West Virginia Master Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.
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: W. Va. Code R. § 58-73Documentation
Document Falconry Experience
Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period
Master-Eligible Species in West Virginia
These species are legal for master 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.