Maine Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Maine regulates falconry through Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Chapter 4. Falconry permits are issued for 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year periods expiring December 31. All applicants must pass an 80% written examination and have facilities inspected. Three permit classes exist: Apprentice, General, and Master. Nonresidents with valid permits from states meeting federal standards may hunt in Maine for up to 30 days with a nonresident hunting license without obtaining a Maine permit. Falconers must also possess a Duck Stamp and Maine Migratory Waterfowl permit when hunting waterfowl.
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
Maine issues falconry permits valid for 1, 2, or 3 years expiring December 31. Permits require a Maine hunting license. Three classes exist: Apprentice, General, and Master. Residents must have Maine falconry permit and hunting license. Nonresidents with valid state permits meeting federal standards may hunt with raptors in Maine for up to 30 days without Maine permit if they possess valid nonresident hunting license. Permits renewable if all conditions met, no violations occurred, and renewal request submitted with applicable fee. Waterfowl hunting requires Federal Duck Stamp and Maine Migratory Waterfowl permit. Permits may be revoked or denied for violations. Falconers residing in other states for more than 120 consecutive days must list facilities on Maine permit.
Exam Information
Applicants must correctly answer 80% of questions on written examination relating to basic biology, care and handling of raptors, and state and federal laws and regulations. Exam administered by the Department where applicant maintains legal residence. Applicants who previously held falconry permit at desired level may provide proof instead of taking exam. Examination covers falconry-related subject matter including raptor biology, care, and legal compliance.
Housing Requirements
Facilities must be inspected and certified by Department representatives before permit issuance as meeting standards for raptor housing. Indoor facilities (mews) must allow easy access, provide adequate space for raptors to fully extend wings (tethered or 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 allowing easy cleaning, and adequate perches. Outdoor facilities (weathering areas) must be fenced and covered with netting/wire or roofed to protect from predators and disturbance (except perches over 6.5 feet high), large enough so birds cannot strike fence when flying from perch, with protection from excessive sun, wind, and weather, and adequate perches provided.
Equipment Requirements
Required equipment includes: Aylmeri jesses or similar type of pliable high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material for free flight (traditional one-piece jesses for tethered raptors), at least one flexible weather-resistant leash and one strong swivel of acceptable falconry design, bath container 2-6 inches deep wider than raptor length for each bird, at least one weathering area perch of acceptable design per raptor, and reliable scale or balance graduated in increments of no more than 1/2 ounce (15 grams).