Maine Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

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: 09-137 CMR Ch. 11.5
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

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

Master-Eligible Species in Maine

These species are legal for master 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 29 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in Maine