Kentucky General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Kentucky
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: 301 KAR 2:232Documentation
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 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Citation: 301 KAR 2:232General-Eligible Species in Kentucky
These species are legal for general falconers in Kentucky. Click to view details.
Burrowing Owl
Athene cuniculariaGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to KY but federally legal per 50 CFR 21.82. Captive-bred or legally transferred from other states. Allowed per Strigiform family allowance. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 4 allowed species (kestrel, RTH, red-shouldered hawk, Harris's hawk). NO nestlings, NO imprinted. Sponsor supervision required during capture. Passage only for apprentices. Wild take: residents max 2/year, non-residents max 1/year. Passage season: Sept 1-Jan 31. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round resident, most common apprentice choice.
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to KY but federally legal per 50 CFR 21.82. Captive-bred or legally transferred from other states. Allowed per Strigiform family allowance. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 4 allowed species. NO nestlings, NO imprinted. Sponsor supervision required. EXCEPTION: Adult kestrels may be taken Sept 1-Jan 31 (General/Master only). Wild take: residents max 2/year, non-residents max 1/year. Passage season: Sept 1-Jan 31. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round, excellent apprentice bird.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatusAll experience levels. UNIQUE KENTUCKY: Apprentice may possess red-shouldered hawk (one of 4 allowed species). NO nestlings, NO imprinted. Sponsor supervision required. Passage only. Wild take: residents max 2/year, non-residents max 1/year. Passage season: Sept 1-Jan 31. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round in KY forests and wetlands.
Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctusAll experience levels. UNIQUE KENTUCKY: Apprentice may possess Harris's hawk (one of 4 allowed species). NO nestlings, NO imprinted. Not native to KY - captive-bred or legally transferred only. Sponsor supervision required. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Very popular for falconry, cooperative pack hunter.