The Department of Environmental Conservation will offer exams for those looking to become a falconer or volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use a leashed dog to find wounded and injured big game animals.

Applications are due by March 27. The exams are April 10.

The tests will run from 10 a.m. to noon at most DEC Regional offices across the state. The list can be found on the DEC website. Exam registration forms can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/359.html. There is no charge to take any of the written exams.

Falconry

Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world. Falconry is a demanding sport which requires a significant commitment in time and effort, according to the DEC. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available for free at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28632.html. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

To qualify for the license, applicants must:

• score 80 percent or higher on the written exam

• be at least 14 years old

• possess a valid New York state hunting license which authorizes the hunting of small game

• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals, for the purpose of returning them to the wild. The DEC says they are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available for free at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25027.html

To qualify for the 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, and;

• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler

Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded or injured big game.

A leashed tracking dog study guide is available for free at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25020.html

There is a $50 license fee for the five-year license, and a $25 non-refundable application fee.

To qualify, 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

To apply for any of these exams, visit the NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/359.html. Applicants can mail, fax or email the completed form to: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; phone: 518-402-8985; fax: 518-402-8925; email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.