Louisiana General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Louisiana
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": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.103Documentation
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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Citation: LAC Title 76:XV.109General-Eligible Species in Louisiana
These species are legal for general falconers in Louisiana. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Traditionally limited to red-tailed hawk (most popular choice, strongly recommended by LA falconers). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 only per LAC 76:V.301. Native to Louisiana year-round, most common hawk. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess American kestrel (fragile, not recommended for beginners). May be taken at ANY AGE per LAC 76:V.301 (federal exception for kestrels). Take season Sept 1-Feb 28. Native to Louisiana year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Louisiana year-round. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 per LAC 76:V.301. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Popular for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Louisiana (winter visitor/migrant). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 per LAC 76:V.301. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Smallest accipiter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Extremely rare winter visitor to Louisiana (not typical LA species). Federally legal. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 per LAC 76:V.301. Federal name: American goshawk. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Louisiana year-round (common in wooded areas, near water). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken Sept 1-Feb 28 per LAC 76:V.301. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.