Falconry License

Arkansas Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Arkansas falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Arkansas has a small but growing falconry community. The state's mix of Delta bottomlands, Ouachita mountains, and Ozark highlands provides varied terrain for different raptor styles. Both a state license and federal permit are required.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$10

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$10 / $10

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Arkansas 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	$10.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$10.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$10.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Arkansas?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Arkansas

The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Arkansas

Wild Take Permitted in Arkansas

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Arkansas. 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. Covers raptor care, equipment, federal and Arkansas-specific falconry regulations. Minimum 80% score required.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Arkansas

Estimated Practitioners

Arkansas has approximately 50 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 Arkansas Falconry Information

Arkansas's agricultural fields in the Grand Prairie and Delta regions provide good starling and cottontail quarry. The Arkansas Falconers Association supports new practitioners.

Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (www.agfc.com) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Arkansas