New York Conservation Department offers free online licensing exams

AMENIA — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is conducting free, online license examinations on Friday, Aug. 9.

Exams are available for licenses in falconry, volunteer wildlife rehabilitation and to use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded big game animals.

Those interested in signing up for an exam must register by Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Apprentice falconers are limited to owning one bird: either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. Applicants must score at least 80% on the exam, be above the age of 14, possess a valid state hunting license and maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry birds. A five-year falconry license costs $40.

Applicants for the volunteer wildlife rehab license must score at least 80% on the exam, be at least 16 years of age and sit for an interview with DEC Regional wildlife staff. Falconers and wildlife rehabilitators must live in New York. The wildlife rehabilitation license is free.

Leashed tracking dog handlers must also score above 80% on the exam and possess a valid New York hunting license.
The exam is free, but first time applicants must pay a $25 licensing fee. Leashed dog tracking licenses are good for five years and cost $50.

Those with questions or who need further assistance can contact the DEC Special Licenses unit by phone at 518-402-8985 or email at SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.