Washington General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in Washington

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": 20.00, "currency": "USD"}}

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: WAC 232-12-278
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 Washington DFW

Citation: WAC 232-12-278
General-Eligible Species in Washington

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

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-070(7). General: max 3 birds total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-060(6). Master: max 5 wild-caught, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-050(5). Native to WA year-round (very common, excellent beginner bird). Mentioned as large raptor for eagle permit experience (220-420-050(9)(a)).

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird total, CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-070(7). General/Master: CAN TAKE FROM WILD YEAR-ROUND AT ANY AGE per 220-420-060(4) and 220-420-050(3). Federal exception allows any age take for kestrels. Native to WA year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird). Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (220-420-230(6)).

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

General and Master falconers only. APPRENTICE CAN POSSESS if captive-bred/transferred (220-420-070(8)) but CANNOT take from wild. General/Master: CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-060(6) and 220-420-050(5). Native to WA year-round (common in suburbs/woodlands). Popular for bird hunting. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (220-420-230(6)). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

General and Master falconers only. APPRENTICE CAN POSSESS if captive-bred/transferred (220-420-070(8)) but CANNOT take from wild. General/Master: CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-060(6) and 220-420-050(5). Native to WA (migrant, winter visitor). Smallest accipiter. Can be transferred to propagation after 1 year (220-420-230(6)). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year.

Great Gray Owl
Strix nebulosa

All experience levels. APPRENTICE: Max 1 bird, captive-bred or transferred only per 220-420-070(8), 220-420-060(7). NOT on wild-take list for any level. Native to WA (rare in mountain forests, irruptive). Large gray owl, boreal specialist, variable winter numbers. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 wild birds + captive-bred. No wild take allowed in WA.

Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

General and Master falconers only. APPRENTICE CAN POSSESS if captive-bred/transferred (220-420-070(8)) but CANNOT take from wild. General/Master: CAN TAKE FROM WILD per 220-420-060(6) and 220-420-050(5). MUST BE BANDED OR MICROCHIPPED per 220-420-210(1). Native to WA (year-round in mountains/forests). Large raptor qualifying for eagle permit experience (220-420-050(9)(a)). NONRESIDENT: Premium capture permit required (220-420-110(4)). General: max 3 birds, max 2 wild/year. Master: max 5 wild birds, max 2 wild/year. Federal name: American goshawk.

View All 24 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Washington