Falconry License

Oklahoma Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Oklahoma falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Oklahoma provides diverse falconry habitat across its cross timbers, shortgrass prairies, and wooded eastern hills. Harris hawks are popular in the south, and the state has an affordable license structure. Wild raptor take is permitted under standard regulations.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$10

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$10 / $10

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage and resident raptors

State License Fees

Oklahoma 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	$10.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$10.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$10.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Oklahoma?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Oklahoma

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk harris hawk

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Oklahoma

Wild Take Permitted in Oklahoma

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Oklahoma. Season: October – November for passage and resident 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 care, equipment, Oklahoma regulations, and hunting techniques. Minimum 80% score required.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Oklahoma

Estimated Practitioners

Oklahoma has approximately 80 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 Oklahoma Falconry Information

Oklahoma's central location makes it a crossroads for migrating raptors in fall. The state's mixed grass prairies support excellent rabbit and quail populations for falconry hunting.

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

Oklahoma