Mississippi Apprentice Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Mississippi

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
Required
Pass Falconry Examination

Score 80% or higher on the Mississippi Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}

Citation: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2
License Fees
Required
Pay Falconry License Application Fee

Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}

Sponsorship Requirements
Required
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: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2
Mew Construction
Required
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: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.4
Mew Inspection
Required
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor

Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements

Citation: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.4
Equipment Requirements
Required
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: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.5
Hunting License
Required
Obtain Mississippi State Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid Mississippi hunting license

Bird Capture
Required
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit

Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82

Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82
Required
Capture 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: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.7
Documentation
Required
Maintain Falconry Records

Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports

Citation: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.9
Apprentice-Eligible Species in Mississippi

These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Mississippi. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Traditionally recommended first bird (most popular choice, forgiving temperament). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken during season per MS regulations. Native to Mississippi year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: UNIQUE TO MS - Red-shouldered Hawk allowed for apprentices (not common in other states). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken during season per MS regulations. Native to Mississippi year-round (common in wooded areas, near water). Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess American kestrel (fragile, not recommended for beginners). May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels. Native to Mississippi year-round. Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round.

Next Steps
General Requirements
Legal Species in Mississippi
Practice Exam Questions