Start Here: Permits, Sponsors & Species Fit
Falconry in the U.S. is regulated jointly by federal rules and state wildlife agencies. Expect to pass a state exam, have your facilities/equipment inspected, and train under a qualified sponsor for ~2 years as an apprentice before upgrading. See federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.82 and your state’s regulations for specifics.
“Apprentice Readiness” Checklist
Track your prep. Nothing is saved on our servers—just a simple browser checklist.
Sponsor Basics & Distance Realities
- Who can sponsor? Typically a Master falconer or a General with ≥2 years at General (state rules vary).
- Distance: Many apprentices travel; prioritize reliability, hunting style fit, and availability over proximity. Ask your state club’s apprentice chair for best local matches.
- Capacity: Sponsors often limit active apprentices; states may also cap how many an individual can sponsor concurrently.
Quick Species-Fit Helper
U.S. Falconry Apprenticeships — 50-State Directory
Each state card links to: (1) the USFWS State Regulations/Contacts resource (covers all states), and (2) the NAFA State Clubs Directory. Where available, we also include a public state club or wildlife agency page for direct “Getting Started” info. This keeps links authoritative and avoids dead ends.
