Interested In Falconry? Take The New York State DEC Exam

Are you interested in Falconry? How about Wildlife Rehabilitation or maybe a New York State Licensed guide? Maybe you are looking for a Leashed Tracking Dog license. Here's what you need to know:

On January 3, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced dates of examinations for those looking for select New York State Special licenses. To provide enhanced access, These examinations will be conducted online and no cost to those who wish to take these examinations.

Examinations that are being offered by the NYS DEC include:

• New York State Licensed Guide (camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater, rock climbing, and ice climbing)
• Falconry License
• Wildlife Rehabilitator License
• Leashed Tracking Dog License

Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife Rehavbilitaor, and Leased Tracking Dog are April 11th and August 8th, 2025. Hours on both dates are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and registration needs to be received by April 9, 2025, and August 6, 2025.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these free examinations online. This process makes it easier for individuals to apply and take part in helping others safely and responsibly enjoy New York’s affordable outdoor recreation opportunities and undertake proper wildlife rehabilitation activities. - DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.

Read More: Binghamton Pond Fest Returns In January

Falconry License Information

The NYS DEC notes that Falconry has a rich history and tradition. A significant commitment of your time and effort is required. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk.

According to the NYS DEC, to qualify, the applicant 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, maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors, and be a resident of New York State.

For a Falconry study guide and examination manual, visit the DEC Falconry License webpage. The exam is free, and the cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator Information

The NYS DEC notes that a Wildlife Rehabilitator provides for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals to return rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants gaining experience serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is encouraged.

To qualify, the applicant needs to score 80 percent 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. The study guide and examination manual can be obtained from the DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator License webpage.

Become A Leased Tracking Dog Handler

This type of handler provides a service aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that may go unrecovered. To qualify, the applicants will need to score 80 percent or higher on the written exam and possess a valid New York State hunting license.

The study guide can be found on the DEC Leashed Tracking Dog License webpage. While this exam is also free as are the others, a five-year leashed tracking dog license is $50, and there is a $25 non-refundable fee for first-time applicants.

New York State Licensed Guide

This sounds like a great opportunity. A NYS Licensed Guide offers services for hire for many recreational activities including directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and ice climbing.

To be eligible to apply, the applicant needs to be at least 18 years of age but does not need to be a resident of New York State. For exam and registration instructions, visit the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.

Exams dates are between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. follows:

• February 7th - Registration needs to be received by February 5th
• May 9th - Registration needs to be received by May 7th
• June 6th - Registration needs to be received by June 4th
• July 11th - Registration needs to be received by July 9th
• September 12th - Registration needs to be received by September 10th

For complete information, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.