New Hampshire Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

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: Fis 804.04
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

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

Master-Eligible Species in New Hampshire

These species are legal for master falconers in New Hampshire. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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 sparverius

All 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.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (Fis 813.02). Native to NH year-round (common, woodlands and suburbs, recovering population). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) per standard practice. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year. Popular for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (Fis 813.02). Native to NH (year-round resident/migrant). Must be passage bird (under 1 year). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year. Smallest accipiter.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (Fis 813.02). Native to NH (northern forests, uncommon). Federal name: American goshawk. Federally legal. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) or captive-bred. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (Fis 813.02). Native to NH (more common in southern NH, woodlands). Federally legal per 50 CFR 21.82. Must be passage bird. General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year.

View All 28 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in New Hampshire