Falconry License

Illinois Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Illinois falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Illinois has a moderate falconry community primarily in the northern and central portions of the state. The Mississippi and Illinois River corridors provide diverse quarry including waterfowl, rabbits, and upland birds. Both state and federal permits are required.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$15

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$15 / $15

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Illinois 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	$15.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$15.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$15.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Illinois?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Illinois

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk coopers hawk peregrine

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Illinois Department of Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Illinois

Wild Take Permitted in Illinois

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Illinois. 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. Administered by IDNR; covers raptor identification, care, equipment, and Illinois regulations. Minimum 80% score required.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Illinois

Estimated Practitioners

Illinois has approximately 80 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 Illinois Falconry Information

Illinois's agricultural landscape provides excellent pheasant and rabbit quarry for accipiters and buteos. The Illinois Falconers Association is active in the state.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (www2.illinois.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Illinois