Tennessee falconry license

First-year fees

Ask the agency — the rule requires an application plus permit fee, but TWRA does not print the falconry permit amount on its falconry or license-fee pages; the exam fee is $10 ($10 to retake)

Permits are issued through Go Outdoors Tennessee as captive-wildlife permits with fixed expirations — confirm the current permit cost at checkout. A hunting license (plus federal duck stamp and state migratory bird permit for waterfowl) is required.

Exam & minimum age

Exam: 160 questions, 80% to pass. TWRA-administered supervised exam (USFWS-approved, ≥80%): 160 multiple-choice questions across 8 categories; $10 non-refundable fee per sitting, $10 more to retake; failed candidates may retake after 10 business days (1660-01-37-.03(2)(c)). A successful out-of-state exam or prior permit substitutes. (TWRA's fee paragraph also references a 100-question sitting — confirm the question count when scheduling.)

Minimum age: 12 — Apprentice applicants must be at least 12 and must have a General/Master sponsor for a minimum of two years (TWRA Falconry Permits).

Classes: Apprentice → General → Master

Birds by class & trapping

Apprentice (12+): one raptor — a passage American kestrel or passage red-tailed hawk captured by the apprentice, or any federally approved captive-bred raptor from a legal source or transfer; sponsor withdrawal must be reported in writing within 30 days or the permit expires. General (16+, 2 apprentice years): up to 3 raptors, max 2 replacements per 12-month period. Master (5 general years): up to 5 raptors, same replacement cap.

Residents may take up to 2 wild raptors per calendar year (apprentices excluded from take). Eyasses by General/Master only, one left per nest. Peregrine take: no-fee application postmarked by August 15, random drawing the last week of August, trapping September 20 – October 20, passage birds only; nonresident winners need a nonresident hunting license.

Notes from the official sources

Regulation of record is TWRA Chapter 1660-01-37 (April 2025 edition), incorporating 50 CFR Parts 21–22. Permits expire June 30 of the third year; falconry hunting aligns with small game seasons; eagles require a written endorsement on the permit.