Falconry license by state
Falconry is legal in every U.S. state except Hawaii, but every state writes its own rules on top of the federal baseline. This matrix puts the first ten deep-checked states side by side — fees, exams, ages and bird limits — so you can compare without opening ten tabs. Every figure links back to an official state agency source with a check date.
Data checked 2026-11-03. Fees are up-front first-year figures unless noted; where a state does not publish a fee we say “Ask the agency” rather than guess. This page is general guidance only — always confirm with the state agency before you apply. General guidance only — always follow your sponsor's advice and your local falconry regulations.
Compare the checked states
| State | First-year fees | Exam | Min age | Birds (A/G/M) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas · South | $63 application + permit (set by TPW Commission rule) | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | TX details |
| California · West | ≈$596 first year (2026 fees): application $20.34 + license $112.53 + admin processing $19.06 + exam $70.75 + inspection $373.25 (up to five enclosures) | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | CA details |
| Colorado · West | Ask the agency — CPW does not publish a falconry license fee schedule | 100 questions, 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | CO details |
| Utah · West | $45 falconry COR (3-year apprentice) or $75 (5-year general & master) + $40–55 resident capture permit ($195 nonresident) + $10 handling | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | UT details |
| Idaho · West | Ask the agency — IDFG lists the falconry permit (valid 3 years) in its license schedule; the online fee table was unavailable at check date | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | ID details |
| Wyoming · West | $16 falconry permit (falcon hunt-with) + $39 resident raptor capture license | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | WY details |
| Nevada · West | $38 (1-year license) or $94 (3-year license) | 80% to pass | 14+ | By class — see details | NV details |
| Arizona · West | $145 sport falconry license | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | AZ details |
| Oregon · West | $147 falconry license | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | OR details |
| New Mexico · West | Ask the agency — $10 exam fee is set in rule (19.35.8.9 NMAC); the license fee itself is set in the department's license-fee rule | 80% to pass | 12+ | By class — see details | NM details |
No falconry programme
More states in verification
The remaining states are being checked against official sources, one by one — no third-party numbers get published here unverified. Until a state's row is checked, go straight to its wildlife agency:
The federal baseline every state builds on
- 50 CFR 21.82 is the federal floor for falconry standards and permitting — states may add requirements, never subtract.
- Three license classes: Apprentice, then General after two years as an apprentice, then Master after five years as a General (some states tweak the ladder).
- The exam is a state exam — the federal minimum pass line is 80%.
- No federal permit anymore: USFWS stopped issuing falconry permits on January 1, 2014. Your state permit is the only license; the federal side that remains is Form 3-186A reporting (10 days per change, five-year records).
- Mews rules are standards, not sizes at the federal level; some states add minimum dimensions. Facilities must pass inspection before licensing.
State licensing FAQ
Do I still need a federal falconry permit?
No. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service stopped issuing federal falconry permits on January 1, 2014 — your state permit is now the only license you need. The federal side that remains is the Form 3-186A reporting duty: every acquisition, transfer, loss or release of a falconry bird is reported to the federal electronic database within 10 days, with five-year record keeping.
What score do I need on the falconry exam?
The federal minimum under 50 CFR 21.82 is 80%. States may be stricter — Vermont, for example, is known to grade at 85% — and some states add their own law-and-species questions. Always check your state's current pass line.
How old do I have to be to start falconry?
The federal minimum age is 12, and falconers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign for them. Some states are stricter — Nevada, for instance, sets the apprentice minimum at 14 — so verify your state's rule before applying.
How big does my mews have to be?
Federal regulation sets housing standards — weatherproofing, safety, perches, easy access for care — but not fixed dimensions; several states publish their own minimum mews sizes. Every new falconer's facilities must pass an inspection before a license is issued.
Is falconry legal in every state?
Every state except Hawaii runs a falconry programme. Hawaii issues no falconry permits at all.
Can I hunt with my bird in a state I don't live in?
Often yes, but the rules vary widely: some states recognize your home-state license for short visits, others require a nonresident falconry license, a small-game license, an importation permit — or a combination. Check the nonresident section of each state's rules before you travel.
Licensed and getting geared up?
Once your permit and mews inspection are moving, build the kit to match: assemble your gear list with the falconry equipment checklist builder (it scales by permit class and climate), or print the start-up equipment checklist. Weathering-area perch and Aylmeri jesses are on every state's inspection list — both sheets cover them.