Syracuse.com - DEC announces falconry, wildlife rehabilitator and leashed dog tracking exams

[HuntingNY-News]

Exams slated for Aug. 16. Exam applications due Aug. 2.

Ken Aubin with "Jade", one of the Harris's Hawks that he and his wife Melissa hunt with. Dick Blume/The Post Standard

The following is a DEC press release:

Examinations for individuals seeking an Apprentice Falconry license, Wildlife Rehabilitator license, or Leashed Tracking Dog Handler license are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

All exams will run from 10:00 a.m. to noon at DEC Regional offices across the state (exams will not be offered in the Long Island City Office, Region 2). The list of Regional Offices can be found on the DEC website. The deadline for registering to take any of these exams is Aug. 2.

Apprentice Falconry License

Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world. Falconry is a demanding sport which requires a significant commitment in time and effort. The novice must be prepared to accept the responsibility that is part of falconry. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. For more information about Falconry License, visit the DEC website.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available to applicants at no cost. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

There is no charge to take the written falconry apprentice exam. To qualify for the DEC Apprentice Falconry license, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam

• be at least 14 years of age

• possess a valid New York State hunting license which authorizes the hunting of small-game and

• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License

Wildlife rehabilitators provide the volunteer service of caring for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals, with the ultimate goal of preparing the animals for their return to the wild. A degree of technical skill and a significant commitment in time, money and effort are required to be a wildlife rehabilitator.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. For more information on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, visit DEC's website.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available to applicants for $15 a set. There is no fee for the five-year wildlife rehabilitation license.

There is no charge to take the written wildlife rehabilitation exam. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitation license, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam

• be at least 16 years of age

• submit two character references along with their application

• have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law and

• be interviewed by a DEC regional wildlife staff person.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License

Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide an invaluable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may have gone unrecovered. More information regarding the Leashed Tracking Dog License can be found on the DEC website.

A leashed tracking dog study guide is available to applicants at no cost. There is a $50 license fee for the five-year license, and a $25 non-refundable application fee.

To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam

• possess a valid New York State hunting license which authorizes the hunting of big-game and

• have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law

To apply for any of these exams, contact DEC's Special Licenses Unit by calling 518-402-8985, emailing the Unit or by writing to NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog