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
Required
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 08.03.12
License Fees
Required
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
Required
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 08.03.12
Mew Construction
Required
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 08.03.12.04
Mew Inspection
Required
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor

Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements

Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.04
Equipment Requirements
Required
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 08.03.12.05
Hunting License
Required
Obtain Maryland State Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid Maryland hunting license

Bird Capture
Required
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit

Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82

Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82

Required
Capture 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 08.03.12.07
Documentation
Required
Maintain Falconry Records

Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports

Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.09
Apprentice-Eligible Species in Maryland

These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Maryland. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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 sparverius

All 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 lineatus

All 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.


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