Maryland Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Maryland
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 Maryland Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 25.00, "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: COMAR 08.03.12Mew 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: COMAR 08.03.12.04Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.04Equipment 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: COMAR 08.03.12.05Hunting License
Obtain Maryland State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Maryland 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", "Cooper's Hawk"]}
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.07Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.09Apprentice-Eligible Species in Maryland
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Maryland. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 3 allowed species. Must be wild passage bird (under 1 year, not eyas). NO captive-bred, NO imprinted. Most common apprentice choice. Sponsor supervision required. Wild take max 2/year. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round resident, abundant statewide.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: One of 3 allowed species. Must be wild passage bird. May be taken at any age (federal exception for kestrels). NO captive-bred for apprentices. Sponsor supervision required. Wild take max 2/year. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round, excellent beginner bird.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatusAll experience levels. UNIQUE MARYLAND: Apprentice may possess red-shouldered hawk (one of 3 allowed species). Must be wild passage bird (under 1 year). NO captive-bred, NO imprinted for apprentices. Sponsor supervision required. Wild take max 2/year. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred. Native year-round in MD forests and wetlands.