North Carolina General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in North Carolina

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": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: 15A NCAC 10B .0205(4)
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 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Citation: 15A NCAC 10B .0205(9)
General-Eligible Species in North Carolina

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

Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to North Carolina (Arctic species). Captive-bred only. Federally legal per 50 CFR 21.82. Largest falcon, Arctic specialist. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 birds total.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage or adult, no nestlings per 50 CFR 21.82). Most apprentices start with red-tailed hawk. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild replacements/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild replacements/year. Native to NC year-round (very common, diverse habitats, excellent beginner bird).

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor. May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (50 CFR 21.82). General: max 3 birds, 2 wild replacements/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild replacements/year. Native to NC year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird).

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per 50 CFR 21.82. Native to North Carolina year-round (common in woodlands, suburban areas). May take passage birds during season (Sept 1-Dec 31). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 birds total. Popular for bird hunting, requires experienced handler.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to North Carolina (common migrant, winter visitor). May take passage birds during season (Sept 1-Dec 31). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 birds total. Smallest accipiter, challenging quarry.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to North Carolina (uncommon breeder in western mountains). May take passage birds during season (Sept 1-Dec 31). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 birds total. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement. Federal name: American goshawk.

View All 23 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in North Carolina