Complete guide to South Dakota falconry licensing - Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
South Dakota offers exceptional falconry on its pheasant-rich prairies and pothole wetlands. The state's open terrain supports spectacular long-flights with large falcons. Prairie falcons and peregrines are common migrants. 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
South 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 South Dakota?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in South Dakota
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in South Dakota. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
prairie falcon
peregrine
gyrfalcon
Species list may change - verify current authorized species with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in South Dakota
Wild Take Permitted in South Dakota
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in South 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 South Dakota regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in South 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 South Dakota
55
Estimated Practitioners
South Dakota has approximately 55 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 Dakota Falconry Information
South Dakota's pheasant populations make it a prime destination for falconers flying large falcons on pheasants. The Missouri River corridor attracts prairie falcons and peregrines during fall migration.