DEC announces falconry, wildlife rehabilitator, and leashed tracking dog examinations

Registration deadline is April 10 for online exams on April 12

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced examinations for individuals 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 scheduled for April 12. DEC is offering the examinations online and at no cost to participants to increase access to the examinations.

The registration deadline is April 10. To register, visit the 2024 special licenses exams registration website. Applicants will receive email acknowledgement of registration; an additional one-time link to access the website on the date of the exams is sent to registrants at a later date. The link to the exam registration webpage can also be found on each of the individual license webpages at Division of Fish and Wildlife special licenses and permits.

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. To qualify for the apprentice falconry license, applicants must:

√ Score 80% or higher on the written exam;

√ Be at least 14 years of age;

√ Possess a valid New York state hunting license;

√ Maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and

√ Be a resident of New York state.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC falconry license webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40. Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC.

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. To qualify for the wildlife rehabilitator license, applicants must:

√ Score 80% or higher on the written exam;

√ Be at least 16 years of age;

√ Be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff; and

√ Be a resident of New York state.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC wildlife rehabilitator license webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitation license.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler

Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a leashed tracking dog handler license, applicants must:

√ Score 80% or higher on the written exam; and

√ Possess a valid New York state hunting license.

A leashed tracking dog study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC leashed tracking dog license webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s special licenses unit:

DEC Special Licenses Unit

625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752

Phone: 518-402-8985, fax: 518-402-8925

Email: [email protected].