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
Required
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 232-12-278
License Fees
Required
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
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: WAC 232-12-278
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: WAC 232-12-278
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: WAC 232-12-278
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)", "Weathering area equipment"]}

Citation: WAC 232-12-278
Hunting License
Required
Obtain Washington State Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid Washington State hunting license (required for all falconers)

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 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 232-12-278
Documentation
Required
Maintain Falconry Records

Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports

Citation: WAC 232-12-278
Apprentice-Eligible Species in Washington

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

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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 sparverius

All 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 nebulosa

All 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 hudsonius

All 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 regalis

All 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 swainsoni

All 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.

View All 16 Legal Species

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