DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today 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. 

*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: [email protected]