Becoming A Falconer in Connecticut

Before anyone considers becoming a falconer in Connecticut (or any other state for that matter), it's important to keep the following facts in mind:

 

• Time/Money: Falconry requires a sizable time committment. A hawk or falcon requires attention every day and should never be viewed as a pet. A falconry bird needs to be flown often and be provided with the proper diet and medical care. The costs of hunting licenses and permits, building a mews (housing for the bird), buying and/or making equipment adds up quickly.
   

• Paperwork/Regulations: Falconry entails a lot of paperwork (e.g., state permit, hunting license, capture permit, federal forms to be completed) and takes a great deal of preparation long before the falconer obtains a bird (e.g., written exam, facilities and equipment inspection). Falconry is the most heavily regulated field sport and many people are surprised to learn how much bureaucracy is involved.
   

• Hunting: Falconry is, first and foremost, a hunting sport. Raptors in the wild hunt for their food and do the same with a falconer. If hunting and seeing a wild raptor kill its food is distaseful to you, then falconry is not the right activity right for you. Anyone wanting to become a falconer must have reliable transportation and access to hunting areas (preferably private land). 

 

The Process

Research/Education
Before you do anything else, do some "homework" and educate yourself about the sport of falconry. There is an abundance of information to be found on the Internet, in the library, and from experienced falconers. Familiarize yourself with the Connecticut falconry regulations, federal falconry regulations, and Connecticut hunting laws. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Enviromental Protection (DEEP) website features a page that details the process for obtaining a Connecticut falconry permit. The North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is another excellent source of information. Click on the icons to the right for more information.

 

Make contact with an experienced falconer who can give you a realistic picture of what falconry entails. Many falconers are skeptical of persons who only have a passing interest, so be prepared to demonstrate your commitment to falconry by the work you have already done studying and reading. Take the initative and try to make arrangements go hunting with one or more experienced falconers during the season (September-February). Remember that it's up to you to make the effort and contact the falconers, not the other way around.

 

The Connecticut Falconers Association holds an annual summer picnic in late August. The summer picnics present good opportunities for prospective apprentices to meet and talk with falconers.

 

If you've never held a Connecticut hunting license, you will need to complete a Connecticut Education and Firearms Safety course before obtaining your hunting license. 

 

Sponsorship

New falconers, known as apprentices, are required to have a sponsor (either a General or Master class falconer) for at least the first two years. State regulations require that you be at least 14 years of age. NOTE: The Connecticut Falconer Association requires prospective apprentices to spend at least one season observing experienced falconers in the field with before they will be considered for sponsorship. You can't learn falconry by simply reading books. First-hand observation and participation is the best and only way to learn.
 

Examination

Before submitting an application to obtain a state permit, you need to take the falconry examination administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Examinations are offered on a request basis at the DEEP office on 79 Elm St. in Hartford. The exam consists of questions designed to test your knowledge of birds of prey, raptor biology, health care of the birds, laws, and more. You must pass the examination with a score of 80 percent or better. This is a requirement of current federal and state regulations. Additional information on the written exam is available by clicking on the
DEEP icon (above).

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Facilities and Equipment

Under the guidance of your sponsor, construct your facilities (mews) to house your bird so they meet or exceed the legal requirements. Have your facilities inspected by an official representative of the CT DEEP and pass the inspection. Have all of your equipment purchased or made and on hand prior to your inspection. It will also be inspected by the DEEP representative.

 

Applications and Permits

Submit your applications and application fees to the proper wildlife officials for approval and the issuance of permits. NOTE: You must have all necessary permits, licenses, etc. before acquiring a bird.