Falconry License

Delaware Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Delaware falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Delaware is a small state with a modest falconry community. The Delmarva Peninsula's agricultural fields and coastal marshes support starlings, sparrows, and waterfowl as quarry. Both state and federal licenses are required.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$12

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$12 / $12

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Delaware 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	$12.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$12.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$12.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Delaware?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Delaware

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk peregrine

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Delaware

Wild Take Permitted in Delaware

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Delaware. 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 biology, equipment, Delaware regulations, and field techniques. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Delaware

Estimated Practitioners

Delaware has approximately 25 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 Delaware Falconry Information

Delaware's Chesapeake & Delaware Canal corridor and inland bays provide excellent peregrine habitat during migration. The state's small size means most falconers are members of regional Mid-Atlantic clubs.

Source: Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (dnrec.delaware.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Delaware