West Virginia General Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a general falconer in West 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
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice
Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision
License Fees
Pay General License Upgrade Fee
Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 15.0, "currency": "USD"}}
Mew Construction
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)
Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Documentation
Submit Sponsor Certification
Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements
Continue Annual Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Citation: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73General-Eligible Species in West Virginia
These species are legal for general falconers in West Virginia. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage only per 58-65-11). 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 WV year-round (very common, diverse habitats, excellent beginner bird). Wild-capturable in WV during passage season (Sept 1-Jan 31).
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE raptor (passage only per 58-65-11). May be taken at ANY AGE per 58-65-11 exception for kestrels. General: max 3 birds, 2 wild take/year. Master: max 5 birds, 2 wild take/year. Native to WV year-round (very common, smallest falcon, excellent beginner bird). Wild-capturable in WV at any age.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperiiGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices per 50 CFR 21.82. Native to WV year-round (common in woodlands, suburban areas). Wild-capturable in WV during season (passage Sept 1-Jan 31, eyass May 1-July 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 striatusGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to WV (common migrant, winter visitor). PASSAGE ONLY per 58-65-11 (eyass take prohibited in WV, passage Sept 1-Jan 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 gentilisGeneral and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to WV (uncommon, western mountains in winter). WILD TAKE PROHIBITED IN WV per 58-65-11. Captive-bred or legally acquired from other states only. General: max 3 birds total. Master: max 5 birds total. 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. Native to WV year-round (common in woodlands, piedmont areas, Appalachian specialist). Wild-capturable in WV during season (passage Sept 1-Jan 31, eyass May 1-July 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.