New Mexico General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.

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": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: 19.31.11 NMAC
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 Mexico Game and Fish

Citation: 19.31.11 NMAC
General-Eligible Species in New Mexico

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

Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Not native to New Mexico (Arctic species). Captive-bred only. Federally legal per 50 CFR 21.82. Largest falcon, Arctic specialist. General: max 3 raptors total. Master: max 5 wild-caught + unlimited captive-bred.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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 sparverius

All 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.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (19.35.8.14.A NMAC). Native to New Mexico year-round (common in woodlands). 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. Popular for bird hunting.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to New Mexico (migrant, winter visitor). 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. Smallest accipiter, challenging quarry.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to New Mexico (uncommon breeder in mountain forests). 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. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.

View All 29 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in New Mexico