Can You Legally Own a Hawk in California? Laws, Permits, and Falconry

Meta description: Learn whether hawk ownership is legal in California, which permits may apply, and how falconry, wildlife protections, and rescue rules affect keeping a hawk.

In most cases, a person cannot keep a hawk in California as an ordinary pet. Hawks are birds of prey protected by state and federal wildlife laws, and possessing one without the required authorization can lead to serious penalties. A limited legal path exists through regulated falconry, while wildlife rehabilitators and certain educational institutions may qualify for separate permits. The rules depend on the bird’s species, origin, intended use, and permits. Understanding those distinctions is essential before attempting to acquire or handle a hawk.

Can You Own a Hawk as a Pet in California?

Generally, no. California does not allow someone to take a wild hawk home or keep one as a companion animal. A hawk found in a yard, injured on a roadside, or raised from a nest remains protected wildlife. Feeding or handling it does not make it legal to keep.

Hawks are raptors—birds of prey—and many species found in California are protected under state and federal law. “Ownership” can include more than claiming a bird as property: capturing, possessing, transporting, buying, selling, or keeping a protected bird or its parts may require specific authorization. A legal permit is tied to an approved activity, such as falconry or rehabilitation; it is not a general permission to own a hawk as a pet.

There can be complicated cases involving captive-bred or nonnative birds. Their legal status may depend on species-specific rules, federal protections, import requirements, and California regulations. A seller’s claim that a bird is “legal” or “captive-bred” is not proof that a buyer may possess it. The relevant state and federal agencies should confirm the requirements before any transfer.

Why California Protects Hawks

California Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 generally prohibits taking, possessing, or destroying birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, or their nests or eggs, unless an exception or authorization applies. Section 3503 also protects the nests and eggs of many birds. These protections help prevent wildlife disturbance, illegal collection, and harm to breeding populations.

Federal law adds another layer. Many hawks and other raptors are covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which restricts activities such as taking, possessing, selling, purchasing, or transporting protected migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs without authorization. The precise protections and permit requirements depend on the species and activity. A state authorization does not automatically erase separate federal requirements.

Some species may also receive additional protection under the federal Endangered Species Act or California’s endangered-species laws. For those birds, a permit that may apply to another hawk species is not necessarily sufficient. Species identification matters; a general description such as “small hawk” cannot establish which laws apply.

Falconry Is the Main Legal Route for Keeping a Hawk

Falconry is the regulated practice of hunting wild game with a trained raptor. It is not a pet-ownership program. A falconry license allows qualified falconers to possess certain birds under detailed rules governing facilities, care, equipment, acquisition, hunting, records, and inspections.

In California, falconry is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under state regulations and the federal framework in 50 C.F.R. section 21.29. A person must meet current licensing requirements before possessing a bird for falconry. Requirements can include passing a written examination, obtaining a qualified sponsor for an apprentice license, providing approved housing and equipment, and following rules for lawful acquisition and identification of the bird.

Falconry permits are commonly organized into apprentice, general, and master levels. Each level has specific experience, supervision, and possession limits. The details—including eligible species, experience periods, facility standards, and reporting—must be checked in the current California regulations and permit materials. Requirements can change, so applicants should not rely solely on older online summaries.

Falconry Does Not Mean Keeping a Hawk Indoors

A falconry bird needs specialized housing, appropriate food, veterinary care, training, and exercise. Regulations may require an inspection of the facilities before a license is issued or a bird is possessed. The bird must be handled and maintained according to falconry standards, and its use is restricted to authorized purposes. A license holder cannot simply keep a hawk as a household pet or lend it to someone who lacks legal authority.

Falconry also involves hunting under applicable seasons, bag limits, land-access rules, and wildlife regulations. Holding a falconry license does not grant permission to hunt anywhere or take any species. The falconer must comply with all relevant state and federal laws.

How a California Resident Can Pursue Falconry Legally

1. Contact CDFW first. Review the department’s current falconry licensing information and ask what application, examination, sponsor, and inspection steps apply. Confirm the process before acquiring a bird or building facilities.
2. Find a qualified sponsor if required. Apprentice falconers must meet the applicable sponsorship and supervision rules. A sponsor can explain the practical responsibilities, but cannot replace the official licensing process.
3. Pass the required examination. Applicants should study current state and federal falconry regulations, raptor care, equipment, and conservation principles using the materials identified by CDFW.
4. Prepare compliant facilities and equipment. Housing must meet the requirements for the bird and permit level. CDFW should confirm whether an inspection is required and what standards apply before a bird is obtained.
5. Obtain the license and acquire a bird lawfully. A bird may be acquired only through an authorized method, such as a permitted source or another method specifically allowed for the license holder. Applicable tagging, reporting, and recordkeeping rules must be followed.
6. Maintain compliance. The falconer must keep the bird in required conditions, meet reporting deadlines, use permitted equipment, and comply with renewals, inspections, and hunting restrictions.

These are general steps, not a substitute for the current application instructions. Permit categories and individual circumstances can affect what is required. A person should obtain agency guidance before taking any action involving a hawk.

Can Someone Keep an Injured or Orphaned Hawk?

Finding an injured hawk does not authorize private possession. A well-meaning person may worsen an injury by feeding, watering, or attempting to treat a raptor. Hawks can also inflict serious wounds with their talons and beaks, and handling may create additional stress.

The safer response is to keep people and pets away, avoid unnecessary contact, and call CDFW, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, or local animal services for direction. If the bird is in immediate danger, such as in a roadway, the caller should explain the location and condition to the responding agency rather than attempt a risky capture. A rehabilitator may possess and treat wildlife under a permit, but that authority does not transfer to the person who found the bird.

Rehabilitation is intended to treat wildlife and, when possible, return it to the wild. It is not a route to keeping a hawk permanently. Birds that cannot be released may be handled under specific authorizations, which are generally issued to qualified facilities or individuals for defined purposes, not as ordinary pet permits.

What About a Hawk Bought Online or From a Breeder?

Buying a hawk does not make possession legal. A prospective buyer should verify the bird’s scientific species name, origin, identification, seller’s permits, and the exact authorization that would allow the buyer to possess it in California. The buyer should also ask CDFW and, where relevant, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whether state and federal rules apply.

Captive-bred status may affect how a bird can be acquired under certain permit rules, but it does not automatically exempt a raptor from wildlife laws. Some birds require specific documentation, bands or other identification, transfer records, or permits. A bird advertised as an exotic species may still be subject to California restrictions or federal requirements.

There is also a practical risk of misidentification or fraudulent sales. A photograph, informal certificate, or seller’s promise is not a substitute for official documentation. Buyers should not send money or accept delivery until the agencies confirm that the species and proposed possession are lawful.

Common Hawk Possession Situations

Penalties and Other Risks

Unauthorized possession can result in enforcement action, fines, seizure of the bird, and other penalties under applicable laws. The exact consequences depend on the species, conduct, and statutes involved. Illegal possession can also harm the bird: improper diet, housing, handling, or delayed veterinary care may cause injury or prevent its return to the wild.

Even a person who did not capture the hawk may face problems by continuing to keep it after learning that possession is unauthorized. Someone who already has a hawk should not release it, sell it, or transport it on their own. Those actions may create additional legal and safety concerns. The appropriate next step is to contact CDFW or a qualified wildlife authority and explain the circumstances.

How to Verify California Hawk Laws

Because species and permit rules differ, official sources are more reliable than social media posts, marketplace listings, or generic pet-law pages. Before acquiring or handling a hawk, check:

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife Falconry Program for current licensing information and California requirements.
• California Legislative Information for Fish and Game Code sections 3503 and 3503.5.
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 50 C.F.R. section 21.29 for federal falconry standards.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permits for federal permit information.

Bottom line: A California resident generally cannot legally keep a hawk as a pet. Lawful possession is limited to defined, regulated purposes—most notably falconry—and requires the proper permits and compliance with state and federal rules. Anyone considering a hawk should verify the specific species and activity with the responsible agencies before obtaining or handling the bird.