New York Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
New York regulates falconry through 6 NYCRR Part 173. Falconry licenses cost $40 and expire December 31 every fifth year. Three license types exist: Apprentice (age 14+, one raptor), General (age 18+, up to three raptors), and Master (5 years at General, up to 13 raptors with max 5 wild-caught). Applicants must score 80% on written examination and possess facilities meeting care standards. Apprentices need sponsor with 2+ years General experience. Master falconers may possess white-tailed or Steller's sea eagles with additional qualifications. Nonresidents may hunt in New York without NY license if they possess valid small game license, proof of legal falconry authorization in home state, and proof of legal raptor possession.
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
New York issues three license types at $40 fee, valid until December 31 every fifth year. Apprentice requires age 14+ (parental signature if under 18), sponsor who is licensed General or Master with 2+ years General experience, direct supervision by sponsor for first two hunting occasions, allows one raptor only (American kestrel or red-tailed hawk taken from wild), no nestlings, no more than one replacement per calendar year. General requires age 18+, two years as apprentice with 4+ months/year maintaining/training/flying/hunting raptors, written summary of experience, written recommendations from sponsor and one other NY General/Master falconer who evaluated field proficiency, allows up to three raptors, no more than two replacements per calendar year, may sponsor up to three apprentices (requires 2+ years General experience to sponsor). Master requires five years as General with raptor possession for at least three of those years, written recommendations from three master falconers who evaluated field proficiency, written approval from Falconry Advisory Board, allows up to 13 raptors (max 5 wild-caught), up to 3 white-tailed or Steller's sea eagles with additional qualifications, unlimited captive-bred replacements (must be trained and used for hunting), may sponsor up to three apprentices.
Exam Information
All applicants must receive 80% or higher score on written Department-administered examination testing knowledge of falconry and related matters. Examination required for initial license issuance. Exam ensures applicants possess adequate knowledge of falconry practices, raptor care, and legal requirements before permit approval.
Housing Requirements
Applicants must possess facilities meeting or exceeding care standards in Section 173.6 before license issuance. Facilities must provide adequate housing, protection, and environmental conditions for raptors. Indoor and outdoor facilities must comply with state standards for raptor welfare including proper space, perching, protection from predators and weather, and sanitary conditions.
Equipment Requirements
Applicants must possess equipment meeting or exceeding care standards in Section 173.6 before license issuance. Required equipment includes proper jesses, leashes, swivels, perches, bath containers, and weighing scales appropriate for the raptors to be possessed. All equipment must be suitable for raptor care, handling, and welfare.