Washington Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

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": 20.00, "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: WAC 232-12-278
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

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

Master-Eligible Species in Washington

These species are legal for master 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 28 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in Washington