Maryland Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

Master Level

Advanced level for expert falconers - requires at least 5 years as general falconer

Key Requirements Overview

Complete at least 5 years as a licensed general falconer

Demonstrate extensive experience with multiple species

Expanded facilities to accommodate up to 5 birds (varies by state)

Access to all legal species including eagles (with additional permits)

May sponsor both apprentice and general falconers

Can possess wild-caught, captive-bred, and imported raptors

Exam Completion
Required
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer

Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years

License Fees
Required
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}

Mew Construction
Optional
Upgrade Mew to Master Standards (if needed)

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired

Citation: COMAR 08.03.12.04
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period

Master-Eligible Species in Maryland

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

Barred Owl
Strix varia

General 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 acadicus

General 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 asio

General 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 alba

General 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 otus

General 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 flammeus

General 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.

View All 31 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in Maryland