New Mexico Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in New Mexico
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 Mexico Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Game and Fish
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACLicense Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Game and Fish
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: 19.31.11 NMACMew 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 7 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 7, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACMew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACEquipment 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)", "Weathering area equipment"]}
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACHunting License
Obtain New Mexico Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid New Mexico hunting license (required for all falconers)
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", "Harris's Hawk"]}
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACDocumentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: 19.31.11 NMACApprentice-Eligible Species in New Mexico
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in New Mexico. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess ONLY one American kestrel OR red-tailed hawk (19.35.8.14.A NMAC). Passage only (< 1 year old). General: max 3 raptors total, max 2 wild-caught/year. Master: max 5 wild-caught + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild-caught/year. Taking season: April 1-Jan 15. Native year-round, very common, most popular apprentice bird.
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess ONLY one kestrel OR red-tailed hawk (19.35.8.14.A NMAC). May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception (50 CFR 21.82). General: max 3 raptors, max 2 wild-caught/year. Master: max 5 wild-caught + unlimited captive-bred, max 2 wild-caught/year. Taking season: April 1-Jan 15. Native year-round, very common, smallest falcon.