DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations

DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations

July 21 Registration Deadline for August 11 Exams

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 Friday, August 11, 2017, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

The exams are offered at most DEC regional offices across the state and start at 10 a.m. and end at noon. The list of Regional Offices can be found on DEC's website. Due to construction at DEC's Region 7 office in Cortland, that office will not host the exams. The Syracuse office in Region 7 will host the exams. The deadline for registering to take any of these exams is Friday, July 21. Exam Registration Forms can be found on DEC's website. There is no charge to take any of the written exams.

Apprentice Falconry License

Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world. Falconry is a demanding sport that requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Novice falconers must be prepared to accept the responsibilities that are part of the sport. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available at no cost on DEC's website. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

To qualify, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
• be at least 14 years of age;
• possess a valid New York State hunting license, which authorizes the hunting of small-game; and
• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals in order to return rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available at no cost on DEC's website.

To qualify, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
• be at least 16 years of age;
• submit two character references along with their application; and
• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff.

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 an invaluable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. A leashed tracking dog study guide is available at no cost on DEC's website. There is a $50 license fee for the five-year license, and a $25 non-refundable application fee.

To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam; and
• possess a valid New York State hunting license which authorizes the hunting of big-game.

To apply for these exams, visit the NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit website and complete an exam registration form. Mail, fax or email the completed form to: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752 Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925, Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.