New Jersey Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.
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
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer
Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years
License Fees
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 25.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to Master Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired
Citation: N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.23(d)Documentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in New Jersey
These species are legal for master falconers in New Jersey. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll 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 sparveriusAll 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 cooperiiGeneral 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 striatusGeneral 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 gentilisGeneral 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 lineatusGeneral 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.