How do you go about owning a hawk in southern California?
surferchick105 asked:
I know you can own a hawk in southern california cause i knew this guy that had one and it was really cool cause he’d let it fly around and it would come back and land on his arm. I just want to know how you go about getting one?
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I know you can own a hawk in southern california cause i knew this guy that had one and it was really cool cause he’d let it fly around and it would come back and land on his arm. I just want to know how you go about getting one?
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3 Responses to “How do you go about owning a hawk in southern California?”
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December 24th, 2008 at 2:00 am
You need to pass a federal/state falconry test, get a falconry hunting license, be sponsored by a general or master falconer, and have the proper facilities and equipment (subject to inspection). Then you have to trap your bird. And renew your falconry license every year.
December 26th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Raptors are covered under federal law. To keep native raptors (meaning an that live in or migrate through the US) you have to have one of 3 permits: falconry, rehab or educational. Falconry requires you work under a general or master falconer for at least 2 years as an apprentice and you must hunt with the bird. Rehab is for treating injured birds and re-releasing them into the wild. Education is for those birds that cannot be released and they must be used in an approved education program. Even with these permits you don’t own the bird Fish and Wildlife does and they may seize it at any time if you are found in violation of your permit.
You can keep non-native raptors without the above permits but it may be restricted by state or local laws.
Based on what you are describing the person you saw had a falconry bird that he was flying. However falconry is not something you get into just because it looks cool it is a lot of work and has very specific requirements. Most falconers are hesitant to take on new people and have exacting requirements before they will take you own as an apprentice because many people decide they want to get into falconry because it looks cool and are ill prepared for the rigors of falconry often to the detriment of the bird.
December 29th, 2008 at 2:49 am
It is not legal to own a hawk as a pet anywhere in the US as they are all protected under the Migratory Bird Treay Act. I suspect the person you are talking about was a licensed falconer..these birds are not PETS! They are used for hunting purposes. It takes years to become a licensed falconer, you would start by doing an apprenticeship under an already established, licensed falconer for 2 years. Only then could you even think about purchasing your own bird. You must be tested to obtain your license and will be subject to inspections regularly to make sure you are maintaining your bird or birds properly. More info here on how to become a falconer: