Falconry License

Idaho Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Idaho falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Idaho offers exceptional falconry across its mountains, Snake River Plain, and northern panhandle forests. The state supports diverse quarry including pheasant, chukar, Hungarian partridge, and cottontails. Peregrine falcons are present and may be taken by Master falconers.

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

September – November for passage and resident raptors

State License Fees

Idaho 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 Idaho?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Idaho

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk prairie falcon peregrine

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

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Idaho

Wild Take Permitted in Idaho

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Idaho. Season: September – November for passage and resident 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 and General levels. Covers raptor care, husbandry, falconry equipment, and Idaho regulations. Minimum 80% score required.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Idaho

120

Estimated Practitioners

Idaho has approximately 120 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 Idaho Falconry Information

Idaho's chukar-rich Snake River Canyon is world-famous for falconry. The state has an active falconry community and the Idaho Falconers Association provides apprentice support.

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

Idaho