True or False: An Apprentice Falconer can substitute a falconry school program for the required experience.

The statement is false because an Apprentice Falconer in California is required to gain experience through hands-on training and working with a designated sponsor, rather than simply completing a falconry school program. The regulations specify that the practical experience gained under the guidance of an experienced falconer is critical for learning the necessary skills involved in the sport of falconry.

While educational programs can be beneficial in informing an apprentice about theory and practices, they do not fulfill the regulatory requirement for practical experience. Therefore, it is essential for every Apprentice Falconer to engage actively in the practice of falconry alongside a mentor to develop the skills necessary for responsible and effective bird handling and training. This hands-on experience cannot be substituted by formal education alone, hence confirming that the answer is false.