Virginia General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Virginia

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": 20.0, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: 4VAC15-270
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 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Citation: 4VAC15-270
General-Eligible Species in Virginia

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

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage only, no nestlings per 50 CFR 21.82). Most apprentices start with red-tailed hawk. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild take/year. Native to VA year-round (very common, diverse habitats, excellent beginner bird).

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor. 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 birds, 2 wild take/year. Native to VA year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird).

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per 50 CFR 21.82. Native to Virginia year-round (common in woodlands, suburban areas). May take passage birds during season (Oct 1-Mar 31). General: max 3 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Popular for bird hunting, requires experienced handler.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Virginia (common migrant, winter visitor). May take passage birds during season (Oct 1-Mar 31). General: max 3 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Smallest accipiter, challenging quarry.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Virginia (uncommon breeder in western mountains, winter visitor). May take passage birds during season (Oct 1-Mar 31). General: max 3 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience requirement. Federal name: American goshawk.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to Virginia year-round (common in woodlands, piedmont and coastal plain). May take passage birds during season (Oct 1-Mar 31). General: max 3 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds total, 2 wild take/year. Mid-Atlantic specialist, year-round resident, distinctive rusty shoulder patches.

View All 27 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Virginia