In California, it is legal to own certain species of hawks with the proper permits and licenses. However, there are restrictions on which species can be owned and requirements for housing, care, and handling of raptors in California.
Overview of Hawk Ownership Laws in California
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates the possession of raptors, including hawks, through the Falconry Program. This program issues falconry licenses that allow for the capture, possession, and use of raptors for the purpose of falconry. However, the license does not allow for the ownership of raptors as pets. All raptors possessed under a falconry license are still considered wild birds and protected under state and federal laws.
Only species classified as “raptors” are allowed to be owned with a falconry license in California. This includes birds in the orders Falconiformes (such as falcons, kestrels and merlins) and Strigiformes (owls). Other species such as hawks, eagles, vultures, kites, harriers, and ospreys are also included.
However, there are restrictions on which specific species can be possessed. Native California raptors are not allowed to be captured from the wild. Non-native species like the Harris’s hawk are allowed to be possessed if they have been legally acquired from a breeder or transferred from another falconer. Endangered or threatened raptor species cannot be owned at all.
Obtaining a Falconry License in California
To legally own a hawk in California, you must obtain a falconry license by completing the following steps:
- Study and pass a written test demonstrating knowledge of falconry, natural history of raptors, and care/handling/training techniques.
- Find a licensed falconer willing to be your sponsor and serve as a mentor.
- Build proper falconry facilities meeting specific standards for housing raptors.
- Submit application materials and pass inspection by Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
- Maintain valid hunting license, pay fee, and comply with regulations.
This whole licensing process usually takes about 2 years to complete. Permits are first issued at the Apprentice level, limiting the number and species of birds that can be possessed. With experience, General and Master Falconer levels allow for more raptors.
Purchasing a Hawk
Once licensed, a falconer is allowed to purchase a legally allowed raptor from a breeder that raises captive-bred birds. Popular species include Harris’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and several smaller hawk species like kestrels. Prices range from $200-$2000+ depending on the breed, age, and training.
It is illegal for any unlicensed person to purchase, possess, or sell any North American raptor species. Only licensed falconers can legally buy hawks from authorized breeders or transfer birds between other licensed falconers.
Housing Hawks
In California, falconers must keep raptors in proper facilities that provide a good environment. Minimum standards include:
- Indoor enclosures (called mews) with perches, bath container, and safe surfaces
- Outdoor weathering area for natural light and fresh air
- Adequate space for species size and number of birds
- Protection from predators, extreme weather, disturbances
- Proper ventilation, lighting, temperature control
Enclosures must be inspected and meet specifications before a falconry license is issued. Hawks cannot be kept inside a human residence and must be kept in separate raptor housing.
Care and Handling of Hawks
Falconers are responsible for all aspects of care for their raptors. Proper daily care of a hawk includes:
- Providing fresh water and appropriate food (live prey or prepared diets)
- Keeping enclosures clean and well-maintained
- Bathing and normal grooming/treatment of feathers
- Monitoring health and weight status
- Socializing and exercising flyer raptors
- Providing proper perches, baths, weathering area
- Minimizing stress and danger from people/other birds
In addition, falconers must follow safety practices when handling raptors to protect both the bird and handler. These include using thick gloves, proper hold techniques, hoods, jesses, leashes, and other equipment. Over-handling should be avoided.
Training and Using Hawks for Falconry
Under a falconry license, hawks can be gently trained and conditioned for pursuing and capturing wild game. Training involves:
- Acclimating the hawk to equipment like hoods, jesses, leashes, gloves
- Building trust between the falconer and raptor
- Developing physical condition and flying skills
- Teaching the hawk to respond to cues and return when called
- Practicing with live prey like quail or rabbits in controlled scenarios
Falconers can then use their trained hawk to legally hunt small game during authorized seasons. The practice provides exercise and enrichment for the raptor. All kill must be reported and consumed.
Restrictions on Trading or Transferring Hawks
Falconers cannot buy, sell, or trade wild-caught North American raptor species. Birds can only be obtained from authorized breeders or acquired from/transferred to other licensed falconers after notifying officials.
Any breeding of raptors requires separate permits. Producing hybrids or breeding federally threatened/endangered birds is illegal without explicit authorization.
If a falconer no longer wishes to keep a hawk or is no longer able to properly care for it, they may transfer the bird to another licensed falconer. Unrecoverable birds must be reported. Under no circumstances can raptors held under a falconry permit be released into the wild by an unlicensed person.
Other Restrictions and Considerations
In addition to the regulations summarized above, the following restrictions apply to falconers and possession of raptors in California:
- Cannot capture wild native California raptors (only non-native species allowed)
- Number and type of raptors limited by experience level of license class
- Use of raptors limited to legal hunting seasons and regulations
- Mandatory reporting of acquisition, transfer, loss, release or death of birds
- Inspections by officials must be permitted at reasonable hours
- Must have raptors in possession when not actively flying them
- Raptors must be housed and cared for in California (no out of state)
Becoming a licensed falconer and owning a hawk is also a major commitment of time, effort, and resources. The raptor housing must be constructed to standards and continuously maintained. The birds require daily care and attention. Falconry training requires dedicated work and practice. Apprentices must have regular contact with their falconer sponsor.
Conclusion
In summary, it is legal to own certain hawks and use them for falconry in California with the proper licensing, facilities, and permits. However, the regulatory requirements are extensive and there are many restrictions. Raptors kept under a falconry license remain wild birds and the state retains oversight over their welfare and use. Owning a hawk as just a pet is prohibited. The application process to become a falconer is long and intensive, requiring dedication to learning proper raptor handling and care. For those willing to make the commitment, owning a hawk can be a rewarding experience and allow for the traditional sport of falconry.
