Complete guide to Rhode Island falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Rhode Island has a very small falconry community due to its limited land area. Despite its size, the state provides access to productive coastal quarry and Atlantic Flyway migration. 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
$18
State license only — federal permit additional
General / Master
$18 / $18
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage raptors
State License Fees
Rhode Island 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
$18.00
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
$18.00
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
$18.00
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Rhode Island?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Rhode Island
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Rhode Island. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
peregrine
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Rhode Island
Wild Take Permitted in Rhode Island
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Rhode Island.
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, equipment, and Rhode Island regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island
15
Estimated Practitioners
Rhode Island has approximately 15 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 Rhode Island Falconry Information
Rhode Island's small size means most practitioners travel to neighboring states for trapping and hunting. Peregrines winter along the Narragansett Bay coast. Most RI falconers participate in the New England Falconers organization.