Rhode Island Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island Falconry Examination administered by the Department of Environmental Management
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23License Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Department of Environmental Management
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 25.0, "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: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Mew 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 8 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 8, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Mew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Equipment 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)", "Perches and swivels"]}
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Hunting License
Obtain Rhode Island Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Rhode Island 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", "Cooper's Hawk"]}
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Documentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23Apprentice-Eligible Species in Rhode Island
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Rhode Island. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: ONLY species allowed for RI apprentices per 250-RICR-60-00-7 (kestrel NOT allowed). Must be wild-caught passage bird (under 1 year). Native to RI year-round (very common, forests and open areas). Apprentice: max 1 bird (RTH only), passage only, up to 2 wild/year (1 replacement). General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year.