Complete guide to Minnesota falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Minnesota offers unique falconry opportunities in its boreal forests and prairie regions. The state is on the gyrfalcon migration route, offering rare sighting and occasional take opportunities for Master falconers. Red-tailed hawks are abundant and popular for apprentices.
State License Required
Wild Take Permitted
Facility Inspection Required
2026 Falconry License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Apprentice Fee
$18
State license only — federal permit additional
General / Master
$18 / $18
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage birds
State License Fees
Minnesota 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
$18.00
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
$18.00
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
$18.00
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Minnesota?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Minnesota
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Minnesota. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
gyrfalcon
peregrine
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Minnesota
Wild Take Permitted in Minnesota
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Minnesota.
Season: October – November for passage birds. 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 covering raptor biology, equipment, regulations, and hunting methods. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Minnesota.
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 Minnesota
100
Estimated Practitioners
Minnesota 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 Minnesota Falconry Information
Minnesota's Hawk Ridge in Duluth is one of North America's premier raptor migration sites, making fall trapping seasons particularly productive. The North Shore of Lake Superior provides spectacular migration viewing.