Regulations & Seasons

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Summary of 2009-2010 Falconry Seasons

A falconry license and a current small game hunting license are required for hunting with a raptor. In addition, a Western Washington Pheasant Permit is required to hunt pheasant in western Washington; and federal and state migratory bird stamps or authorizations are required to hunt migratory birds. If a raptor captures any species of wildlife (quarry) in a closed season, the falconer must release the quarry if it is not seriously injured.

If the quarry is seriously injured or killed, the quarry must be left at the site, but the raptor may feed on the kill. If the accidentally killed wildlife is a Washington State Candidate species (including jackrabbit), the falconer must immediately record on a WDFW form or facsimile: the falconer’s name, falconry permit number, date, species and sex (if known) of the quarry, and the location of the kill (as accurately as possible). Total accidental take of Candidate species cannot exceed 5/season; falconers must cease hunting for the day if a candidate species is taken. All reports of accidental take must be submitted to the WDFW falconry permit coordinator by April 1 each year. Released quarry are not considered “take.” Take of species protected under federal or state endangered or threatened species laws is not permitted.