Falconry License

Texas Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Texas falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Texas has the largest falconry community in the United States, with excellent year-round hunting opportunities. The mild climate supports diverse quarry species. Harris hawks are uniquely suited to Texas brush country and are a favorite among Texas falconers.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required Propagation Permits Available

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

September – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Texas 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 Texas?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Texas

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk harris hawk prairie falcon aplomado falcon

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Texas

Wild Take Permitted in Texas

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Texas. Season: September – November for passage raptors. Both a state wild take permit and federal authorization are required.

Propagation Permits Available

Master falconers in Texas may apply for a propagation permit to breed raptors in captivity. Propagation permit fee: $50.00.

Getting Licensed

Exam & Inspection Requirements

Written Exam Requirements

Written exam required for Apprentice level with minimum 80% passing score. Covers raptor care, equipment, regulations, and field techniques.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Texas

500

Estimated Practitioners

Texas has approximately 500 licensed falconers, making it one of the most active falconry states in the nation. Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.

State-Specific Notes

Additional Texas Falconry Information

Texas has one of the most active falconry communities in North America. The aplomado falcon reintroduction program in south Texas is notable. Propagation permits allow Master falconers to breed raptors.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Texas