Massachusetts Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Massachusetts
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
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the Massachusetts Falconry Examination administered by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 30.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
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: 321 CMR 2.19Mew Construction
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: 321 CMR 2.19(4)Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(4)Equipment Requirements
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)"]}
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(5)Hunting License
Obtain Massachusetts State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Massachusetts hunting license
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture 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", "Merlin"]}
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(7)Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(9)Apprentice-Eligible Species in Massachusetts
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Massachusetts. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 2 allowed species. Most common choice for beginners. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken from wild. NO captive-bred for apprentices. Native year-round, abundant statewide. Apprentice: max 1 bird, passage only. General: max 3 birds, wild passage or captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, wild passage or captive-bred, max 2 wild/year.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 2 allowed species. May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (eyasses and adults allowed). Must be wild-caught for apprentices. NO captive-bred for apprentices. Native year-round, excellent beginner bird. Apprentice: max 1 bird, any age. General: max 3 birds, any age/captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, any age/captive-bred, max 2 wild/year.