New Hampshire Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in New Hampshire
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Apprentice Level
Entry level for aspiring falconers - typically 2 years minimum
Key Requirements Overview
Pass the falconry examination (typically 80% minimum score)
Find and secure a sponsor (general or master falconer)
Build or purchase approved mews (housing)
Acquire necessary equipment (jesses, leash, perch, etc.)
Pass facilities inspection
Limited to 1 bird from approved species list
Exam Completion
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the New Hampshire Falconry Examination administered by the Fish and Game Department
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: Fis 804License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Fish and Game Department
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
Find a General or Master Falconer Sponsor
Locate a sponsor with at least 2 years of falconry experience at the General or Master level who will supervise your first 2 years
Specifications: {"sponsorExperience": "2 years", "sponsorshipDuration": "2 years"}
Citation: Fis 804Mew Construction
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)
Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: Fis 804.04Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: Fis 804.04Equipment Requirements
Acquire Required Falconry Equipment
Purchase or make essential equipment for training and hunting including glove, jesses, bells, bath, and scale
Specifications: {"equipmentList": ["Leather falconry glove", "Jesses (leather straps)", "Bells or radio telemetry", "Bath container", "Scale (accurate to 10g)"]}
Citation: Fis 804.05Hunting License
Obtain New Hampshire State Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid New Hampshire hunting license
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture or Acquire First Bird
Trap a wild passage raptor or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.
Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Merlin"]}
Citation: Fis 804.07Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: Fis 804.09Apprentice-Eligible Species in New Hampshire
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in New Hampshire. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Fis 813.02 restricts apprentices to kestrel or RTH only. Must be passage bird (under 1 year, fledged). Max 1 bird. Native to NH year-round (very common, forests and open areas). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: Fis 813.02 restricts apprentices to kestrel or RTH only. May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (50 CFR 21.82). Max 1 bird. Native to NH year-round (common, smallest raptor). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year.