with valid KY General or Master permit, exam passage (80% within 90 minutes, photo ID required, one attempt per day, max 3 attempts per 12 months), application within 12 months of exam passage, allows one raptor only (American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, or Harris's hawk wild or captive-bred), no nestlings or imprinted birds, wild raptor taking under direct sponsor supervision. General requires age 16+ (parental co-signature if under 18), 2 years at apprentice with wild raptor possession average 6 months/year with min 4 months each year, allows up to three raptors (wild, hybrid, or captive-bred but no golden eagle, bald eagle, white-tailed eagle, or Steller's sea eagle). Master requires 5 years at General, allows up to five wild raptors (any Order Falconiformes except bald eagle, plus great horned owl). Permit fees at https://fw.ky.gov/Licenses/Pages/Fees.aspx per 301 KAR 5:022. Valid KY hunting license required or license exemption per KRS 150.170. No wildlife transportation permit needed per 301 KAR 2:081/2:082 for legal falconry raptor transport.
Exam Information
Kentucky apprentice applicants must contact Department to schedule written exam, provide photo ID before taking exam, complete exam within 90 minutes, pass with minimum 80% score. Only one exam attempt per day, maximum three attempts per 12-month period. Application must be submitted within 12 months of passing exam or becomes invalid. Exam ensures adequate knowledge before permit issuance.
Housing Requirements
Kentucky requires facilities to be inspected and approved before permit issuance. Raptor Facilities and Equipment Inspection Report form must be completed and signed by Department conservation officer, Department biologist, or Department-approved representative. Facilities must meet state and federal standards for raptor housing, protection, and welfare.
Equipment Requirements
Kentucky requires equipment to be inspected and approved before permit issuance. Raptor Facilities and Equipment Inspection Report form must be completed and signed by Department conservation officer, Department biologist, or Department-approved representative. Equipment must meet state and federal standards and be appropriate for species possessed.