DEC Announces Falconry, and Wildlife Rehabilitator Examinations

Examinations for New Yorkers seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are being held this summer.

The exams are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, 2019.

Apprentice Falconry License

Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. A falconry study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry license, applicants must:

score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
be at least 14 years of age;
possess a valid New York State hunting license; and
maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License

Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC. There is no cost for the license, which is good for five years.

To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
be at least 16 years of age; and
be interviewed by DEC Regional wildlife staff.

To apply for any of these exams, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit website and fill out an exam registration form. You can mail: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; or call (518) 402-8985

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