New York Apprentice Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in New York

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
Required
Pass Falconry Examination

Score 80% or higher on the New York State Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation

Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}

Citation: 6 NYCRR 173.3
License Fees
Required
Pay Falconry License Application Fee

Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Environmental Conservation

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 50.00, "currency": "USD"}}

Sponsorship Requirements
Required
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: 6 NYCRR 173.4
Mew Construction
Required
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 7 feet high

Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 7, "unit": "feet"}}

Citation: 6 NYCRR 173.5
Mew Inspection
Required
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor

Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements

Citation: 6 NYCRR 173.5
Equipment Requirements
Required
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: 6 NYCRR 173.6
Hunting License
Required
Obtain New York State Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid New York State hunting license

Bird Capture
Required
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit

Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82

Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82
Required
Capture or Acquire First Bird

Trap a wild passage red-tailed hawk or American kestrel, or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.

Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Goshawk (wild only)"]}

Citation: 6 NYCRR 173.7
Apprentice-Eligible Species in New York

These species are legal for apprentice falconers in New York. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Must possess ONLY ONE passage red-tailed hawk OR kestrel (no nestlings per 6 NYCRR 173.2(e)(2)(ii)). General: max 3 birds. Master: max 13 birds (max 5 wild-caught).

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Must possess ONLY ONE kestrel OR red-tailed hawk (passage only, no nestlings). General: max 3 birds. Master: max 13 birds. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (173.7(f)).

Next Steps
General Requirements
Legal Species in New York
Practice Exam Questions