Arizona Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Arizona
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Apprentice Level
Entry level for aspiring falconers - typically 2 years minimum
Key Requirements Overview
Pass the falconry examination (typically 80% minimum score)
Find and secure a sponsor (general or master falconer)
Build or purchase approved mews (housing)
Acquire necessary equipment (jesses, leash, perch, etc.)
Pass facilities inspection
Limited to 1 bird from approved species list
Exam Completion
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the Arizona Falconry Examination administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: R12-4-422License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Arizona Game and Fish Department
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
Find a General or Master Falconer Sponsor
Locate a sponsor with at least 2 years of falconry experience at the General or Master level who will supervise your first 2 years
Specifications: {"sponsorExperience": "2 years", "sponsorshipDuration": "2 years"}
Citation: R12-4-422Mew Construction
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)
Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 6 feet long x 6 feet wide x 6 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 6, "minWidth": 6, "minHeight": 6, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: R12-4-422Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: R12-4-422Equipment Requirements
Acquire Required Falconry Equipment
Purchase or make essential equipment for training and hunting including glove, jesses, bells, bath, and scale
Specifications: {"equipmentList": ["Leather falconry glove", "Jesses (leather straps)", "Bells or radio telemetry", "Bath container", "Scale (accurate to 10g)", "Appropriate perches"]}
Citation: R12-4-422Hunting License
Obtain Arizona Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Arizona hunting license (required for all falconers)
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture or Acquire First Bird
Trap a wild passage raptor or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.
Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Harris's Hawk"]}
Citation: R12-4-422Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: R12-4-422Apprentice-Eligible Species in Arizona
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Arizona. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings (H.1.b-c, Q.2), no imprints (H.1.c.i), max 2 wild-caught/year (Q.4). General: max 3 birds (H.2.b), max 2 wild-caught/year. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught (H.3.b-c), max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round, most common apprentice choice.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings, no imprints. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (HH.3). General: max 3 birds. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught. All levels: max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiAll experience levels. Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings, no imprints. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (HH.3). General: max 3 birds. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught. All levels: max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusAll experience levels. Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings, no imprints. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (HH.3). General: max 3 birds. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught. All levels: max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisAll experience levels. MUST BE BANDED (R.1.a). Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings, no imprints. General: max 3 birds. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught. Mentioned as large raptor for eagle permit experience (H.3.d.i). All levels: max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round.
Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctusAll experience levels. MUST BE BANDED (R.1.b). Apprentice: 1 bird max, can take passage or adult, no nestlings, no imprints. General: max 3 birds. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught. All levels: max 2 wild-caught/year. Native year-round (southern AZ).