Complete guide to Arizona falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Arizona is renowned as Harris hawk country, and its diverse desert, canyon, and grassland habitats make it a premier destination for falconry. Year-round hunting opportunities with minimal closed seasons attract falconers from across the country.
State License Required
Wild Take Permitted
Facility Inspection Required
2026 Falconry License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Apprentice Fee
$20
State license only — federal permit additional
General / Master
$20 / $20
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
September – November for passage and resident take
State License Fees
Arizona 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
$20.00
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
$20.00
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
$20.00
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Arizona?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Arizona
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Arizona. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
harris hawk
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
prairie falcon
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Arizona Game and Fish Department before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Arizona
Wild Take Permitted in Arizona
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Arizona.
Season: September – November for passage and resident take. 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. The exam covers raptor biology, husbandry, falconry regulations, and hunting ethics. Minimum passing score is 80%.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Arizona.
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 Arizona
300
Estimated Practitioners
Arizona has approximately 300 licensed falconers, making it
a moderately active falconry state.
Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.
State-Specific Notes
Additional Arizona Falconry Information
Arizona is one of the few states with wild Harris hawk populations, making wild take of this species possible. The Sonoran Desert provides year-round quarry including cottontail rabbits, quail, and starlings.