Illinois General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Illinois
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": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: IL Administrative CodeDocumentation
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 Illinois DNR
Citation: IL Administrative CodeGeneral-Eligible Species in Illinois
These species are legal for general falconers in Illinois. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 250 permits statewide, max 2 wild raptors/year). Eyasses Feb 1-Aug 1 (General/Master, leave 1 in nest). Passage Sept 1-March 1. Apprentice: max 1 bird, max 2 replacements/year, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, most common apprentice choice.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). EXCEPTION: Haggards (adults over 1 year) may be captured Sept 1-Jan 1 (1590.90(a)(3)). Apprentice: max 1 bird, max 2 replacements/year, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent apprentice bird.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicusAll experience levels per Strigiform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Native Illinois owls. Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propagation permit after 1 year (vs 2 years for most). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent bird hunter.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). SPECIAL: May transfer to propagation permit after 1 year (vs 2 years for most). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round, excellent bird hunter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisAll experience levels per Accipitriform family allowance (1590.80). CAPTURE PERMIT: $50 resident/$100 nonresident (max 2 wild raptors/year). Apprentice: max 1 bird, NO eyasses, NO imprinted. General: max 3 birds, max 2 replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 replacements/year. Native year-round (winter visitor/rare resident), highly skilled hawk for experienced falconers. Large raptor suitable for eagle permit experience requirement.