North Carolina Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
North Carolina regulates falconry through 15A NCAC 10H .0801-.0815, incorporating federal standards from 50 CFR 21.82. Falconry licenses are required for residents and nonresidents, issued at Apprentice, General, or Master levels. Licenses are annual, expiring June 30, with a $10 application fee. Applicants must pass an examination with 80% score unless holding valid permits from federally-approved states. Facilities must be inspected before license issuance. The state follows federal regulations for taking raptors, housing, equipment, and reporting requirements.
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
North Carolina issues annual falconry licenses expiring June 30 each year, with a $10 application fee. Three license levels are available: Apprentice (requires sponsor letter per 50 CFR 21.82), General (requires experience letter from General/Master falconer), and Master (based on experience). Minors under 18 must have parent/legal guardian co-signature. New residents have 60 days to apply for NC license. Licenses expired less than 5 years can be renewed at previous level with proof; those expired over 5 years require retaking exam and facility inspection. Apprentice sponsors must live within 200 miles and may have maximum 3 apprentices. Nonresidents need valid federally-approved permits plus NC license to practice falconry in the state.
Exam Information
Applicants must pass a Commission-administered falconry examination with at least 80% score, as detailed in 50 CFR 21.82(c)(3). The exam covers falconry practices, raptor biology, care, laws, and regulations. Examination is not required for applicants with valid permits from federally-approved states, tribes, or territories. Exam is not required for renewal if license has not been expired for more than 5 years. Exam fee is $10. Falconers whose licenses have been expired over 5 years must retake and pass the exam to be reinstated at their previous level.
Housing Requirements
Prior to initial license issuance for NC residents, facilities and equipment must be inspected and approved by Commission representatives as meeting 50 CFR 21.82(d)(1)(ii)(A) standards. Indoor facilities (mews) must have secure automatically-closing doors, windows with vertical bars, proper drainage, be free of obstructions, have shielded lighting, and provide shade. Outdoor facilities must have covers/roofs at least 7 feet high, adequate size to prevent raptors striking sides when flying from perch, good drainage, and at least two perches. Raptors may be kept in human dwellings if tethered when not being moved. Facilities on non-owned property require written statement allowing inspections. Licensees must inform Commission within 5 days of facility moves.
Equipment Requirements
Licensees must possess equipment listed in 50 CFR 21.82(d)(3), including appropriate jesses, leashes, swivels, bath containers, perches, and weighing scales suitable for their raptors. All equipment must be maintained at or above federal standards at all times. Equipment standards are verified during initial facility inspection before license issuance.