How to Get Your License and Become a Falconer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JT4VnoVH8A&feature=youtu.be
Prologue
How do I become a falconer? That's a question that every falconer has asked. It’s the first step in the long and tedious process required to legally practice the art of falconry in the United States. The trail to obtaining your falconry license can be confusing and seem very daunting, but it doesn't have to; so we've compiled a brief outline of what you will have to accomplish in order to obtain that coveted license, but there are some things we’d like to address first.
Forewarning
Falconry is not for everyone. Maintaining a raptor’s health and fitness can be extremely demanding. Falconry requires time, patience, money, and the willingness to begin an education that never ends. Why are there are so few falconers? An attributing factor to this phenomenon is probably the fact that it is so hard. Only the most dedicated persevere, and if you are one of those dedicated people, then I am glad I can provide this brief introduction to the exhilarating sport we call falconry.
The process to becoming a falconer can seem very confusing, and it is, so we will do our best to break it down for you. The requirements vary from state to state, but we have compiled the most basic steps in order to simplify the process for the entry-level falconer.
Before you launch into the process, get to know the sport of falconry, read some books, I’d recommend Bill Oakes' book on training the passage red-tailed hawk. Watch some videos, and if you can, get in contact with a falconer and join them on a hunt. State club meets are great for this. Create some contacts; learn if the sport is right for you. Make sure you pass your state's preliminary age requirements, for most states it’s 12 or 14.
Process Outline
We will begin by providing the steps for getting licensed in chronological order. Remember, this varies, but overall it is an accurate outline. We will cover each point in detail after, match the numbers in the outline to their corresponding description.
1. Pass the state/federal exam
· Must pass with an 80
(This can be done after finding a sponsor, but we'd recommend doing this first)
2. Find a sponsor, submit the paperwork
· Probably the toughest step
· Required for apprentice license
3. Accumulate proper facilities and equipment
· State provides list of bear minimum requirements
· Sponsor will help with these things
4. Pass sponsor/state mews + equipment inspections
· Checklist that your sponsor and or state must approve of
· If state is required, you must set up an appointment
· Submit your paperwork with any required fees
5. Get your license, and become a Falconer!
· Trap your first bird (in season)
· Two years with apprentice license before you upgrade to “general” class
· 5 years as a general and you will upgrade to “master” class
The Process in Detail
Step 1, Passing the State/Federal Exam
Some places may require you to have a sponsor before you can take the exam, but most don’t. Many sponsors may want you to take the exam before they will sponsor you. In order to set up this exam, contact your state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources, they will get you in contact with the person who will set up and host your test. This exam varies in the number of questions, but most states require a grade of 80% in order to pass.
It is best to enter the testing period with a well-rounded knowledge of falconry and raptor care. A great way to study for this exam is to read the California Hawking Club’s Apprentice Study Guide book. Almost everything in the test is in this book. There are also several “mock” tests you can find and complete online that will help you prepare for the test. If you have studied your materials, the test isn't that hard. After passing this, you are ready to move on to step 2.
Step 2, Find a Sponsor, Submit the Paperwork
This is probably the toughest step in becoming a falconer. Being a good sponsor requires a good deal of effort and time that many falconers don’t have. Being a sponsor is also a responsibility that is not required, so sponsors will take you on only if they want to or can, and do so out of the goodness in their heart.
Some state clubs have a list of possible sponsors. You will have to call around and create contacts; your request for sponsorship can travel pretty quickly through the network of falconers in your area, so ask away! Again, attending meets and etc. is your best bet!
Once a sponsor agrees to take you on you will have to fill out a form that verifies them as your sponsor. This can be found at and will be submitted to your state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources, your sponsor will know where to source the correct document. Now you can move on to step 3.
Step 3, Accumulate Proper Facilities and Equipment
There are many things you will need in order to properly house and care for a falconry bird. Your state’s falconry club or wildlife commission will probably have a list of bare requirements, your sponsor will know what they are.
These requirements usually mean you will have to build a mews* and acquire the various equipment* you will need, like perches, gloves, leashes, etc. Your sponsor will help you with all this, and once you have everything you need, you can move on to step 4.
Step 4, Pass Sponsor/State Mews + Equipment Inspections
Once you have everything you need, you've got to get it inspected. Because it is crucial to have the correct preparations for your first bird, your mews and gear are usually inspected by both the state and your sponsor. This is not the same in every state but is the norm.
Your sponsor will inspect first, and will do so by using the checklist form provided by the state. Once this has been completed, and if you are required to, you must set up an appointment with your state wildlife department for a facilities and equipment inspection administered by the state. They will follow relatively the same checklist as your sponsor, so be prepared.
If you passed the inspection, you've got to fill out the rest of the paperwork and get it submitted. This usually requires the inspector’s signature, your sponsor’s, and your own. You may also be required to pay a fee in order to receive your license.
Step 5, Get your License and Become a Falconer!
State wildlife departments are usually very busy, so It may take a while for your application and paperwork to be processed. Once it is however, you will receive your apprentice-level license in the mail, and you can begin your career in falconry!
Work with your sponsor and trap your first bird in season. You will have to log your new bird's 3-186A form with the Federal electronic database or mail the a physical form to the appropriate address. This lets the state know you have one. After two years of flying your first bird(s) you will be eligible for the “general” class upgrade. This puts you on your own with no sponsor, more choices, and greater responsibilities. After spending 5 years as a general you will become a “master".
In Conclusion
Once again, this is not always how it works out. The time required for this process will vary for every falconer. The degree in which you will have to work with the state will also vary. Sponsors may have a unique set of requirements for you. But this is what you can expect in the most basic form.
Getting your license is hard, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. If you are determined to make it through and obtain your license, I wish you the best of luck. If you have decided this is not what you want to do, I’d like to invite you to continue watching Falconry Told videos to share on our falconry journey.
For More Information + Help
For further help or information, contact a representative from your state's falconry club, and/or contact your state's wildlife organization. Many will provide a handy "beginners" packet of information. Also feel free to contact Falconry Told via Facebook and stay tuned by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
http://www.facebook.com/falconrytold
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