Maryland General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
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": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.04Documentation
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 Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.09General-Eligible Species in Maryland
These species are legal for general falconers in Maryland. Click to view details.
Barred Owl
Strix variaGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. May be taken at any age. Wild take max 2/year. Native Maryland owl. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. May be taken at any age. Wild take max 2/year. Native Maryland owl. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asioGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. May be taken at any age. Wild take max 2/year. Native Maryland owl. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Barn Owl
Tyto albaGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. May be taken at any age. Native year-round but uncommon. Excellent rodent hunter. Wild take max 2/year. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. SPECIAL PERMIT REQUIRED to take from wild in Maryland per COMAR 08.03.09.07. Native year-round but uncommon. May be taken at any age. Wild take max 2/year with special permit. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. SPECIAL PERMIT REQUIRED to take from wild in Maryland per COMAR 08.03.09.07. Native winter visitor (grasslands, marshes). May be taken at any age. Wild take max 2/year with special permit. General: max 3 birds. Master: max 5 wild + unlimited captive-bred.