South Dakota falconry license
Checked 2026-11-04 against official sources — see the links at the bottom. General guidance only; always confirm with the state agency before you apply.
First-year fees
Ask the agency — GFP does not list the resident falconry permit fee on its falconry page or license price table; confirm with GFP (605.773.6456)
Official GFP falconry page: a non-resident raptor collecting permit costs $200. A permittee may not hunt by falconry while in possession of a firearm (or be accompanied by a firearm carrier, concealed-pistol permittees excepted).
Exam & minimum age
Exam: —
Minimum age: —
Classes: Apprentice → General → Master
Birds by class & trapping
South Dakota issues falconry permits matching the resident's home-state permit for visiting falconers; class structure follows the federal framework. Confirm current class rules with GFP.
A raptor collecting permit is required before any take. Passage birds Aug 1 – Mar 31; adult American kestrels and great horned owls allowed; other adult species need joint written GFP + USFWS permission. Eyasses by resident General/Master only, May 2 – Jul 31, one left per nest. Nonmigratory game hunting Sept 1 – Mar 31; migratory birds follow state/federal seasons (up to 107 days from Sept 1) with 3 daily / 6 possession aggregate limits.
Notes from the official sources
Peregrines, gyrfalcons and Harris's hawks must be banded with permanent USFWS bands; GFP staff may witness eyass takes. Acquisition/disposition reports are due within 5 calendar days.
Official sources for this page
Regulations change. Verify every figure against these sources and the agency's current rules before you rely on it.
Getting geared up in South Dakota?
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.