Rhode Island General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.

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": 25.0, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23
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 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Citation: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23
General-Eligible Species in Rhode Island

These species are legal for general falconers in Rhode Island. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

General and Master falconers only. NOT ALLOWED FOR APPRENTICES in Rhode Island (unique state restriction per 250-RICR-60-00-7). May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (50 CFR 21.82). Native to RI year-round (common, smallest raptor). General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to RI year-round (common in woodlands, recovering population). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) for wild take. General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year. Popular for experienced falconers, excellent bird hunter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to RI (year-round resident/migrant). Must be passage bird (under 1 year) for wild take. General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year. Smallest accipiter.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to RI (rare in northern forests). Federal name: American goshawk. Must be passage bird (under 1 year) or captive-bred. General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to RI year-round (common in wooded areas near water). New England coastal specialist. Must be passage bird for wild take. General: max 3 birds, up to 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, up to 2 wild/year.

View All 17 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Rhode Island