Complete guide to Missouri falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Missouri has a moderate falconry community. The state's diverse habitats from Ozark hills to Missouri River bottomlands and northern prairies provide excellent quarry. 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
$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
Missouri 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 Missouri?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Missouri
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Missouri. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
harris hawk
prairie falcon
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Missouri Department of Conservation before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Missouri
Wild Take Permitted in Missouri
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Missouri.
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 MDC; covers raptor biology, equipment, Missouri regulations. Minimum 80% score required.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Missouri.
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 Missouri
75
Estimated Practitioners
Missouri has approximately 75 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 Missouri Falconry Information
Missouri's central location on the Mississippi flyway brings substantial raptor migration. The Missouri Falconers Association is active statewide.