North Dakota Falconry License 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Raptor Species | WildNotch.com
Falconry License

North Dakota Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to North Dakota falconry licensing - Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. North Dakota has a small but growing falconry community. The state's shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies, wetland potholes, and river valleys provide outstanding quarry and hunting conditions. Prairie falcons and ferruginous hawks are common. 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
$20
State license only - federal permit additional
General / Master
$20 / $20
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage raptors
State License Fees

North Dakota 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 $20.00 1 raptor Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General $20.00 3 raptors 2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master $20.00 5 raptors 5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in North Dakota?

Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in North Dakota

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk prairie falcon ferruginous hawk gyrfalcon

Species list may change - verify current authorized species with North Dakota Game and Fish Department before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in North Dakota

Wild Take Permitted in North Dakota
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in North Dakota. 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 covering raptor biology, care, equipment, and North Dakota regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in North Dakota.
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 North Dakota

40
Estimated Practitioners
North Dakota has approximately 40 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 North Dakota Falconry Information

North Dakota's Missouri Coteau and drift prairies are excellent for prairie falcon and ferruginous hawk country. Gyrfalcons occasionally winter in the northern prairies during irruption years.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department (gf.nd.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.