New Jersey General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in New Jersey

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": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.23(d)
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 New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

Citation: N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.23(i)
General-Eligible Species in New Jersey

These species are legal for general falconers in New Jersey. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE red-tailed hawk OR kestrel (passage only, no eyasses per N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.16). Must take first raptor with general/master sponsor. First-year: 1 bird, no replacement. Other apprentices: 1 bird, 1 replacement/year. General (first-year): max 2 birds, 1 replacement. General (other): max 3 birds, 2 replacements/year. Master (first-year): max 4 birds, 1 replacement. Master (other): max 5 birds, 2 replacements/year. Native to NJ year-round (very common, diverse habitats).

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Must possess only ONE kestrel OR red-tailed hawk (passage only per N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.16). First-year: 1 bird, no replacement. Other apprentices: 1 bird, 1 replacement/year. General: max 2-3 birds, 1-2 replacements/year. Master: max 4-5 birds, 1-2 replacements/year. May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (50 CFR 21.82). Native to NJ year-round (very common, smallest raptor).

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.16). Native to New Jersey year-round (common in woodlands). May take passage or eyas birds (eyasses: April 1-July 15, max 2 per season, max 1 per nest per N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.16). General: max 2-3 birds total. Master: max 4-5 birds total. Popular for bird hunting.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to New Jersey (common migrant, winter visitor). May take passage birds during season (Sept 1-Dec 31). General: max 2-3 birds total. Master: max 4-5 birds total. Smallest accipiter, challenging quarry.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to New Jersey (uncommon breeder in northern forests). May take passage or eyas birds (eyasses: April 1-July 15 per N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.16). General: max 2-3 birds total. Master: max 4-5 birds total. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement. Federal name: American goshawk.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to New Jersey year-round (common in woodlands, eastern NJ). May take passage or eyas birds (eyasses: April 1-July 15). General: max 2-3 birds total. Master: max 4-5 birds total. Mid-Atlantic specialist, year-round resident.

View All 23 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in New Jersey