Falconry Permit Application Procedures

Falconry requires a great deal of knowledge about raptor biology, care and hunting skills. It is not a sport for your part-time entertainment! Dedication is also necessary. You must be prepared to commit a minimum of 2 hours per day year-round to your bird(s) before attempting to become licensed.

Still interested? Then the next step is to read up on the sport. You can find information and a list of resources for further reading at the Wisconsin Falconers Association [exit DNR] and the North American Falconers Association [exit DNR]. You are also encouraged to talk and spend time with an experienced falconer.

After you are thoroughly acquainted with the sport and are familiar with Wisconsin’s Falconry regulations (Chapter NR 18 [PDF exit DNR]), you are ready to apply for the required permit. The steps are as follows:

1. Locate a sponsor – First time applicants are called “apprentice class falconers”. More experienced falconers are either general (2 to 7 years of experience) or master class falconers (over 7 years of experience). Apprentice class falconers must have a general or master class falconer as a sponsor at the time of application. A letter from your sponsor indicating that they will sponsor you must be included with your application.
   
2. Examination – Schedule an examination date through your local wildlife manager or conservation warden. To find out who your local warden or wildlife biologist is, contact your local DNR Service Center. The exam consists of 105 multiple choices questions. You must score 80% or better on the written exam before proceeding to the next step.
   
3. Facilities and Equipment – Standards for equipment are established by NR 18.07 [PDF exit DNR]. You should prepare to meet those standards before submitting your application. Contact your local conservation warden or wildlife manager to schedule an inspection of your facilities and equipment. A copy of this inspection should be included when you send in your application.
   
4. Application – Request a copy of the state and federal application by contacting Stacy Rowe at 608-266-7012. Complete both the state and federal falconry permit application along with a check for $100 made out to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and a $75 check made payable to the Wisconsin DNR. Submit both applications and checks to Stacy Rowe at the DNR Central Office in Madison.
   
5. Permit issuance – AAfter your application has been received and approved, you will receive the permit within 30 days. Note: the permit approved by the state is forwarded to Minnesota for a joint approval by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
   
6. Raptor Possession – After your permit is received, you may obtain a raptor by trapping or gift as described in NR 18.10 and 18.12 [PDF exit DNR]

Please note: If you plan to practice falconry using a listed species, you will also need to apply for and obtain an Endangered and Threatened Species Permit.