Falconry License

Kansas Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Kansas falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Kansas is legendary for pheasant hunting with falcons on its vast wheat stubble and CRP grasslands. The state offers excellent prairie falcon country, and its open terrain allows for spectacular long-distance flights. Wild take is permitted under federal protocols.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$21

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$21 / $21

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Kansas 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	$21.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$21.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$21.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Kansas?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Kansas

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk prairie falcon harris hawk

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Kansas

Wild Take Permitted in Kansas

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Kansas. 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 falconers. Must score 80% or higher. Exam administered through Kansas DWP and covers raptor biology, equipment, and state-specific regulations.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Kansas

100

Estimated Practitioners

Kansas has approximately 100 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 Kansas Falconry Information

Kansas pheasant populations make it a destination for falconers with peregrines and prairie falcons. Access to private agricultural land is often available through landowner permission programs.

Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (ksoutdoors.com) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Kansas