Falconry is legal in Pennsylvania for residents who obtain a state‑issued raptor hunting permit, and the rules governing that activity will shift dramatically on January 1 2026 when the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) implements the “Modern Falconry Act.” The new legislation expands public‑land access, lowers the minimum age for apprenticeships, and streamlines the licensing process for non‑residents, fundamentally altering how the sport is practiced across the Commonwealth. (PGC, 2024)
Current Legal Framework
Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s most structured falconry programs. Applicants must complete a 15‑hour classroom course, pass a written exam, and serve a two‑year apprenticeship under a master falconer. Permits are limited to a specific number of raptors, and hunting is confined to designated public lands unless the landowner grants permission. Violations such as hunting without a permit or transporting raptors across state lines can result in fines up to $5,000 and revocation of licensing privileges. (Pennsylvania Code, Title 18, § 123)
What Changes in 2026
The 2026 Modern Falconry Act introduces three key reforms:
- Public‑Land Access – Apprentice and master falconers may now hunt on all state parks and forests without a separate landowner consent, provided they display a visible permit tag.
- Age Requirement – The minimum age for apprentice status drops from 16 to 14, with parental certification required.
- Non‑Resident Licensing – Out‑of‑state falconers can obtain a temporary Pennsylvania permit for up to 90 days, encouraging tourism and inter‑state collaboration.
These changes aim to boost participation, generate revenue for wildlife conservation, and align Pennsylvania with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act’s provisions for raptor protection. (PGC Legislative Report, 2024)
How to Obtain a Permit
- Complete the State‑Approved Course – Online or in‑person training accredited by the PGC.
- Pass the Written Examination – Administered at designated testing centers.
- Submit an Application – Include background check, proof of residence, and a non‑refundable $150 fee.
- Apprenticeship Record – Log at least 20 hours of supervised raptor handling before applying for a master license.
Processing typically takes 45 days; expedited service is unavailable due to statutory timelines. (Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2024)
Compliance and Enforcement
The PGC’s Wildlife Enforcement Division conducts quarterly inspections of licensed falconers and random spot checks in public areas. Penalties for non‑compliance include mandatory forfeiture of the raptor, a $2,500 fine, and potential criminal charges for wildlife trafficking. All violations are recorded in the state’s Conservation Offender Registry, which may affect future hunting privileges and firearm licensing. (Commonwealth Attorney General’s Office, 2023)
Can a non‑resident legally practice falconry in Pennsylvania before 2026?
No. Prior to the 2026 reforms, non‑residents could only hunt on private property with explicit owner permission; a Pennsylvania permit was not available to out‑of‑state falconers.
What species of raptors are permitted under Pennsylvania law?
The state allows individuals to possess and hunt red‑tailed hawks, Harris’s hawks, gyrfalcons, and several species of owls, provided they are listed on the PGC’s approved raptor inventory. Exotic species such as peregrine falcons require additional federal permits. (Pennsylvania Code, § 124)
Are there any restrictions on the type of game that can be harvested?
Falconers may hunt only by “directed flight” and must target game listed by the PGC, which includes deer, pheasant, rabbit, and specific waterfowl. Using a raptor to capture protected species such as bald eagles or migratory songbirds is expressly prohibited. (Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 2022)
How does the new age rule affect apprenticeship requirements?
While the minimum age drops to 14, the apprentice must still complete the full 15‑hour course, pass the exam, and be supervised by a master falconer for the same two‑year period before advancing. Parental consent replaces the previous adult‑guardian requirement. (PGC Modern Falconry Act, 2024)
What penalties apply for transporting a raptor across state lines without proper documentation?
Violators face a federal fine up to $10,000, seizure of the bird, and possible felony charges under the Lacey Act. Pennsylvania adds a state fine of $2,500 and may revoke the offender’s hunting privileges. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2023)