Louisiana Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Louisiana regulates falconry through Title 76, Part V, Section 301 covering Migratory Bird Treaty Act native raptors and exotic raptors. Valid permit required for possessing wild or captive-bred raptors for falconry. Five permit types: Apprentice (age 16+, sponsor required), General (age 16+, 2 years apprentice experience), Master (5 years general experience), Nonresident (120+ consecutive days residency), and Raptor Propagator (USFWS permit also required). Apprentice applicants must pass 80% examination and facility inspection before obtaining bird. Sponsors must be 18+ years old General (2+ years) or Master falconer with valid Louisiana license. Permits cover taking, possessing, training raptors for falconry per federal and state regulations.
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
Louisiana issues five permit types. Apprentice requires age 16+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), sponsor letter stating assistance with husbandry/training/laws/species selection, 80% exam passage, facility inspection before obtaining bird, may possess maximum one raptor (cannot be eagle, nestling, imprinted, or federally listed endangered/threatened), may take passage birds September 1-February 28 only. General requires age 16+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), documentation from sponsor verifying 2 years apprentice practice with 4+ months/year maintaining/training/flying/hunting, no falconry school substitution allowed, may possess up to 3 raptors maximum (cannot be eagles except peregrine with special permit), may remove nestlings leaving at least one in nest, may take passage birds September 1-February 28 plus eyasses year-round. Master requires 5 years general practice, may possess up to 5 wild raptors maximum plus unlimited captive-bred (must train for hunting), may possess golden/white-tailed/Steller's eagles with Department authorization, may remove nestlings leaving at least one in nest. Nonresident permits for 120+ consecutive day residents require valid home state permit. Sponsors must be 18+, General (2+ years) or Master, valid Louisiana license.
Exam Information
Louisiana requires apprentice applicants to correctly answer at least 80% of questions on falconry examination to qualify for license per Section 301.C.1.d. Examination covers raptor biology, husbandry, training, relevant laws and regulations. Applicant facilities and equipment must pass inspection before obtaining bird. Ensures adequate knowledge and preparation before raptor possession.
Housing Requirements
Louisiana requires apprentice facilities and equipment to pass inspection before obtaining bird per Section 301.C.1.d. Facilities must meet Department and federal standards for raptor housing and care. All housing must provide adequate protection, space, and environmental conditions for raptors possessed. Nonresident falconers must keep raptors in facilities passing Louisiana facility inspection while in state per Section 301.C.4.f.
Equipment Requirements
Louisiana requires equipment to meet Department and federal standards for falconry. All equipment must be appropriate for species possessed and suitable for proper raptor care, handling, and welfare. Equipment must pass inspection before apprentice obtains bird and comply with Louisiana and federal falconry regulations throughout permit period.