Falconry License

Alaska Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Alaska falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Alaska offers unique falconry opportunities with gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, and rough-legged hawks present during migration and winter. The state's vast wilderness provides open terrain for long flights. Both a state license and federal USFWS permit are required.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$25

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$25 / $25

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

August – October for passage and resident raptors; gyrfalcon take by special permit

State License Fees

Alaska 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	$25.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$25.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$25.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Alaska?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Alaska

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

gyrfalcon peregrine american kestrel red tailed hawk

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Alaska Department of Fish and Game before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Alaska

Wild Take Permitted in Alaska

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Alaska. Season: August – October for passage and resident raptors; gyrfalcon take by special permit. 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. Covers raptor biology, Alaska-specific regulations, equipment, and husbandry. Minimum 80% score required.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Alaska

Estimated Practitioners

Alaska has approximately 40 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 Alaska Falconry Information

Alaska is the only US state where wild gyrfalcons can be taken under special permit for General and Master falconers. The remote terrain requires falconers to be experienced outdoorspeople.

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (www.adfg.alaska.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Alaska