Falconry License

Alabama Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Alabama falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Alabama supports a small but active falconry community. Both a state license and federal USFWS permit are required. The state's mix of agricultural fields, pine plantations, and river bottoms provides productive hunting for red-tailed hawks and Harris hawks.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$15

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$15 / $15

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Alabama Falconry Fees by Level

State license fees for each falconry level. Note: You must also obtain a federal USFWS falconry permit — the state license does not replace the federal requirement.

Level	State Fee	Max Raptors	Prerequisites
Apprentice	$15.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$15.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$15.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Alabama?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Alabama

The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Alabama. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.

american kestrel red tailed hawk harris hawk

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Alabama

Wild Take Permitted in Alabama

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Alabama. Season: October – November for passage raptors. Both a state wild take permit and federal authorization are required.

Getting Licensed

Exam & Inspection Requirements

Written Exam Requirements

Written exam required for Apprentice level covering raptor biology, care, equipment, and Alabama regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Alabama.

Equipment (jesses, hood, perches, etc.) must be inspected before licensing.

Sponsor must have 2+ years of General or Master falconry experience.

Community

Falconry Community in Alabama

Estimated Practitioners

Alabama has approximately 60 licensed falconers, making it a smaller falconry community with a dedicated group of practitioners. Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.

State-Specific Notes

Additional Alabama Falconry Information

Alabama's Black Belt and wiregrass regions provide productive quarry for falconry. The state's mild winters make year-round mews management feasible.

Source: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (www.outdooralabama.com) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Alabama