Falconry permits
How to apply for your permit
All falconers are required to obtain a joint state DNR and federal U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service permit to practice falconry in Minnesota. There is a permit fee of $100 payable to the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Before applying for your permit, it is strongly recommended to study recommended reading materials and attend educational seminars presented by Minnesota Falconers Association (MFA) and The Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota or connect with a falconer.
To obtain the joint DNR and U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service falconry permit you must:
- Contact the DNR Regional Nongame Wildlife Specialist in your area for the Minnesota Falconry Packet and information on location and time of the written examination.
- Study recommended reading materials.
- Take and pass the written examination.
- Have a General or Master permittee as a sponsor.
- Construct a facility and pass the Facility and Equipment Inspection.
- Return the completed permit application form
along with your permit fee of $100 payable to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to your Regional Nongame Wildlife Specialist.
Sponsorship program
Apprentice class permit holders are required to have a General or Master class permittee as a sponsor. The mentoring between the sponsor and the apprentice is considered to be essential to enhance the knowledge and insure proper development of the apprentice's falconry skills.
About the written exam
Examination questions emphasize the practical aspects and obligations of being a falconer. Knowledge of scientific names and obscure publications is not required. The examination determines your knowledge of raptor identification, natural history, care in captivity, falconry techniques, and laws and regulations.
The examination has 100 multiple choice questions, and requires at least 80 correct answers to pass.
The questions are divided into three categories:
- raptor identification and biology 25%
- maintenance of raptors in captivity 50%
- falconry practices and regulations 25%
An applicant who fails the examination must wait at least two weeks before retaking the exam.
Facility and equipment inspection
Before a falconry permit is issued, the raptor housing facilities and falconry equipment must be inspected and approved by a conservation officer or an agent of the commissioner. Also, an inspection may be conducted prior to a permit renewal.
To schedule an exam or a facility inspection or for falconry related questions, contact the regional Nongame Wildlife Specialist:
Region 1 Bemidji: Katie Haws 218-308-2641 katie.haws@state.mn.us
Region 2 Grand Rapids: Maya Hamady 218-327-4518 maya.hamady@state.mn.us
Region 3 St. Paul (Central): Heidi Cyr, Statewide Coordinator 651-259-5107 heidi.cyr@state.mn.us
Region 4 New Ulm: Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer 651-359-6033 lisa.gelvin-innvaer@state.mn.us
For all general inquiries about falconry contact Heidi Cyr at 651-259-5107 heidi.cyr@state.mn.us