Arizona General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
General Level
Intermediate level for experienced falconers - requires at least 2 years as apprentice
Key Requirements Overview
Complete at least 2 years as a licensed apprentice falconer
Demonstrate successful experience training and flying raptors
Upgrade mews to accommodate up to 3 birds (varies by state)
Access to wider variety of species including captive-bred birds
May sponsor apprentice falconers
No longer requires a sponsor for most activities
Exam Completion
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice
Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision
License Fees
Pay General License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: R12-4-422Documentation
Submit Sponsor Certification
Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements
Continue Annual Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to Arizona Game and Fish
Citation: R12-4-422General-Eligible Species in Arizona
These species are legal for general falconers in Arizona. Click to view details.
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopusGeneral and Master falconers. Native Arizona species or commonly allowed captive-bred. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild-caught/year. Master: any number captive-bred, max 5 wild-caught, max 2 wild-caught/year.
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.