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DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife
Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses
Published: March 10, 2026 at
09:00 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife
Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the
upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for
falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To
provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations
online.
“As part of our
ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer
these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy
Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This
process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements,
apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and
responsibly.”
The 2 hour exam can be
completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.
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2026 Falconry,
Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examination
Schedule
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Exam Date:
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Exam Times:
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Registration
Must Be Received by:
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March 20, 2026
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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March 19, 2026
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June 5,
2026*
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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June 4, 2026
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August 7,
2026*
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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August 6, 2026
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October 9,
2026*
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7:00 a.m.–11:00
p.m.
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October 8, 2026
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*Please note: Registration for the
June, August, and October exams will open the
week following
the previous exam date.
To register,
visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams
Registration website.
Individuals can
apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an
email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the
specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the
exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license,
including an application form. Please do not send the application or
license fee prior to passing the exam.
Apprentice
Falconry License
Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a
license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and
tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of
time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an
American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice
Falconry License, applicants must:
- score 80% 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.
A falconry study
guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year
falconry license is $40.
Wildlife
Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned
wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the
wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving
as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the
Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:
- score 80% 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.
A wildlife
rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at
no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is
no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.
Leashed Tracking
Dog Handler License
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead,
wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a
valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that
otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler
License, applicants must:
- score 80% or higher on the written exam,
and
- possess a valid New York State hunting
license.
A leashed
tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on
the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the
exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25
license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license
is $50.
For questions or
assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov
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