Its a very regulated sport.
I had to take a written and verbal exam, then get licensed by the State, and the Federal government.
Then after that you have to find a sponser, who has been licensed and practicing falconry for over two years.
You have to also build a 'muse', which is basically a large shed that then needs to get inspected by a government official to ensure you have proper housing for the raptor.
THEN... you go with your sponsor and legally trap from the wild an immature Redtail, or Kestral. Thats a whole other very cool experience.
From there you can only hunt with your sponsor for two years before applying for your General Permit.