Maryland Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Maryland regulates falconry through COMAR 08.03.09.07. Falconry permits cost $10 for application and $10 annual renewal fee. Three permit classes are issued: Apprentice (age 14+, one raptor), General (age 16+, up to three raptors), and Master (5 years at General level, up to five wild raptors). Applicants must pass an 80% examination and have facilities inspected and certified before permit issuance. Certain species require permanent nonreusable USFWS leg bands. Nonresident permits from USFWS-recognized states are valid in Maryland with reciprocity. Facilities must meet federal and state standards.
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
Maryland issues three classes of permits with $10 application fee and $10 annual renewal fee. Apprentice Class requires age 14+ (with parental co-signature if under 18), sponsor with General or Master permit (at least 18 years old with 2+ years General experience), facility inspection, and allows one raptor only (wild-caught red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, or American kestrel). General Class requires age 16+ (parental co-signature if 16-17), 2 years as Apprentice with 4 months/year experience verified by sponsor, and allows up to three raptors. Master Class requires 5 years as General falconer and allows up to five wild raptors plus unlimited captive-bred raptors (must be trained and used for hunting). Nonresident permits from USFWS-recognized participating states with reciprocity are valid in Maryland.
Exam Information
Apprentice applicants must answer correctly at least 80% of questions on supervised Department-provided examination covering care and handling of raptors, federal and State laws and regulations, and other appropriate subject matter. Exam administered by Department representative at designated place and time agreed to by representative and applicant. Failed applicants may retake exam no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days after failure. Maximum three retakes per calendar year. General and Master applicants do not retake exam but must meet experience requirements.
Housing Requirements
Facilities must be inspected and certified by Department representative before permit issuance as meeting state and federal standards. Indoor facilities (mews) must allow easy access, provide space for birds to fully extend wings (separated by partitions if multiple birds), have at least one window with inside 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 to protect from predators/disturbance, large enough so birds cannot strike fence when flying from perch, with protection from sun/wind/weather and adequate perches provided.
Equipment Requirements
Required equipment includes: Aylmeri jesses or similar pliable leather/synthetic material for free flight (traditional one-piece jesses for tethered raptors), flexible weather-resistant leash and strong swivel, proper glove with snap and falconer's bag with food storage area, bath container 2-6 inches deep wider than raptor length for each bird, weathering area perch per raptor, reliable weighing scale, and well-fitted hood for transport (not required but recommended). Certain wild-caught species (northern harrier, northern goshawk, Harris hawk, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, long-eared owl, short-eared owl, snowy owl) must be banded with permanent nonreusable numbered USFWS leg band provided by Department.