The term birds of prey shall include all species of owls, falcons, hawks, kites, harriers, ospreys and eagles

The term birds of prey shall include all species of owls, falcons, hawks, kites, harriers, ospreys and eagles. It shall be unlawful for any person, organization or institution to take or possess a bird of prey (raptor) without first obtaining a license or appropriate permit from the Department. All applicants must be at least 14 years of age. Regulations for the capture, use, possession and transportation of birds of prey for falconry or captive propagation purposes are provided by administrative rule. The fee for a falconry license is $200 for 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years. The fee for a captive propagation permit is $200 for 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years. The fee for a raptor capture permit for a resident of the State of Illinois is $50 per year. The fee for a non-resident raptor capture permit is $100 per year. A Scientific Collectors Permit, available to qualified individuals as provided in Section 3.22 of this Act, may be obtained from the Department for scientific, educational or zoological purposes. No person may have in their possession Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus; Osprey, Pandion haliaeetus; or Barn Owl, Tyto alba. All captive-held birds of prey must be permanently marked as provided by administrative rule. The use of birds of prey for the hunting of game birds, migratory birds, game mammals, and furbearing mammals shall be lawful during falconry seasons, which shall be set by administrative rule. (Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13.)