What is required to legally practice falconry?

• A. Falconry permit
• B. Hunting license
• C. Bird ownership certificate
• D. Reptile permit

Answer: (A)

To legally practice falconry, you must have a falconry permit. This permit, issued by the state wildlife agency (in Tennessee, the TWRA), confirms you are authorized to possess, train, and hunt with birds of prey. Obtaining it typically involves meeting experience requirements, undergoing instruction or apprenticeship with a master falconer, and agreeing to annual renewals and inspections, all to ensure proper care and humane treatment of the birds. It also aligns with federal rules under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which requires appropriate federal permits to handle migratory birds.

A hunting license alone does not authorize falconry since falconry is a separate practice with its own regulatory framework. A bird ownership certificate isn’t the mechanism used for falconry regulation, and a reptile permit has no relevance to raptors.