Louisiana Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Louisiana
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 Louisiana Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.101License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.00, "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: LAC Title 76:XV.101Mew 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: LAC Title 76:XV.103Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.103Equipment 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)"]}
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.105Hunting License
Obtain Louisiana State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Louisiana hunting license
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: LAC Title 76:XV.107Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.109Apprentice-Eligible Species in Louisiana
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Louisiana. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Traditionally limited to red-tailed hawk (most popular choice, strongly recommended by LA falconers). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 only per LAC 76:V.301. Native to Louisiana year-round, most common hawk. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess American kestrel (fragile, not recommended for beginners). May be taken at ANY AGE per LAC 76:V.301 (federal exception for kestrels). Take season Sept 1-Feb 28. Native to Louisiana year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.