Massachusetts General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
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": 30.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(4)Documentation
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 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Citation: 321 CMR 2.19(9)General-Eligible Species in Massachusetts
These species are legal for general falconers in Massachusetts. Click to view details.
Merlin
Falco columbariusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MA (migrant through state, rare winter visitor). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year.
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.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MA year-round, increasing population. Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Popular for experienced falconers.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MA (uncommon breeder, common migrant). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Smallest accipiter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MA (rare year-round in northern forests). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience.