JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into falconry

Falconry is one of the oldest hunting partnerships in the world, and one of the hardest hobbies to enter legally in the US. You need a state hunting license, a falconry permit, and a licensed master falconer to apprentice under. The gear is the easy part. Here's what you'll need once you've cleared the paperwork.

By Colin B. · Published June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed June 15, 2026
A large bird perched on top of a persons hand

Photo by Olga Kovalski on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. RAPICCA 16-Inch Animal Handling Falconry Gloves — The apprentice-standard 16-inch gauntlet. Thick enough for a Red-tailed Hawk, sized right for most new falconers.
  2. Falconry Stainless Steel Block Perch with Astroturf 6-Inch — A block perch is where your hawk lives when not flying. Get an Astroturf-covered one sized to your bird.
  3. My Weigh KD-7000 Digital Scale — Daily weight tracking is how you keep your bird safe. The KD-7000 has the 1g resolution falconers actually need.
Budget total
$500
Typical total
$1200
Falconry has a high gear floor. You need a functional setup before you can legally keep a bird. Most apprentices spend $500-$1,200 in their first year, not counting food ($30-60/month for a Red-tailed Hawk) or telemetry ($200-400, ordered from specialty suppliers like marshallradio.com).

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
GauntletRAPICCARAPICCA 16-Inch Animal Handling Falconry Gloves$$ See on Amazon →
PerchUnbrandedFalconry Stainless Steel Block Perch with Astroturf 6-Inch$$ See on Amazon →
HoodsUnbrandedDutch Falconry Hood Size 58 Hand Stitched$$ See on Amazon →
Jesses & HardwareUnbrandedFalconry Aylmeri Anklets Jesses and Leash Set$ See on Amazon →
Weighing ScaleMy WeighMy Weigh KD-7000 Digital Scale$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

You cannot legally keep a raptor in the US without a falconry permit. The federal minimum is two years as a licensed apprentice under a general or master falconer, plus a written exam and a facility inspection. Check your state's requirements. Apply before you buy any gear.

Find your apprenticeship sponsor before you find your bird. The North American Falconers Association has a mentor-matching program, and most experienced falconers are genuinely happy to help newcomers. A good sponsor will lend or help you source your first gear and tell you exactly what your state inspectors will check.

Apprentices in the US are limited to two species: an American Kestrel (small, fast, great learner) or a Red-tailed Hawk (larger, slower, more forgiving of beginner mistakes). Know which bird you're pursuing before you buy anything, because the gear list differs between the two.

The gear

What you actually need

brown bird perch in human's hand

Photo by David White on Unsplash

Gauntlet

The falconry glove (called a gauntlet) protects your hand and arm from talons and gives the bird a stable landing platform. It's worn on the non-dominant hand. Thickness matters: a kestrel's grip is manageable in a thin glove, but a Red-tailed Hawk's talons require double-layered leather. Length matters too: 12 inches covers the wrist for small raptors, while 16 inches protects the forearm for larger hawks. Don't buy cheap. A glove that lets talons through is a fast trip to urgent care.

Gauntlet — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

12-inch (Kestrel)

Wrist-length, lighter leather. Right for kestrels and small merlins.

Length
12 inches
Layers
Single or double
Best for
American Kestrel

Best for Apprentices starting with a kestrel

Tradeoff Too thin and short for Red-tailed Hawks or larger birds

16-inch (Hawk)

Forearm coverage, double-layer leather. The standard apprentice choice.

Length
16 inches
Layers
Double
Best for
Red-tailed Hawk

Best for Apprentices starting with a Red-tailed Hawk (most common in the US)

Tradeoff Heavier and warmer than shorter gloves; slight overkill for kestrels

Best starter
RAPICCA

16-Inch Animal Handling Falconry Gloves

$$

Our rating

Double-layered top-grain split cowhide with reinforced palm and fingers, 16-inch forearm coverage, and a price that leaves budget for the rest of your gear. RAPICCA's animal-handling gloves are the most practical falconry gauntlet option widely available to US apprentices. Your sponsor and state inspectors will recognize the style immediately.

What we like

  • Double-layer leather stops Red-tailed Hawk talons reliably
  • 16-inch forearm coverage meets apprentice facility inspection standards
  • Reinforced fingertips and palm where grip pressure concentrates

What to know

  • Runs large; size down from your normal glove size
  • Stiff out of the box; flex and work the leather for a week before use
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Unbranded

Falconry Suede Leather Glove 12-Inch

$

Our rating

If you're starting with an American Kestrel and want to keep costs down, a shorter 12-inch suede glove in the $20-30 range does the job. Kestrel talons won't punch through most leather. Save what you save here for the telemetry system, which costs ten times as much and matters ten times as much.

What we like

  • Works fine for kestrels whose talons need minimal leather
  • Affordable entry while you decide which species to pursue

What to know

  • Not adequate for Red-tailed Hawks or larger raptors
  • Short cuff leaves forearm exposed if the bird bates and thrashes
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
KBar7

Falconry Elbow Length Animal Handling Gloves

$$$

Our rating

Once you're working with larger birds like Harris's Hawks beyond the apprentice stage, an elbow-length glove with Kevlar lining is what you need. KBar7's extended gauntlet offers full forearm coverage and significantly more grip protection than a standard 16-inch glove. Overkill for apprentice-level Red-tails, but the right tool for larger raptors.

What we like

  • Kevlar lining adds grip protection beyond standard leather alone
  • Elbow-length coverage handles larger raptors' reach and grip

What to know

  • Heavy and warm; not comfortable for long summer training sessions
  • Unnecessary length for apprentice-level birds like Red-tailed Hawks
See on Amazon →
A brown owl perched on a gloved hand.

Photo by Yazid N on Unsplash

Perch

Your bird lives on its perch between training sessions. The right perch depends on species: Red-tailed Hawks need a larger block perch; kestrels need a smaller one (some prefer a bow perch, which is best sourced through a specialty falconry supplier). A poorly made perch can injure feet (bumblefoot, a serious bacterial infection, often starts here). Whatever you use needs to be covered in a soft, grippy material like Astroturf or carpet. State inspectors check perch quality during the facility inspection.

Best starter
Unbranded

Falconry Stainless Steel Block Perch with Astroturf 6-Inch

$$

Our rating

The block perch is the standard housing perch for Red-tailed Hawks in the US: stable, easy to clean, and what inspectors expect to see for buteos. This stainless steel version with a 6-inch Astroturf top is the right size for a Red-tailed Hawk and won't rust outdoors. Your sponsor may have one to loan you for the facility inspection; buy one once you've confirmed the fit.

What we like

  • Stainless construction holds up to outdoor weather without rusting
  • Astroturf top is gentle on hawk feet and reduces bumblefoot risk
  • Standard block style US inspectors expect for buteos like Red-tails

What to know

  • Astroturf pad gets dirty fast; plan to replace the covering regularly
  • Spike base needs firm ground; won't stay upright in loose sand
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Unbranded

Small Falconry Block Perch 5.5-Inch for Kestrels

$$

Our rating

Kestrels need a smaller perch than Red-tailed Hawks. This 5.5-inch marble-and-Astroturf block perch is sized correctly for a kestrel or merlin and provides the stable, padded surface small falcons need. If your sponsor recommends a bow perch instead, specialty falconry suppliers like Mike's Falconry Supplies carry them.

What we like

  • Scaled correctly for kestrel and merlin foot size
  • Marble base adds stability; won't tip when a small bird bates

What to know

  • Too small for Red-tailed Hawks or larger buteos
  • Some kestrels prefer a bow perch; confirm with your sponsor
See on Amazon →

Hoods

A hood covers the bird's eyes to keep it calm during transport, before a hunt, and in distracting environments. A hooded falcon is a relaxed falcon. The fit has to be right: too tight and the bird can't blink; too loose and it slips off. Most falconers own two or three hoods in slightly different sizes. Dutch hoods (the tapered, ridged style) are the most common in North America and the easiest to fit on a new bird. Buy two of any hood. You will lose one.

Best starter
Unbranded

Dutch Falconry Hood Size 58 Hand Stitched

$$

Our rating

The Ron Rollins Millennium-style Dutch hood is widely regarded in the falconry community as the most reliable handmade hood available on Amazon. Two-tone cowhide leather, hand-stitched traditional construction, and a topknot for easy removal. Size 58 fits most Red-tailed Hawks. Buy two: you'll lose one eventually.

What we like

  • Hand-stitched Dutch style fits the widest variety of raptor head shapes
  • Traditional Turk's topknot design for easy one-handed removal
  • Well-regarded Ron Rollins Millennium style in the falconry community

What to know

  • Sizing not standardized across makers; may need to try two sizes
  • New hoods need breaking in before braces open and close smoothly
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Unbranded

Khan Style Falconry Hood with Bells

$$

Our rating

If you're having trouble fitting a Dutch hood on your bird, the Khan-style open-back design offers a slightly different fit that works better for some head shapes. It also comes with traditional falconry bells attached, which give you a basic auditory tracking backup when the bird is nearby.

What we like

  • Open-back design offers a different fit than Dutch hoods
  • Includes traditional bells for auditory location when bird is close

What to know

  • Khan style less common in North America; fewer community fitting guides
  • Bells add a small amount of weight; remove for serious training sessions
See on Amazon →
white and black bird in close up photography

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

Jesses & Hardware

Jesses are the leather straps attached to the bird's anklets (leg cuffs) that you hold or clip to your glove. The Aylmeri system (separate anklet plus removable field jess) is the modern standard: you can swap to shorter field jesses before a free flight and back to longer mews jesses for perching. You also need a swivel (so the bird can spin without tangling) and a leash. All of this should be leather or Dacron. Nothing synthetic that can cut into leg tissue.

Best starter
Unbranded

Falconry Aylmeri Anklets Jesses and Leash Set

$

Our rating

The Aylmeri system is the community standard for good reason: the anklet stays on the bird permanently, while the jesses clip in and out. This set (medium size, appropriate for male Harris Hawk or most smaller raptors; buy large for Red-tailed Hawk) includes anklets, mews jesses, flying jesses, and a leash. Your sponsor should help you fit them the first time.

What we like

  • Aylmeri system is the North American standard every falconer knows
  • Complete kit includes anklets, mews jesses, field jesses, and leash

What to know

  • Leather needs conditioning every few months or it cracks and stiffens
  • Sizing is species-specific; wrong size can injure ankles over time
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Unbranded

Falconry Barrel Swivel 10mm Pack of 5

$

Our rating

The swivel connects your jesses to the leash and lets the bird spin freely without tangling. A swivel that seizes up is a real safety risk. This 10mm barrel swivel pack is specifically listed for falconry use and is the right diameter for standard jess widths. Five per pack gives you spares for the season.

What we like

  • Sized correctly for standard jess width so the ring won't slip or bind
  • Pack of 5 keeps you stocked through a full season with spares

What to know

  • Remove before every free flight; swivels are for tethered situations only
  • Barrel-style swivels can accumulate debris; inspect and clean regularly
See on Amazon →

Weighing Scale

A scale is how you keep your bird healthy and motivated. Falconers fly their birds at a precise flying weight that keeps them keen to return for food. A bird above flying weight won't come back; a bird too far below is medically at risk. You need 1-gram resolution minimum, a tare function for a perch bowl, and enough capacity for your bird plus the bowl. For radio telemetry (required before your first free flight), order from a specialty supplier: Marshall Radio (marshallradio.com) is the North American industry standard. Budget $200-400 for a transmitter and receiver pair.

Best starter
My Weigh

KD-7000 Digital Scale

$

Our rating

You need a scale accurate to 1 gram, with a tare function for a perch or bowl. The KD-7000 hits the accuracy falconers need without costing more than the bird's first month of food. It's what the community typically recommends for tracking a Red-tailed Hawk's 800-1100g flying weight, and the 7kg capacity handles the perch tared out.

What we like

  • 1-gram resolution captures the small daily swings falconers track
  • 7,000g capacity fits a Red-tailed Hawk with the perch tared out
  • Consistent readings; no battery-drain drift at low power

What to know

  • No backlight; hard to read in a dim mews at dawn
  • Requires a separate perch or bowl to weigh a live bird
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Escali

Primo P115C Digital Food Scale

$

Our rating

If you're starting with a kestrel (80-165g), the KD-7000's 7kg capacity is overkill. The Escali Primo weighs up to 11 pounds with 1g resolution and is a community staple in many precision hobbies. Half the price of the KD-7000 and plenty accurate for kestrel weight management.

What we like

  • 1-gram resolution works for kestrel-level precision at lower cost
  • Trusted kitchen scale brand with consistent accuracy across readings

What to know

  • 5kg max capacity; won't tare the perch out for a Red-tailed Hawk
  • Bowl or platform sold separately; not included
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first season of falconry

Falconry is the one hobby where the legal process is harder than learning the skill. Here's what your first season actually looks like, from passing your state exam to your first free flight.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • GPS tracking collar — Radio telemetry is sufficient for apprentice distances. GPS units are heavier and overkill until you're hunting at long range with large falcons.
  • Lure swing — You'll use a lure eventually, but your sponsor will have you working a creance (training line) long before you need a free-flight lure.
  • Hawking bag — A basic backpack works fine for your first season. The traditional falconry bag is a nice upgrade after a year of hunting when you know what you actually carry.
  • Weathering yard — Outdoor sunning is great for bird health but requires a separate secure outdoor perch setup. Not a day-one build.
  • Second bird — Apprentice licenses allow a maximum of two birds. Learn one bird completely before considering a second.
  • Breeding equipment — Apprentices are years away from captive breeding. Don't buy any of it yet.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Download your state's falconry regulations PDF and read the apprentice section completely. Facility requirements (mews dimensions, perch type, tether length) vary by state. · Learn
  2. Find a licensed sponsor. You cannot legally trap a bird until a licensed general or master falconer agrees to mentor you and signs your application. · Action
  3. Study for and pass the written falconry exam. Most states require 80% or above. The Modern Apprentice's practice tests are the community's standard study tool. · Learn
  4. Build or buy your perch and mews setup, then schedule your facility inspection. Inspectors check everything before you're licensed to keep a bird. · Action
  5. Order your gauntlet so it arrives before you're ready to trap. Break it in by flexing it daily. · Buy
  6. Attend a falconry meet or field day. NAFA and most state clubs host them. Watching experienced falconers work is the fastest way to understand what the gear actually does. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to get into falconry?

Budget $500-$1,200 for equipment before your first bird. That covers a glove ($40-80), perch ($40-100), hood ($40-80), jesses and hardware ($30-60), scale ($40-80), and telemetry ($200-400, from specialty suppliers like marshallradio.com). The bird itself is usually free: you trap a wild passage hawk during the fall season. Ongoing costs are primarily food ($30-60/month for a Red-tailed Hawk).

Do I need a permit to practice falconry?

Yes. In the US you need a state falconry permit plus a federal migratory bird permit. As an apprentice, you also need a licensed general or master falconer to sponsor you. The process typically takes 3-6 months: study, pass the written exam, pass the facility inspection, then apply. Your state's fish and wildlife department is the starting point.

What bird should I start with as an apprentice?

US apprentices are limited to two species: the American Kestrel (small, fast, great learner but delicate) or the Red-tailed Hawk (larger, slower, more forgiving of beginner mistakes). Most US apprentices start with a Red-tailed Hawk for that reason. Your sponsor's preference and your local geography should guide the final choice.

How long before I can fly my bird for the first time?

From trapping a wild passage hawk to a first free flight typically takes 3-6 weeks of daily manning (taming to the glove) and weight management. You'll know the bird is ready when it flies reliably to your glove for food on the creance. Some birds click in two weeks; some take two months.

Can I keep a hawk as a pet without doing the hunting part?

No, legally or ethically. Falconry permits require you to actively fly the bird for hunting or exercise. A bird kept only for display is a wildlife violation. If you want a raptor as a display animal, contact a licensed wildlife educator instead.

Is falconry legal in all US states?

Yes, falconry is legal in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, but regulations vary significantly. Trap seasons, permitted species, and facility specs all differ by state. Some states have annual licensing fees; some have waiting lists for apprentice applications. Start with your state's fish and wildlife website.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • North American Falconers Association (NAFA) — The primary professional organization for falconers in North America. Has mentor-matching, a state regulation index, and field meets calendar.
  • The Modern Apprentice — The most comprehensive online resource for US apprentice falconers. State-by-state regulations, exam study guides, equipment tutorials. Start here.
  • USFWS Falconry Program — Federal regulations and permit applications. State permits are issued under the umbrella of federal migratory bird law.
  • Marshall Radio Telemetry — The industry standard for North American falconry telemetry. A transmitter/receiver pair ($200-400) is required before your first free flight. Not on Amazon; order direct from their site.
  • International Association for Falconry (IAF) — Global governing body. UNESCO recognized falconry as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Useful if you plan to take your bird abroad.
  • r/falconry — Active community. Good for equipment sourcing questions and sponsor-finding posts. Experienced practitioners are patient with genuine beginners.

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