New Mexico Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

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: 19.31.11 NMAC
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

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

Master-Eligible Species in New Mexico

These species are legal for master 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 32 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in New Mexico