Complete guide to Washington falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Washington includes falconry licensing within the standard hunting license package, making it one of the most cost-effective states for falconry. The state has diverse habitats and excellent quarry availability. Gyrfalcons are occasionally present in northern Washington.
State License Required
Wild Take Permitted
Facility Inspection Required
2026 Falconry License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Apprentice Fee
Free
Included with hunting license
General / Master
Free
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage and resident raptors
State License Fees
Washington 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
Free (included)
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
Free (included)
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
Free (included)
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Washington?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Washington
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Washington. 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Washington
Wild Take Permitted in Washington
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Washington.
Season: October – November for passage and resident raptors. Both a state wild take permit and federal authorization are required.
Getting Licensed
Exam & Inspection Requirements
Written Exam Requirements
Written exam required for new Apprentice falconers. Covers raptor biology, husbandry, equipment, and Washington-specific regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Washington.
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 Washington
150
Estimated Practitioners
Washington has approximately 150 licensed falconers, making it
a moderately active falconry state.
Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.
State-Specific Notes
Additional Washington Falconry Information
Washington's falconry endorsement is included with a standard hunting license at no additional cost — making it the most affordable state for licensed falconers. Eastern Washington's Columbia Plateau offers excellent upland bird hunting with falcons.