Learn About Falconry
What falconry is:
Falconry is a hunting art—working with a trained bird of prey to take wild quarry in its natural habitat. Two widely used definitions in the community:
- International Association for Falconry (IAF): “Falconry is the traditional sport of taking quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained birds of prey.” iaf.org
- UNESCO (cultural heritage): “Keeping and training falcons and other raptors to take quarry in its natural state.” UNESCO
What falconry is not:
Falconry isn’t pet-keeping or rehab. Under federal rules, birds held on a falconry permit must be used primarily for falconry (hunting); education uses are allowed, but secondary. Wildlife rehabilitation is a separate permit system, and rehab birds aren’t for display or falconry. eCFR+1
The legal framework (Idaho + Federal)
- Federal baseline: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regulations set national standards in 50 CFR Part 21, including § 21.82 (Falconry standards and permitting) and § 21.76 (Rehabilitation permits). Legal Information Institute
- Idaho program: Idaho’s falconry rules (IDAPA 13.01.14) adopt and enforce those federal standards statewide. Idaho’s rules explicitly require compliance with 50 CFR §§ 21.82, 21.85, and 21.76 for falconry activities. Admin Rules Idaho