Washington Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Washington
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 Washington State Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Fish and Wildlife
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: WAC 232-12-278License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Fish and Wildlife
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 30.00, "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: WAC 232-12-278Mew 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 7 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 7, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: WAC 232-12-278Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: WAC 232-12-278Equipment 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)", "Weathering area equipment"]}
Citation: WAC 232-12-278Hunting License
Obtain Washington State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Washington State hunting license (required for all falconers)
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: WAC 232-12-278Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: WAC 232-12-278Apprentice-Eligible Species in Washington
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Washington. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-070(7). General: max 3 birds total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-060(6). Master: max 5 wild-caught, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-050(5). Native to WA year-round (very common, excellent beginner bird). Mentioned as large raptor for eagle permit experience (220-420-050(9)(a)).
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-070(7). General/Master: CAN TAKE FROM WILD YEAR-ROUND AT ANY AGE per 220-420-060(4) and 220-420-050(3). Federal exception allows any age take for kestrels. Native to WA year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird). Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (220-420-230(6)).
Great Gray Owl
Strix nebulosaAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird, captive-bred or transferred only per 220-420-070(8), 220-420-060(7). NOT on wild-take list for any level. Native to WA (rare in mountain forests, irruptive). Large gray owl, boreal specialist, variable winter numbers. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + captive-bred. No wild take allowed in WA.
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsoniusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird, captive-bred or transferred only per 220-420-070(8). NOT on wild-take list for any level. Native to WA (grasslands/wetlands, migrant). Unique low-flying hunting style, distinctive white rump. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + captive-bred. No wild take allowed in WA.
Ferruginous Hawk
Buteo regalisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird, captive-bred or transferred only per 220-420-070(8). NOT on wild-take list for any level. Native to WA (eastern WA grasslands, year-round). Largest buteo, rusty legs/back. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + captive-bred. No wild take allowed in WA.
Swainson's Hawk
Buteo swainsoniAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird, captive-bred or transferred only per 220-420-070(8). NOT on wild-take list for any level. Native to WA (migrant, open country). WILD TAKE FEDERALLY PROHIBITED per 50 CFR 21.82 (highly migratory to South America). CAPTIVE-BRED ONLY - no wild take from any state. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + captive-bred.