Long Island Falconers Association
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources
5th Floor Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-4752
Phone: (518) 402-8985 FAX: (518) 402-8925
Dear Prospective Falconer:
Thank you for your request for information pertaining to the New York State Falconry Program.
Application for, or renewal of, a falconry license, must be made on forms provided by the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In order to be issued a falconry license, an
applicant must:
1. Be a resident of New York State
2. Be at least 14 years of age
3. Pass the Department's falconry examination by receiving a score of 80% or better
4. Possess a valid New York State hunting license authorizing the hunting of small game
5. Submit a $40 license fee
6. Construct DEC-approved facilities for housing raptors
All of the enclosed information should be carefully reviewed so that you will understand the procedures
to follow in order to obtain your falconry license.
Procedures for taking the New York State Falconry Exam are:
1. Fill in and return the falconry license application
a. Falconry exams will be offered twice a year statewide in April and August. Pre-registration for
the exam is mandatory
b. The statewide exam will be given at the DEC Regional Offices. The office locations are listed
on your exam application by number and name
2. Submit your application to:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
Attn: Falconry Program Coordinator
3. You will be notified of the time and location of the falconry exam at least two weeks prior to the
statewide exam date.
4. The exam questions may cover the basic aspects of falconry, such as natural history, basic biology,
diseases and treatment, housing facilities, handling, training and use of raptors, and federal and state laws and regulations.
5. You must achieve a score of at least 80% on the true/false and multiple choice questions in order to
receive a passing score. You will be notified by mail of your score on the exam within 30 days.
6. If you fail the falconry exam, you may reapply for the next exam.
7. If you pass the falconry exam, you will be sent the following falconry forms:
a. Evaluation of Qualifications for an Apprentice Falconer
b. Raptor Facilities and Equipment Inspection Report
In addition, you will receive the address of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Permitting Office.
After passing the written exam, you must meet the following requirements before obtaining your
apprentice falconry license:
1. You must have a currently licensed General or Master Falconer agree to sponsor you. He or she must
fill out the “Evaluation of Qualifications for an Apprentice Falconer” form.
2. You must have your facilities and equipment inspected and approved by NYS DEC Regional Wildlife
personnel.
3. You must possess a valid New York State hunting license that authorizes you to take small game by the
use of firearms.
4. A records check will be conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation. Conviction of a violation of any federal or state
wildlife law or regulation within the last five years may prohibit you from obtaining a falconry
license.
5. Information forms must be completed and returned to DEC’s Special Licenses Unit.
6. If you have met all the requirements of your application for a falconry license, forward the forms and a
copy of your valid NYS small game hunting license to: NYS DEC, Special Licenses Unit, 625
Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
The best of luck in reaching your goal, and if we may be of further assistance, feel free to contact the
Special Licenses Unit at 518-402-8985.
FROM THE NEW YORK STATE ADVISORY BOARD
This manual has been written as a guide to prospective falconers. All the information contained within
has been carefully assembled and is current and up to date.The purpose of the manual is not to
discourage the prospective falconer, but rather to inform the individual that there are some serious
undertakings involved in the process. Becoming a falconer requires long hours of training and a long
term commitment from the individual. Having a trained raptor is not the same as having a domestic pet.
You cannot just leave it with a neighbor to watch when you go away. This manual contains information
such as "Do's and Don'ts," prices on necessary equipment, book sources, equipment vendors, and more.
It is suggested that you read this manual not only once, but two or three times until you fully
understand the responsibilities you are about to undertake. If, after reading and understanding the
information in this manual, you still wish to continue, it is suggested that you follow the instructions
provided here. We hope that this manual is helpful to you and answers most of your questions.
Good luck.