Michigan General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
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
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice
Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision
License Fees
Pay General License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: MNRE Part 75.4Documentation
Submit Sponsor Certification
Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements
Continue Annual Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Citation: MNRE Part 75.9General-Eligible Species in Michigan
These species are legal for general 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.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers. NOT allowed for apprentices. Part of general raptor capture permit quota - 80 total combined with other species (10.10(1)(a)(i)). General: max 3 total. Master: max 5 wild-caught.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers. NOT allowed for apprentices. Part of general raptor capture permit quota - 80 total combined with other species (10.10(1)(a)(i)). General: max 3 total. Master: max 5 wild-caught.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers. NOT allowed for apprentices. Part of general raptor capture permit quota - 80 total combined with other species (10.10(1)(a)(i)). General: max 3 total. Master: max 5 wild-caught.
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterusGeneral and Master falconers. Native Michigan species. May be possessed if captive-bred or legally acquired from other states. Not explicitly listed for wild capture in Michigan. General: max 3 total. Master: max 5 wild-caught + 10 federally protected.