New Yorkers wishing to become licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitators and those seeking an apprentice license for falconry may take qualifying tests Friday, April 20 between 10 a.m. and noon at the state Department of Environmental Conservation regional office at 317 Washington St., Watertown.

The deadline for registering is April 13. There is no charge for the tests. The DEC wildlife rehabilitator license is free, but there is a $20 fee for a two-year falconry license.

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals with the ultimate goal of preparing the animals for their return to the wild. Technical skill and a commitment in time, money and effort is required. Prospective applicants 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 $15. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, submit two character references, have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law and be interviewed by a DEC regional wildlife staff person.

To qualify for the DEC Apprentice Falconry license, applicants must be at least 14 years of age, possess a valid New York small-game hunting license and maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing the raptors. After two years as an apprentice falconer, a licensee may qualify for a general falconry license. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel (a falcon also known as a "sparrow hawk") or a red-tailed hawk.

Additional information on these exams and licenses is available through DEC's Special Licenses Unit at (518) 402-8985, or by writing to NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752.