Falconry License

South Carolina Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to South Carolina falconry licensing - Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. South Carolina has a small falconry community. The state's coastal plain, sandhills, and Piedmont provide diverse hunting habitat. Harris hawks are practical in the warm climate. 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

$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

South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in South Carolina

The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in South Carolina

Wild Take Permitted in South Carolina

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in South Carolina. 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. Administered by SCDNR; covers raptor biology, care, equipment, and South Carolina regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 South Carolina

Estimated Practitioners

South Carolina 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 South Carolina Falconry Information

South Carolina's Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach areas see peregrine migration along the coast each fall. The ACE Basin and coastal marshes provide unique quarry diversity.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

South Carolina