Mississippi General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.
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": 15.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.4Documentation
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 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Citation: MDWFP Title 40, Part 2.9General-Eligible Species in Mississippi
These species are legal for general falconers in Mississippi. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll 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 lineatusAll 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 sparveriusAll 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.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Mississippi year-round. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken during season. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Popular for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Mississippi (winter visitor/migrant). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) taken during season. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Smallest accipiter.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Rare visitor to Mississippi (not typical MS species). Federally legal. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) or captive-bred. Federal name: American goshawk. General: max 3 birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Master: max 5 wild birds, eyasses allowed year-round. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.