Michigan Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Michigan
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Apprentice Level
Entry level for aspiring falconers - typically 2 years minimum
Key Requirements Overview
Pass the falconry examination (typically 80% minimum score)
Find and secure a sponsor (general or master falconer)
Build or purchase approved mews (housing)
Acquire necessary equipment (jesses, leash, perch, etc.)
Pass facilities inspection
Limited to 1 bird from approved species list
Exam Completion
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the Michigan Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: MNRE Part 75License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Natural Resources
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
Find a General or Master Falconer Sponsor
Locate a sponsor with at least 2 years of falconry experience at the General or Master level who will supervise your first 2 years
Specifications: {"sponsorExperience": "2 years", "sponsorshipDuration": "2 years"}
Citation: MNRE Part 75Mew Construction
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)
Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: MNRE Part 75.4Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: MNRE Part 75.4Equipment Requirements
Acquire Required Falconry Equipment
Purchase or make essential equipment for training and hunting including glove, jesses, bells, bath, and scale
Specifications: {"equipmentList": ["Leather falconry glove", "Jesses (leather straps)", "Bells or radio telemetry", "Bath container", "Scale (accurate to 10g)"]}
Citation: MNRE Part 75.5Hunting License
Obtain Michigan State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Michigan hunting license
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture or Acquire First Bird
Trap a wild passage raptor or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.
Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Cooper's Hawk"]}
Citation: MNRE Part 75.7Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: MNRE Part 75.9Apprentice-Eligible Species in Michigan
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Michigan. Click to view details.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE RESTRICTION: ONE wild-caught only (10.3(4)(a)(vi)). Cannot possess captive-bred as apprentice. Cannot possess eyasses. General: max 3 total, max 2 wild replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild + 10 federally protected.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE RESTRICTION: ONE wild-caught only (10.3(4)(a)(vi)). Cannot possess captive-bred as apprentice. Cannot possess eyasses. General: max 3 total, max 2 wild replacements/year. Master: max 5 wild + 10 federally protected.