Registration is open for three special licensing exams for those who love the outdoors.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced it will offer free online testing for those interested in obtaining licenses for falconry, volunteer wildlife rehabilitation, and using leashed dogs to track wounded big game. The tests will take place on April 12 with registration open now through April 10.
The Apprentice Falconry License costs $40.00 and expires after five years. Apprentices may possess either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. Aside from scoring 80% or higher on the test, prospective license holders must be at least 14 years old, a New York resident, possess a New York State hunting license, and maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing raptors.
Holders of a Wildlife Rehabilitator License can provide care for injured, sick, or orphaned animals to return them to the wild. To receive a license, one must be a state resident, at least 16 years old, score 80% or higher on the exam, and be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff. There is no cost for this license.
Leashed tracking dog handlers can use their animals to track and recover wounded big game. To qualify for this license one must score 80% or higher on the test and possess a valid New York State hunting license. First-time applicants must pay a non-refundable $25.00 application fee. The cost for a five-year license is $50.00.
Registration can be done on the special license exams registration website.
.jpg){kind=link}