West Virginia Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
West Virginia regulates falconry through W. Va. Code R. §58-65. West Virginia falconry permit required for residents to take, possess, transport, sell, purchase, or barter raptors. Three permit classes: Apprentice, General, and Master. Permits valid January 1 to December 31 annually, renewable but not transferable. Applicants must secure sponsor, pass 80% West Virginia examination, have facilities/equipment inspected and certified by Division Wildlife Resources Section. Fees: $250 initial application, $100 annual renewal (lapse over 30 days = $250). Lapsed under 5 years reinstatable with proof and $250 fee; lapsed 5+ years not reinstatable. Nonresidents moving to WV must obtain permit within 90 days. Director may deny/revoke permits for cause or violations.
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
West Virginia issues three permit classes valid January 1 to December 31 annually. Apprentice requires age 12+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), sponsor (age 18+, valid WV General/Master or out-of-state General/Master with 2+ years general experience, max 3 apprentices), sponsor-signed application affirming instruction in husbandry/training/hunting, may possess one raptor maximum (American kestrel or red-tailed hawk only, must be wild-caught by/with applicant), may not possess eyas or imprint, may not obtain more than one replacement raptor per 12 months. General requires age 16+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), 2 years apprentice experience (no falconry school substitution), sponsor letter stating 2 years apprentice with 6 months average/4 months minimum each year, may possess up to 2 raptors maximum, may not possess eagles or threatened/endangered species, may possess captive-bred/imprinted/eyas/hybrid raptors, max 2 replacement raptors per 12 months. Master requires 5 years general practice, may possess up to 5 wild plus 5 captive-bred raptors (must train for hunting), may possess any Falconiform/Accipitriform/Strigiform except bald eagle, may possess up to 2 eagles (golden/white-tailed/Steller's with Section 12 qualifications), max 2 replacement raptors per 12 months. Fees: $250 initial, $100 renewal, lapse over 30 days = $250.
Exam Information
West Virginia requires applicants to correctly answer at least 80% of questions on supervised Division-administered examination per W. Va. Code R. §58-65-6. Examination covers basic biology, care and handling of raptors, literature, laws, rules, regulations, and appropriate subject matter. Conducted by Division employee or permitted master falconer representing Division. Nonresidents moving to WV may request examination waiver by providing documentation of similar examination passage in home state but remain subject to facility/equipment inspection per Section 7 standards.
Housing Requirements
West Virginia requires applicant raptor housing facilities and equipment to be inspected and certified as meeting Section 7 standards by Division Wildlife Resources Section representative before permit issuance per W. Va. Code R. §58-65-3.4.3. Facilities must meet state standards for raptor housing and care. All housing must provide adequate protection, space, and environmental conditions for raptors possessed. Facilities must comply with WV regulations for proper raptor welfare.
Equipment Requirements
West Virginia requires equipment to meet standards established in W. Va. Code R. §58-65 Section 7. Equipment must be inspected and certified before permit issuance. All equipment must be appropriate for species possessed and suitable for proper raptor care, handling, and welfare per Division standards.