Complete guide to Oregon falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Oregon provides excellent falconry habitat in its diverse ecosystems from coastal rainforests to high desert. The Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon grasslands support good quarry populations. Wild take is permitted under standard federal and state protocols.
State License Required
Wild Take Permitted
Facility Inspection Required
2026 Falconry License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Apprentice Fee
$25
State license only — federal permit additional
General / Master
$25 / $25
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage birds
State License Fees
Oregon 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
$25.00
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
$25.00
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
$25.00
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Oregon?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Oregon
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Oregon. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
prairie falcon
peregrine
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Oregon
Wild Take Permitted in Oregon
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Oregon.
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 administered by ODFW. Covers raptor identification, care, equipment, and state regulations. 80% minimum score required.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Oregon.
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 Oregon
200
Estimated Practitioners
Oregon has approximately 200 licensed falconers, making it
a moderately active falconry state.
Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.
State-Specific Notes
Additional Oregon Falconry Information
Oregon's varied terrain from Pacific coast to Great Basin desert provides diverse falconry experiences. The state has an active falconry club (Oregon Falconers Association) that assists new apprentices.