Indiana General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
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": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: 312 IAC 9-10Documentation
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 Indiana DNR
Citation: 312 IAC 9-10General-Eligible Species in Indiana
These species are legal for general falconers in Indiana. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll 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 sparveriusAll 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.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native year-round. Transfer to propagation after 1 year use (aa)(1)(A)(i)). General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild birds. Popular choice for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native year-round. Transfer to propagation after 1 year use (aa)(1)(A)(i)). General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild birds. Popular choice for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Rare in Indiana (uncommon winter visitor). Federal name: American goshawk. Listed in special banding exception (l)(10)) - must band or microchip if health exemption granted. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild birds. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement (t)(3)(E)(ii)).
Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctusAll 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.