North Carolina Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

Master Level

Advanced level for expert falconers - requires at least 5 years as general falconer

Key Requirements Overview

Complete at least 5 years as a licensed general falconer

Demonstrate extensive experience with multiple species

Expanded facilities to accommodate up to 5 birds (varies by state)

Access to all legal species including eagles (with additional permits)

May sponsor both apprentice and general falconers

Can possess wild-caught, captive-bred, and imported raptors

Exam Completion
Required
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer

Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years

License Fees
Required
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired

Citation: 15A NCAC 10B .0205(4)
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period

Master-Eligible Species in North Carolina

These species are legal for master 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 26 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in North Carolina