Maine General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Maine

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
Required
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice

Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision

License Fees
Required
Pay General License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification

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

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: 09-137 CMR Ch. 11.5
Documentation
Required
Submit Sponsor Certification

Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements

Required
Continue Annual Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Citation: 09-137 CMR Ch. 11.10
General-Eligible Species in Maine

These species are legal for general falconers in Maine. Click to view details.

Long-eared Owl
Asio otus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Maine year-round (secretive, difficult to locate). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year.

Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Winter visitor to Maine from Arctic. Federally legal. Captive-bred or out-of-state legally transferred only. Stunning white plumage. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Most common choice for beginners. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) per 09-137 C.M.R. ch. 4. NO CAPTIVE-BRED for apprentices. Native to Maine year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird, passage only. General: max 3 birds, passage/captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, passage/captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess American kestrel. May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels. NO CAPTIVE-BRED for apprentices. Native to Maine year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird, any age allowed. General: max 3 birds, any age/captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, any age/captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Maine year-round. Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Popular for experienced falconers.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Maine (breeding/migrant). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 birds, captive-bred allowed, max 2 wild/year. Smallest accipiter.

View All 26 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Maine