North Carolina falconry license

First-year fees

$15 falconry license + $5 online transaction fee

Valid July 1 – June 30 unless otherwise indicated

Apply through Go Outdoors North Carolina; purchase must be completed within 30 days of approval, fees non-refundable. Hunting game with the bird also requires hunting-license privileges (the NC digest lists a $32 falconry hunting license).

Exam & minimum age

Exam: 80% to pass. Supervised NCWRC exam (≥80%) covering raptor biology, care and handling, literature, laws and regulations; waived for holders of a current federal-standard permit from another state, tribe or territory.

Minimum age: 12 — Apprentice applicants must be at least 12; under 18 needs a parent/guardian co-signature (NCWRC Falconry License).

Classes: Apprentice → General → Master

Birds by class & trapping

Apprentice: one raptor under 50 CFR 21.82(c)(2)(i), with a North Carolina twist — the sponsor must live within 200 miles of the apprentice and may mentor at most 3 apprentices; a withdrawn sponsor triggers a 90-day replacement window or the license is revoked. General (16+, 2 apprentice years): federal limits (up to 3 raptors). Master (5 general years): federal limits.

Facilities must meet 15A NCAC 10H .0808 and pass inspection (apprentice facilities via a sponsor inspection report) before licensure. Falconers relocating to North Carolina have 60 days to apply while continuing under their previous permit.

Notes from the official sources

Rules of record are 15A NCAC 10H .0801–.0815 with federal 50 CFR 21.82. Nonresidents may substitute a valid home-state permit for the examination (15A NCAC 10H .0807).