South Carolina Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master falconer in South Carolina
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
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer
Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years
License Fees
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.0, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to Master Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired
Citation: SC Code Regs. 123-150Documentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in South Carolina
These species are legal for master falconers in South Carolina. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage or captive-bred, NO nestlings per SC regs). Most apprentices start with red-tailed hawk. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, 2 wild take/year. Native to SC year-round (very common, diverse habitats, excellent beginner bird). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (passage birds).
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage or captive-bred, NO nestlings). May be taken at ANY AGE per federal exception for kestrels (50 CFR 21.82). General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred, 2 wild take/year. Native to SC year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (any age).
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per federal 50 CFR 21.82 (not SC restriction). Native to South Carolina year-round (common in woodlands, suburban areas). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (passage birds). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred. Popular for bird hunting, requires experienced handler.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per federal regs. Native to South Carolina year-round (common in forests). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (passage birds). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred. Smallest accipiter, challenging quarry.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per federal regs. Native to South Carolina (rare, possibly nesting in mountains). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (passage birds). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement. Federal name: American goshawk.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per federal regs. Native to South Carolina year-round (very common in woodlands, wetlands). Wild take season: Aug 1 - Jan 31 (passage birds). General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + unlimited captive-bred. Southeastern specialist, year-round resident, distinctive rusty shoulder patches and barred breast.