Complete guide to Vermont falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Vermont has a very small falconry community. The state's forested hills and Connecticut River valley provide habitat for accipiters and buteos. Both state and federal permits are required. Most practitioners are members of regional New England falconry clubs.
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
Vermont 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 Vermont?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Vermont
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Vermont. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
coopers hawk
peregrine
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Vermont
Wild Take Permitted in Vermont
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Vermont.
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 VTFW; covers raptor biology, equipment, regulations, and hunting ethics. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Vermont.
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 Vermont
20
Estimated Practitioners
Vermont has approximately 20 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 Vermont Falconry Information
Vermont's Champlain Valley and Green Mountain passes channel migrating raptors each fall. The New England Falconers association provides sponsorship connections for Vermont apprentices.