Alabama falconry license

First-year fees

$50 non-refundable application/permit fee ($50 due again with each renewal)

Expires August 31 of the third calendar year after issuance

Official license list also carries the $50 Falconry Permit line. A valid hunting license is required to hunt with the bird.

Exam & minimum age

Exam: 80% to pass. Supervised exam approved by the USFWS (≥80%) covering raptor biology, care and handling, literature, laws and regulations; a retake opportunity is provided on failure.

Minimum age: 12 — Apprentice permittees must be at least 12; under 18 requires a parent/guardian signature (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.02(9)(f)(1)).

Classes: Apprentice → General → Master

Birds by class & trapping

Apprentice: one raptor — a wild-caught red-tailed hawk or red-shouldered hawk, less than 1 year old (no nestlings), taken by the apprentice; sponsor required for the first two years, max 3 apprentices per sponsor; max 2 raptors obtained per calendar year. General (16+, 2 apprentice years): up to 3 raptors. Master (5 general years): up to 5 wild raptors; state-endangered species off-limits without written Commissioner authorization.

First-year passage raptors may be taken any month; eyasses only by General/Master (max 2 per calendar year); birds over one year limited to American kestrels and great horned owls. Resident game may be hunted from the opening of gun season through March 31; falconry migratory bag is 3 birds in the aggregate. Nonresidents may take raptors under reciprocity with a nonresident hunting license.

Notes from the official sources

Regulation of record is Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.02(9) — raptors are designated game birds with the bald eagle expressly excluded. Facilities/equipment inspection (Aylmeri jesses, leash and swivel, 2–6 in bath container, weathering perch, scale to ½ oz/15 g) precedes issuance; 3-186A reports due within 5 days.