New Mexico Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
New Mexico regulates falconry through 19.35.8 NMAC. Falconer permits required for residents to practice falconry; nonresidents need valid home state/territory permit or temporary foreign visitor permit. Three permit classes: Apprentice (age 12+, sponsor required), General (age 16+, 2 years apprentice experience), and Master (5 years general experience). Temporary foreign visitor permits for general/master class only with sponsor required. Permits valid up to 5 years expiring March 31. Applicants must pass 80% examination covering biology, care, handling, laws, regulations, disease, and literature. Facilities inspected before permit issuance. Seasons found in Chapter 31 Part 5 and 6; license fees in Chapter 30 Part 1. Raptor-taking permits separate from falconer permits.
Apprentice
Requirements for beginning falconers. Typically includes 2 years of apprenticeship, sponsorship by a general or master falconer, and basic housing standards.
General
Requirements for intermediate falconers. Requires at least 2 years as an apprentice and allows for a wider selection of species and multiple birds.
Master
Requirements for advanced falconers. Requires at least 5 years of experience as a general falconer and allows the maximum number of birds and species.
License Information
New Mexico issues three resident permit classes plus temporary foreign visitor permits, all valid up to 5 years expiring March 31, renewable if no state/federal law violations. Apprentice requires age 12+ (parent/guardian consent if under 18), sponsor with NM General permit (2+ years experience) or Master permit until advancing to General, sponsor letter in application, 80% exam passage. General requires age 16+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), 2 years apprentice experience with 4+ months/year maintaining/training/flying/hunting raptors verified by sponsor letter, no falconry school substitution for 2-year apprentice requirement. Master requires 5 years general class experience. Temporary foreign visitor permits (general/master only) require English-language recommendation letters documenting experience/species/years, 80% exam passage, proof of legal temporary US status, NM resident general/master sponsor, sponsor letter confirming raptor housing at sponsor facilities, proof of stay length via passport/immigration documentation. Permanent resident aliens apply for resident permits, not temporary foreign visitor. Permits non-transferrable. Residents must qualify per Chapter 17-3-4 NMSA 1978.
Exam Information
New Mexico requires apprentice and temporary foreign visitor applicants to correctly answer at least 80% of questions on examination covering basic biology, care and handling of raptors, laws and regulations, disease, literature, and other appropriate subject matter. Examination conducted under supervised conditions by Department employee or permitted master falconer representing Department. Ensures adequate knowledge before permit issuance.
Housing Requirements
New Mexico requires facilities to be inspected and approved before permit issuance. Facilities must meet state and Department standards for raptor housing and care. All housing must provide adequate protection, space, and environmental conditions for raptors possessed. Temporary foreign visitors must house raptors at sponsor facilities per sponsor confirmation letter.
Equipment Requirements
New Mexico requires equipment to meet Department standards. Bands are permanent, nonreusable, numbered federal raptor leg bands supplied by Department or USFWS. Microchips are ISO-compliant (134.2 kHz) purchased and supplied by falconer permit holder. All equipment must be appropriate for species possessed and suitable for proper raptor care, handling, and welfare.