Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How old do I have to be to apply for an apprentice falconry license?
A. The minimum age is 12.  

Q. What kind of hawk I am allowed to have as an apprentice?
A. Federal and state law limits you to a redtail hawk, red-shouldered hawk, or the American kestrel. All (except the kestrel) must be trapped as a passage (or immature).

Q. How many raptors can I have?
A. As an apprentice falconer, you are only allowed to possess one raptor at a time. If you lose this raptor, you can only replace it once per season. A general class falconer may possess two raptors, a master class falconer, three.

Q. What kind of hunting licesne do I have to have?
A. You have to purchase a sportsman license.

Q. What is the best choice of raptor for an apprentice?
A. A good hawk to start with is the redtail hawk.  It is the best choice for the apprentice falconer that has access to land that holds cottontails, and/or squirrels. Even waterfowl and upland game birds can be taken by this versatile species. Kestrels should be left to the more experienced falconer.

Q. What steps do I need to take to become an apprentice falconer?
A. First, find a sponsor. Sponsrs are falconers of eiter Master or General class.  Conatct the MDWFP and we will try and assist you in contacting one.  Second, take and pass your falconry exam, next have your facilities and equipment inspected. Get you permit, trap a bird and start your two-year apprenticeship.

Q. How do I find a sponsor?
A. First and foremost, find a way to spend time with other falconers. For some, this is easier than for others. It depends on your location and personality. Falconers are spread thin everywhere in the contiguous lower 48 states, so if you live in an outer lying area, you might have to do some driving. Please understand, YOU have to take the initiative. Spend an entire season flushing game for their hawk. Study how they handle and manage their birds. Show him/her that you are a serious student of falconry and you want to learn more. If you will do this for an entire hunting season, you will have a sponsor. Friendship first, sponsorship second.

Q. How long is an apprenticeship?
A. You can apply for your general class falconry license after completing two, four-month-long hunting seasons, or basically two years.

Q. What books do you recommend I read?
A. The best book for pre-apprentices is: North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks by Hal Webster and Frank Beebe. After reading that, a few other good books to have are: Buteos and Bushytails by Gary Brewer The Red-Tailed Hawk - A complete guide to training and hunting North America's most versatile game hawk by Liam McGranaghan The Falconer's Apprentice - A Guide to Training the Red-Tailed Hawk by William Oakes Falconry Equipment by Bryan A Kimsey and Jim Hodge. Check out our literature link.

Q. What should I study for my test?
A. In addition to the books above, here is an on-line practice test you can take. http://www.onlinefalconry.com/USFederalFalconryExam.htm