Arizona falconry license
Checked 2026-11-03 against official sources — see the links at the bottom. General guidance only; always confirm with the state agency before you apply.
First-year fees
$145 sport falconry license
Valid until the third December from the date of issuance
Official AZGFD sport falconry license checklist.
Exam & minimum age
Exam: 80% to pass. Applicants must pass the falconry examination and have their raptor housing facility inspected before licensure (R12-4-422).
Minimum age: 12 — Apprentice applicants must be at least 12 years of age with sponsor sponsorship (R12-4-422).
Classes: Apprentice → General → Master
Birds by class & trapping
Apprentice: one raptor at a time; federally listed species and wild nestlings are off-limits. General: two apprentice years minimum, up to three raptors. Master: any species of wild, captive-bred or hybrid raptor within federal rules, including golden eagle take under 50 CFR Parts 21–22.
An apprentice must be accompanied by a General or Master falconer when attempting capture in Cochise, Graham, Pima, Pinal or Santa Cruz counties.
Notes from the official sources
Regulation of record is Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-422 (Sport Falconry License).
Official sources for this page
- https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/special-licenses-2/sport-falconry-license
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arizona/Ariz-Admin-Code-SS-R12-4-422
Regulations change. Verify every figure against these sources and the agency's current rules before you rely on it.
Getting geared up in Arizona?
Most states' equipment inspection lists overlap heavily — Aylmeri jesses, a weathering-resistant leash and swivel, a bath pan, a weathering perch and a graduated scale. Build a list matched to your class and climate with the equipment checklist builder, or print the start-up equipment checklist for your mews inspection visit. Comparing neighboring states? Back to the full state matrix.