Mississippi Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Mississippi regulates falconry through Public Notice No. 1923.001 in compliance with federal guidelines. Three permit classes exist: Apprentice (age 14+, one raptor), General (age 18+, up to two raptors), and Master (5 years at General, up to three raptors). Permits expire on third June 30 following issuance and are renewable. Applicants must pass an 80% examination and have facilities inspected before permit issuance. Both state falconry permit and federal falconry permit required. Hunting license mandatory for residents and nonresidents. Nonresidents may transfer permits when permanently moving to Mississippi.
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
Mississippi issues three permit classes valid until third June 30 following issuance. Apprentice Class requires age 14+, sponsor with General or Master permit (sponsor may not have more than three apprentices), allows one raptor only taken from wild (American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, or red-shouldered hawk), no more than one replacement per 12 months. General Class requires age 18+, two years as Apprentice or equivalent, allows up to two raptors, no more than two replacements per 12 months. Master Class requires five years at General level or equivalent, allows up to three raptors. Permits renewable and not transferable. Both Mississippi and federal falconry permits required. Residents need resident hunting license; nonresidents need nonresident hunting license. Nonresidents may obtain Mississippi permit without waiting when permanently moving to state by surrendering previous state permit.
Exam Information
Applicants must correctly answer at least 80% of questions on supervised examination provided or approved by US Fish and Wildlife Service and administered by Department. Exam covers basic biology, care and handling of raptors, literature, laws, regulations, and other appropriate subject matter. Failed applicants may reapply after 30 days. Nonresidents holding valid federal and state permits from another state who become Mississippi residents are exempt from examination when applying for Mississippi permit.
Housing Requirements
Facilities must be inspected and certified by Department representative before permit issuance. Indoor facilities (mews) must allow easy access, provide space for birds 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/disturbance (except perches over 6.5 feet high need not be covered), large enough so birds cannot strike fence when flying from perch, with protection from excessive sun, wind, and weather, and adequate perches. All facilities and equipment must be maintained at or above standards at all times.
Equipment Requirements
Required equipment before permit issuance includes: at least one pair of 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, at least one 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).