How To Get Into Falconry For Beginners: A Comprehensive Roadmap To Certification
Falconry is a strictly regulated pursuit requiring a formal apprenticeship under a licensed sponsor, passage of a state-administered examination, and the construction of state-approved raptor housing. Aspiring falconers must commit to a multi-year development cycle, beginning with the acquisition of a federal and state falconry permit, before they are legally permitted to trap or house their first bird of prey.
Foundational Requirements and Regulatory Preparation
Before you handle a bird, you must satisfy the regulatory framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and your specific state wildlife agency. Falconry is not a hobby; it is a life-long commitment to the husbandry, health, and hunting utility of a wild animal.
- Essential Knowledge Base: Mastery of the North American Falconry Association (NAFA) Apprentice Manual, basic avian anatomy, raptor biology, and local state trapping regulations.
- Mandatory Infrastructure: Construction of a secure mews (enclosure) that meets state square footage and ventilation requirements, including a weathering area and a scale capable of measuring grams for weight management.
- Essential Gear: A heavy-duty leather gauntlet (typically cowhide or elk skin), specialized raptor scales (digital, sensitive to 1-gram increments), a swivel, jesses (leather tethers), and a bird-appropriate travel crate.
- Financial and Temporal Benchmark: Anticipate an initial investment of $1,500 to $3,000 for equipment, housing, and licensing fees. Expect to dedicate a minimum of two hours daily to the bird's training and husbandry.
The Systematic Path to Licensure and Raptor Acquisition
Step 1: Secure a Local Falconry Mentor
You cannot apply for a permit without a signed commitment from a General or Master-class falconer to serve as your sponsor. Reach out to your state’s falconry club to attend field meets. Observe the interactions between the raptor and the falconer before committing. Your sponsor will guide you through the intricacies of bird temperament and husbandry, ensuring you do not jeopardize the bird's health or your standing with the state.
Step 2: Pass the State Falconry Examination
The state test is a rigorous examination covering raptor biology, identification, disease pathology, trap construction, and federal/state regulations.
Pro-Tip: Focus your studies on the specific raptor species native to your region, as these are often the subjects of the most detailed identification questions. Aim for a score of 80% or higher, as this is the standard threshold for most state wildlife agencies.
Step 3: Mews Inspection and Permit Application
Once you pass the exam and secure a sponsor, you must build your mews. An officer from your state wildlife agency will conduct an on-site inspection. The enclosure must be predator-proof, prevent the bird from damaging its feathers (the "imping" process), and allow for proper temperature control. Only after the facility passes inspection will your permit be issued.
Step 4: The Apprenticeship Period
As an Apprentice, you are legally restricted to flying a single raptor, typically a Red-tailed Hawk or a Kestrel. This two-year period is designed to teach weight management—the delicate process of maintaining the hawk’s hunting weight to ensure it remains motivated to return to you, while preventing muscle atrophy or starvation.
Step 5: Trapping and Initial Manning
With your permit in hand, you will trap your first bird, often a juvenile ("passage") hawk. "Manning" is the process of acclimating the raptor to your presence. This involves patient, quiet interaction until the bird is comfortable eating from your glove.
Warning: Never force physical contact; allow the bird to approach the glove on its own terms to build trust. Rushing this stage will lead to a bird that associates your presence with stress, resulting in behavioral avoidance or defensive aggression.
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Raptor Species and Technical Performance Parameters
| Raptor Species | Hunting Style | Weight Range (Grams) | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Kestrel | Small Game/Insects | 80 – 160g | Moderate |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Ground Game/Rabbits | 800 – 1,400g | Beginner-Friendly |
| Harris’s Hawk | Cooperative Hunting | 500 – 900g | Highly Sociable |
| Goshawk | Woodland Hunting | 600 – 1,200g | Advanced Only |
Addressing Operational Failures and Field Complications
- Failure: The Raptor Refuses to Return (The "Bate" or "Check" response)
- Root Cause: The bird is overfed or not properly conditioned to the lure; it lacks the metabolic drive to cooperate.
- Actionable Fix: Adjust the daily food ration downward by 5–10 grams and return to tethered flight training in a controlled, indoor environment to rebuild recall confidence.
- Failure: Feather Damage (Broken or Bent Primaries)
- Root Cause: Substandard mews dimensions or repetitive slamming against wire mesh.
- Actionable Fix: Evaluate the internal perch spacing and the surface material of the mesh. Consider padding high-impact zones with astroturf or soft leather to protect the leading edges of the flight feathers.
- Failure: Frounce or Other Parasitic Infections
- Root Cause: Poor sanitation in the mews or feeding the bird contaminated wild-caught prey.
- Actionable Fix: Immediately isolate the bird and contact an avian veterinarian experienced in raptor medicine. Implement a rigorous sanitization schedule using dilute iodine or specialized avian-safe disinfectants on all food-prep surfaces and perches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a falconer?
No, a formal degree is not required. However, you must possess strong self-study habits to master the dense regulatory and biological information required for the state-administered examination.
Can I keep a hawk as a pet in my house?
No. Falconry raptors are wild hunting animals that must be kept in purpose-built outdoor mews. Keeping a bird of prey indoors is a violation of federal law and is detrimental to the animal's physical and psychological health.
How much time does falconry require?
Falconry is a daily commitment. You must dedicate time every day for feeding, cleaning the mews, monitoring the bird’s weight, and conducting flight training, regardless of your personal schedule or the weather conditions.
Is it expensive to get started?
Initial costs can range from $1,500 to $3,000. These expenses cover the construction of the mews, the purchase of tracking telemetry (radio transmitters), specialized gauntlets, and mandatory state licensing fees.
Launch Your Journey into Professional Raptor Husbandry
Connect with your regional falconry association today to find a mentor and begin the rigorous process of securing your apprenticeship. Master the art of raptor biology and state regulations to ensure a successful, ethical start to your falconry career.
