Indiana Apprentice Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Indiana

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
Required
Pass Falconry Examination

Score 80% or higher on the Indiana Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Natural Resources

Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
License Fees
Required
Pay Falconry License Application Fee

Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Natural Resources

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}

Sponsorship Requirements
Required
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: 312 IAC 9-10
Mew Construction
Required
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)

Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet high

Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
Mew Inspection
Required
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor

Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
Equipment Requirements
Required
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)", "Perches and swivels"]}

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
Hunting License
Required
Obtain Indiana Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid Indiana hunting license (required for all falconers)

Bird Capture
Required
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit

Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82

Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82
Required
Capture 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", "Cooper's Hawk"]}

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
Documentation
Required
Maintain Falconry Records

Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports

Citation: 312 IAC 9-10
Apprentice-Eligible Species in Indiana

These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Indiana. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE RESTRICTION: First raptor MUST be WILD red-tailed or WILD American kestrel, actively participated in capture (t)(1)(A)). After 6+ months, may possess red-tailed (wild or captive-bred chamber-raised) (t)(1)(B)). General/Master: eyasses Jan 1-Aug 31 (General max 1/year, Master max 2/year). Passage Sept 1-Feb 28. Leave 1 eyass in nest. Native year-round, most common apprentice choice.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE RESTRICTION: First raptor MUST be WILD American kestrel or WILD red-tailed, actively participated in capture (t)(1)(A)). After 6+ months may possess American kestrel (wild or captive-bred chamber-raised) (t)(1)(B)). EXCEPTION: May take adults over 1 year old (u)(6)). Transfer to propagation after 1 year use (aa)(1)(A)(i)). Native year-round, excellent apprentice bird.

Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctus

All experience levels. APPRENTICE RESTRICTION: May possess after 6+ months experience (wild or captive-bred chamber-raised) (t)(1)(B)). NOT first bird. Not native to IN - captive-bred or legally transferred only. Listed in special banding exception (l)(10)) - must band or microchip if health exemption granted. Very popular for falconry, cooperative pack hunter. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild birds.

Next Steps
General Requirements
Legal Species in Indiana
Practice Exam Questions