Indiana Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.
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": 20.00, "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: 312 IAC 9-10Documentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in Indiana
These species are legal for master 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.