Rhode Island Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

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": 25.0, "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: Rhode Island Gen. Laws 20-1-23
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

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

Master-Eligible Species in Rhode Island

These species are legal for master 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 20 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in Rhode Island