Arizona Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.
Master Level
Advanced level for expert falconers - requires at least 5 years as general falconer
Key Requirements Overview
Complete at least 5 years as a licensed general falconer
Demonstrate extensive experience with multiple species
Expanded facilities to accommodate up to 5 birds (varies by state)
Access to all legal species including eagles (with additional permits)
May sponsor both apprentice and general falconers
Can possess wild-caught, captive-bred, and imported raptors
Exam Completion
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer
Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years
License Fees
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to Master Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired
Citation: R12-4-422Documentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in Arizona
These species are legal for master 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.