Montana General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Montana

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
Required
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice

Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision

License Fees
Required
Pay General License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification

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

Mew Construction
Optional
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: ARM 12.6.2201
Documentation
Required
Submit Sponsor Certification

Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements

Required
Continue Annual Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to Montana FWP

Citation: ARM 12.6.2201
General-Eligible Species in Montana

These species are legal for general falconers in Montana. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. Apprentice: max 1 bird total (ARM 12.6.1103). General: max 3 birds total, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Native year-round. Most common apprentice choice. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) for wild take.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. EXCEPTION: American kestrels may be taken at any age per federal 50 CFR 21.82 (adults over 1 year allowed). Apprentice: max 1 bird. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Native year-round, excellent apprentice bird.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT year-round. Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Popular for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (year-round resident and migrant). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Smallest accipiter.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (year-round in mountains and forests). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT year-round (grasslands and open areas). Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild/year.

View All 17 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Montana