Illinois Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.
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": 25.00, "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: IL Administrative CodeDocumentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in Illinois
These species are legal for master 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.