Massachusetts Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Massachusetts regulates falconry through 321 CMR 3.04, issuing permits for capture, acquisition, and possession of certain hawks and owls. Five permit classes exist: Apprentice (age 15+, $25), General (age 18+, 2 years experience, $25), Master (5 years at General, $25), Raptor Propagation ($25), and Raptor Salvage ($1). All applicants must pass written examination with 80% score; General and Master applicants also complete oral-practical exam. Facilities must be inspected before initial permit issuance. Permits expire December 31 annually. General and Master falconers may use raptors for secondary conservation education programs. Massachusetts residents only may obtain permits.
Apprentice
Requirements for beginning falconers. Typically includes 2 years of apprenticeship, sponsorship by a general or master falconer, and basic housing standards.
General
Requirements for intermediate falconers. Requires at least 2 years as an apprentice and allows for a wider selection of species and multiple birds.
Master
Requirements for advanced falconers. Requires at least 5 years of experience as a general falconer and allows the maximum number of birds and species.
License Information
Massachusetts issues five permit classes, all requiring state residency. Apprentice Falconer requires age 15+ (parental approval if under 18), contact with General/Master sponsor, exam passage, and facility inspection; $25 initial and annual renewal fees; allows one raptor. General Falconer requires age 18+, two years as Apprentice with verified experience pursuing wild quarry for two seasons, oral-practical and written exam passage; $25 fees; allows up to three raptors. Master Falconer requires five years at General level, oral-practical and written exam passage; $25 fees; allows up to five raptors. Raptor Propagation requires three years as General with documented experience or equivalent; $25 fees. Raptor Salvage requires three years as General or equivalent; $1 fees. All permits expire December 31 annually.
Exam Information
All applicants must pass a written examination with 80% or higher score covering basic biology, care and handling of raptors, literature, laws, regulations, and appropriate subject matter. Failed applicants must wait at least two months before retaking. General and Master applicants must additionally pass oral-practical examination conducted by a Falconry Examining Panel (one or two Master permit holders and Division representative). The Panel covers raptor biology, falconry, conservation, and observes/judges field skills. Panel develops field performance standards for General and Master eligibility. Exam is not required for permit renewal unless permit has lapsed for five or more years.
Housing Requirements
Facilities are inspected by designated Division of Law Enforcement agent before permit approval. Indoor facilities (mews) must allow easy access, provide space for birds to fully extend wings (tethered or separated by partitions), have at least one window with vertical bars spaced narrower than bird body width, secure easily-closed door, well-drained floor, and adequate perches. Outdoor facilities (weathering areas) must be fenced and covered with netting/wire or roofed (except perches over 6.5 feet high), large enough so birds cannot strike fence when flying from perch, with protection from sun/wind/weather and adequate perches. Significant facility changes must be reported to Director. Minimum facilities for Propagation/Salvage permits established by Director based on individual programs. Subsequent inspections may occur at reasonable hours as necessary.
Equipment Requirements
Required equipment includes: Aylmeri jesses or similar pliable leather/synthetic material for free flight (traditional one-piece jesses for tethered birds), flexible weather-resistant leash and strong swivel, bath container 2-6 inches deep per raptor, weathering area perch per raptor, indoor mews perch per raptor, reliable scale graduated to no more than 1/2 ounce (15 grams), suitable leather gloves and bells, name tags for use when bird is flown. Optional equipment includes lure and hood. Reliable food source must be demonstrated.