Federal Falconry Regulations
The federal framework that makes legal falconry possible. Understanding these rules is essential—they apply to every falconer in the United States.
Federal falconry regulations exist because all native raptors in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of the oldest wildlife protection laws in the country. Without this federal framework, there would be no legal basis for possessing wild raptors for falconry purposes. The regulations represent a carefully negotiated balance between wildlife conservation priorities and the legitimate interests of falconers. Understanding the federal baseline is essential because these rules apply uniformly across all states, forming the foundation upon which every state program is built.
Legal Foundation
Falconry in the U.S. is governed by both federal and state regulations. The federal rules (50 CFR 21.82) set minimum standards; states can be more restrictive but not less. You must comply with both.
Permit Classes
Federal regulations establish three classes of falconry permits, each with increasing privileges and requirements:
Apprentice
Requirements
- At least 14 years old (or state minimum)
- Pass written exam
- Facilities inspection
- Sponsor (General or Master)
Privileges
- May possess 1 wild-caught bird
- Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel only
- Duration: minimum 2 years
General
Requirements
- 2+ years as Apprentice
- Sponsor recommendation
- Updated facilities if needed
Privileges
- May possess up to 3 raptors
- Most native species permitted
- Can breed and sell birds
- Can sponsor Apprentices
Master
Requirements
- 5+ years as General
- 7+ years total experience
Privileges
- May possess up to 5 raptors (some states more)
- Golden Eagle permitted (with additional requirements)
- All legal species
- Can take nestlings (eyasses)
Species Regulations
Not all raptors are equal under federal law:
Apprentice Species
Apprentices are limited to two species:
- Red-tailed Hawk: The recommended choice for most beginners
- American Kestrel: Legal but more challenging
Special Restrictions
- Golden Eagle: Master only, with special federal permit
- Bald Eagle: Not permitted for falconry
- Endangered species: Various restrictions apply
- Non-native species: Different regulations (state dependent)
Capture (Take) Regulations
Federal rules govern how you may legally acquire wild raptors:
- Passage birds: Birds of the year, after they leave the nest
- Trapping season: Varies by state; typically fall-winter
- Eyass take: Master only, with special documentation
- Limit: You can only take birds to fill open slots in your permit
- Reporting: Must report captures within required timeframe
Facility Requirements
Federal minimums that all facilities must meet:
- Indoor facility (mews): Large enough for the bird to fly
- Perch: At least one appropriate perch
- Protection: From weather and predators
- Weathering area: Outdoor access for manning
Note: States often have more specific requirements. Always check your state regulations.
Record Keeping
You must maintain records of:
- Acquisition: How and when you got each bird
- Disposition: What happened to birds that leave your care
- Band numbers: Federal bands and their assignments
- Transfers: Documentation of birds transferred to/from others
Electronic Reporting
Most states now use the federal 3-186A online reporting system. You’ll need to report captures, releases, transfers, and deaths within specified timeframes (typically 10 days). Keep your login credentials safe.
Other Federal Requirements
- Bands: Birds must wear federal bands when required
- Inspections: Facilities subject to inspection
- Transport: Rules for interstate transport
- Rehabilitation: Special permits needed to keep rehab birds
Violations Are Serious
Falconry regulations are federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Violations can result in fines, permit revocation, and even criminal charges. Know the rules, follow them carefully, and when in doubt—ask your state wildlife agency.
Bookmark the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) page for 50 CFR 21.82, as this is the authoritative source for current federal falconry rules and is updated whenever amendments take effect. Familiarize yourself with the 3-186A reporting system early, even before you have a bird, so the process feels routine once you begin practicing falconry. When planning activities like interstate travel with your bird or transferring a raptor to another falconer, always verify the federal requirements first, then check whether your state imposes additional conditions. Keeping a compliance checklist for routine activities helps prevent the kind of unintentional paperwork violations that most commonly cause problems for licensed falconers.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Federal regulations set the floor; states can add requirements
- ✓ Three permit classes: Apprentice → General → Master
- ✓ Species restrictions vary by permit level
- ✓ Record-keeping is mandatory and auditable
- ✓ Your state regulations may be more restrictive—check both
learnLicensing.federalRegulations.practicalStepsTitle
Start by reading 50 CFR 21.29, the section of the Code of Federal Regulations that governs falconry at the federal level. This document establishes the baseline requirements that apply in every state. Pay particular attention to the three license classes and their specific privileges, the species restrictions for each class, and the reporting requirements that all falconers must follow. After reading the federal regulations, obtain your state’s falconry regulations and identify where they add requirements beyond the federal minimum. Create a compliance checklist that covers both federal and state requirements, and review it periodically throughout your falconry career to ensure you remain in full compliance.
learnLicensing.federalRegulations.commonMistakesTitle
The most dangerous regulatory mistake is assuming that federal regulations are the only rules you need to follow. States can and do impose additional restrictions on species, trapping seasons, facility standards, and reporting requirements. Another common error is failing to maintain required records or submit annual reports on time, which can result in license suspension or revocation. Some falconers also misunderstand the transfer regulations that govern moving birds between falconers or across state lines, leading to paperwork violations that, while often unintentional, can have serious consequences for your license status.
learnLicensing.federalRegulations.faqTitle
Federal falconry regulations are established under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, though day-to-day management is delegated to state wildlife agencies. The federal framework creates three permit classes: Apprentice, General, and Master, each with specific privileges regarding the number and species of birds allowed. Federal regulations also establish requirements for facilities, reporting, and the transfer or release of birds. The full text of 50 CFR 21.29 is available free online through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website. Changes to federal falconry regulations require a formal rulemaking process with public comment, so significant changes are infrequent.