Endangered Resources_Content Page_Falconry Permit

Wisconsin Falconry Permit

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Falconry is an ancient art that requires serious time and energy. It is defined as the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat using a trained bird of prey. Falconry permits authorize qualified individuals to practice falconry in Wisconsin under Chapter NR 18 Wis. Admin. Code.

Individuals interested in learning more about falconry should consider visiting the Wisconsin Falconry Association (WFA) website, shadowing a falconer in the field and reading the falconry regulations. More great resources include:

  1. "North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks" - Frank Lyman Beebe and Harold Melvin Webster
  2. "The Red-Tailed Hawk: A complete guide to training and hunting North America's most versatile game hawk" - Liam J. McGranaghan
  3. "California Hawking Club: Apprentice Study Guide" - Published by the California Hawking Club

Become An Apprentice

After you are thoroughly acquainted with the sport and understand the apprentice expectations, you are ready to take the necessary steps to become a Wisconsin falconer.

Application Process

The falconry apprenticeship process is intended to guide and support learning and developing the knowledge and necessary skills to become a successful falconer. The apprenticeship process takes two years, and becoming a Master falconer takes at least seven. Apprentices are encouraged to review and understand what is expected of them during this two-year process. Here are the steps to receive your permit:

  1. Take the exam. In-person exams are offered quarterly at various locations around the state. Each exam day has two 3-hour sessions at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Exams are 105 randomized multiple-choice questions. A passing grade is 80% or higher. Results will be emailed to you 1-2 weeks following the exam. To register, please email DNRFalconry@wisconsin.gov with your location, date and time. Note: Exams are hosted by the DNR's Operator Certification Program.
  2. Locate a sponsor. You can find a sponsor by visiting the WFA website or contacting the Falconry Coordinator to find falconers in your area.
  3. Facilities and equipment inspection. Contact your local conservation warden to schedule an inspection of your facilities and equipment.
  4. Application. Complete the state falconry permit application. After your application has been received and approved, you will receive your falconry permit and band within 30 days. 

To help provide you with better service, please read the application procedures information before contacting the permit coordinator with any remaining questions.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting Seasons

In addition to the seasons established by Chapter NR 10 Wis. Admin. Code, falconry permit holders may hunt upland game birds and animals Sept. 1 through March 31. Daily bag and possession limits, shooting hours and other small game rules established for hunting by Ch. NR 10 Wis. Admin. Code, Ch. NR 11 Wis. Admin. Code and Ch. 29 Wis. Stats. apply.

Wild Turkey: Those who wish to pursue wild turkey must do so during the open season as listed above and must possess a valid harvest authorization number through the DNR. All registration requirements would then apply once the bird is harvested.

Exceptions

Cottontail rabbit, fox squirrel and gray squirrel may be hunted year-round. Hunting of hen pheasants is allowed statewide by the method of falconry. Daily bag limit of one hen. 

Note: Falconers are not limited to properties specified under s. NR 10.01 (2)(c)2 – "Rooster and Hen Properties." Normal daily bag and possession limits established by s. NR 10.01 (2) apply, except that the daily bag limit for hen pheasants taken by falconry is one.

Let It Lay Rule

A falconry permit holder whose raptor accidentally kills any protected animal during the closed season or a protected animal during the open hunting season shall leave the dead animal where it lies. The raptor may feed upon the dead animal prior to leaving the kill site.

For a complete set of rules, please see Ch. NR 18 Wis. Admin. Code.

Season Dates And Application Deadlines

For all migratory bird season dates, please see the falconry tab on the DNR's Hunting webpage.

Current Falconers

Nonresident Raptor Trapping Permits

Permits are required for non-Wisconsin resident falconers to trap wild birds in Wisconsin for falconry. Permits are good from the time of issuance through January 31 of the following year.