West Virginia Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in West Virginia
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 West Virginia Falconry Examination administered by the Division of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Division of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.0, "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: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Mew 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 8 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Equipment 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)", "Perches and swivels"]}
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Hunting License
Obtain West Virginia Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid West Virginia 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: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Apprentice-Eligible Species in West Virginia
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in West Virginia. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage only per 58-65-11). Most apprentices start with red-tailed hawk. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild take/year. Native to WV year-round (very common, diverse habitats, excellent beginner bird). Wild-capturable in WV during passage season (Sept 1-Jan 31).
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage only per 58-65-11). May be taken at ANY AGE per 58-65-11 exception for kestrels. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild take/year. Native to WV year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird). Wild-capturable in WV at any age.