What types of raptors may Apprentice Falconers capture?

Apprentice Falconers in California are specifically permitted to capture only passage red-tailed hawks or American Kestrels. This regulation is in place to provide a structured and manageable training environment for novice falconers. By restricting the types of raptors that can be captured, the California regulations ensure that apprentice falconers are working with birds that are more accessible and less challenging than other raptor species.

Passage hawks are immature birds that have recently migrated, making them generally easier to manage and train. The focus on these specific species helps apprentices gain experience safely and responsibly, building their skills before moving on to more complex or difficult species.

This limitation aligns with the overall goals of falconry training, which emphasizes responsible wildlife stewardship and the ethical treatment of raptors. Therefore, selecting only these two species balances the need for effective training while protecting other raptor populations.