Falconry License

Nevada Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Nevada falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Nevada's Great Basin terrain offers rugged falconry environments with desert jackrabbits, chukars, and sage grouse as quarry. Harris hawks are popular due to the mild winters in southern Nevada. Wild raptor take is permitted under standard protocols.

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

Nevada 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 Nevada?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Nevada

The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Nevada. 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 Nevada Department of Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Nevada

Wild Take Permitted in Nevada

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Nevada. 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 new Apprentice falconers. Test covers raptor identification, care, regulations, and field skills. 80% minimum passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Nevada

Estimated Practitioners

Nevada has approximately 90 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 Nevada Falconry Information

Nevada's open desert terrain is well-suited to large falcons and passage birds. The Las Vegas area has a small but active falconry community. The Elko region in the north provides excellent mountain quarry.

Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Nevada