Falconry License

Wisconsin Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Wisconsin falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Wisconsin has an active falconry community benefiting from its position on the Mississippi Flyway and boreal forest raptor migration routes. The state's diverse terrain supports accipiters, buteos, and large falcons. 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

$18

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$18 / $18

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Wisconsin 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	$18.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$18.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$18.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Wisconsin?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Wisconsin

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk coopers hawk peregrine gyrfalcon

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Wisconsin

Wild Take Permitted in Wisconsin

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Wisconsin. 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 WDNR; covers raptor biology, care, equipment, and Wisconsin regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Wisconsin

100

Estimated Practitioners

Wisconsin has approximately 100 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 Wisconsin Falconry Information

Wisconsin's Hawk Ridge area in Duluth (accessed via MN) and northern Wisconsin hawk watches attract gyrfalcons and other Arctic migrants. The Wisconsin Falconers Association is active.

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

Wisconsin