Legal Falconry Species in Montana
Complete list of raptor species legal for falconry 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.
Filter Species
Species List
Showing 20 of 20 species
| Species | Experience Level | Permit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
American Kestrel Falco sparverius |
Apprentice |
Montana Falconry Permit |
All experience levels. EXCEPTION: American kestrels may be taken at any age per federal 50 CFR 21.82... |
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit (Captive-bred only) |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to northwest MT (migration ra... |
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT year-round. Must be pas... |
Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (grasslands, sagebrush)... |
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos |
Master |
Montana Falconry Permit + Federal Golden Eagle Permit |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice or General per ARM 12.6.1103. Requires federal Gol... |
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native year-round to MT (most common... |
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to MT (Arctic species). C... |
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to MT (southwestern US sp... |
Merlin Falco columbarius |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (migrant/winter visitor... |
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (year-round in mountain... |
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT year-round (marshes and... |
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit + Peregrine Take Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. LIMITED QUOTA: Wild peregrine take l... |
Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native year-round to MT. Montana is ... |
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT year-round (grasslands ... |
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis |
Apprentice |
Montana Falconry Permit |
All experience levels. Apprentice: max 1 bird total (ARM 12.6.1103). General: max 3 birds total, max... |
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native winter visitor to MT from Arc... |
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to MT (year-round resident an... |
Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus |
Master |
Montana Falconry Permit + Federal Authorization |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice or General per ARM 12.6.1103. Requires federal aut... |
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni |
General |
Montana Falconry Permit |
General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native summer migrant to MT (grassla... |
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla |
Master |
Montana Falconry Permit + Federal Authorization |
Master falconers only. NOT allowed for Apprentice or General per ARM 12.6.1103. Requires federal aut... |