The Three License Classes
Falconry licenses in the United States follow a tiered system: Apprentice, General, and Master. Each level reflects experience, grants different privileges, and comes with specific responsibilities.
The three-tier licensing system reflects a philosophy that falconry skills must be earned through direct experience with live raptors, not just academic study. Each license class builds upon the previous one, introducing greater responsibility alongside expanded privileges. This progressive structure has proven effective at maintaining high standards within the falconry community and minimizing harm to wild raptor populations. Understanding where you currently stand in this progression, and what each future level demands, helps you set realistic goals and approach your falconry journey with appropriate patience.
Why a Tiered System?
Falconry involves wild raptors protected under federal law. The tiered licensing system ensures falconers develop skills progressively, with oversight during early years. It protects both the birds and the integrity of the sport.
đ± Apprentice Falconer
The Apprentice class is your entry into falconry. Think of it as a structured learning periodâyouâre not just allowed to practice falconry, youâre required to learn under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Requirements
- Age: Minimum 12 years old (some states require 14+)
- Exam: Pass the state falconry exam (typically 80%+)
- Sponsor: Must have a General or Master falconer as mentor
- Facilities: Mews and weathering area must pass inspection
- Equipment: Basic equipment ready before acquiring a bird
Species Allowed
Apprentices are limited to two species, chosen specifically because theyâre hardy, forgiving of beginner mistakes, and excellent for learning:
Red-tailed Hawk
The classic apprentice bird. Tough, adaptable, hunts a variety of quarry. Most apprentices start here.
American Kestrel
The smallest falcon. Good for those with limited space or interest in smaller quarry (insects, small birds).
Key Restrictions
- Only wild-caught (passage) birds, not captive-bred
- Cannot sponsor other falconers
- Cannot breed raptors
- Must maintain regular contact with sponsor
- Sponsor can be held accountable for apprentice violations
The Purpose of Apprenticeship
Two years might seem long, but thereâs wisdom in it. Youâll experience two trapping seasons, two molts, two hunting seasons. Youâll make mistakes with a forgiving species before handling more challenging birds. Most experienced falconers say they learned more as apprentices than any other time.
⥠General Falconer
After completing your apprenticeship (minimum 2 years with a bird), you can apply for a General license. This is where falconry really opens upâmore species, more birds, and the ability to practice independently.
Requirements to Upgrade
- Time: At least 2 years as an Apprentice
- Experience: Must have possessed a raptor for falconry during apprenticeship
- Sponsor sign-off: Your sponsor must confirm youâre ready
- Application: Submit upgrade request to state agency
Species Allowed
General falconers can fly most raptor species, with a few notable exceptions:
Now Available
Harrisâs Hawk, Cooperâs Hawk, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Gyrfalcon, Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and more.
Still Restricted
Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle (special permits only), and endangered species. Some states have additional restrictions.
New Privileges
- Sponsor apprentices: You can now mentor new falconers
- Captive-bred birds: Can acquire birds from breeders
- Multiple birds: Up to 3 raptors at a time
- Independent practice: No sponsor required
- Take eyas birds: Can take young from nests (where legal)
đ Master Falconer
The Master class represents the highest level of falconry licensing. After at least 5 years as a General falconer (7 years total), you can apply for Master status and gain the full range of falconry privileges.
Requirements to Upgrade
- Time: At least 5 years as a General falconer
- Total experience: 7+ years of active falconry
- Application: Submit upgrade request to state agency
- No additional exam: Experience is the qualifier
Full Privileges
- All native species: Including Golden Eagle (with additional permits)
- Breeding: Can breed raptors and sell offspring
- More birds: Up to 5 raptors (some states allow more)
- Special permits: Eligible for eagle permits, abatement work, education
- Mentorship: Can sponsor multiple apprentices
Golden Eagles
Only Master falconers with at least 5 years at Master level (12+ years total) can apply for a Golden Eagle permit. Even then, approval isnât automaticâyou must demonstrate the facilities, experience, and purpose to safely keep an eagle.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Apprentice | General | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years required | 0 | 2+ | 7+ |
| Max birds | 1 | 3 | 5+ |
| Sponsor required | Yes | No | No |
| Can sponsor others | No | Yes | Yes |
| Captive-bred birds | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can breed raptors | No | No* | Yes |
| Golden Eagle eligible | No | No | Yes** |
* Some states allow General falconers limited breeding. ** Requires additional 5 years at Master level.
Tips for Advancement
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your birds, hunts, and experiences. This helps when applying for upgrades and demonstrates your commitment to the sport.
Stay Active
Time alone doesnât qualify youâyou need to have actively practiced falconry. Years without a bird may not count toward advancement.
Learn From Others
Join your state falconry club, attend meets, and learn from experienced falconers. The knowledge you gain is invaluable.
Donât Rush
Many falconers stay at General level for their entire careers and are perfectly happy. Master is a privilege, not a requirement.
At every license level, maintain meticulous records of your falconry activities, including hunting logs, weight management charts, training notes, and veterinary visits. These records serve multiple purposes: they help you track your own growth as a falconer, provide documentation for license upgrades, and demonstrate responsible practice during any regulatory review. When preparing to advance to the next level, reach out to your state wildlife agency well in advance to understand the upgrade process. Some states require specific documentation or sponsor recommendations, and having everything organized ahead of time makes the transition smoother.
learnLicensing.licenseClasses.practicalStepsTitle
Understand the progression through license classes as a long-term career path in falconry. As an Apprentice, focus on mastering the fundamentals with your one allowed bird, either a Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel. After completing your minimum two-year apprenticeship, apply for General class by demonstrating competency to your state wildlife agency. As a General falconer, take time to explore different species and hunting styles before considering your eventual progression to Master class. Each license advancement represents not just time served but genuine growth in knowledge and capability. Document your experience thoroughly, as some states require evidence of active practice for class advancement.
learnLicensing.licenseClasses.commonMistakesTitle
The most common mistake regarding license classes is treating the apprenticeship as a waiting period to endure rather than a learning opportunity to embrace. Apprentices who focus solely on counting down the days until they can fly more species miss the deep learning that comes from mastering the fundamentals with a single bird. Another error is applying for General class advancement immediately after the minimum two-year period without having genuinely developed the skills that justify the increased responsibility. Some falconers also fail to understand that General and Master class privileges come with proportionally greater responsibilities for bird welfare, regulatory compliance, and community mentorship.
learnLicensing.licenseClasses.faqTitle
The three falconry license classes represent a structured progression from beginner to expert. Apprentice falconers may possess one wild-caught Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel and must have a General or Master class sponsor. After a minimum of two years, Apprentices can apply for General class, which allows up to three birds from a broader species list and removes the sponsor requirement. After five additional years as a General falconer (seven total years), you can apply for Master class, which allows up to five birds, permits keeping eagles, and grants breeding privileges. Each advancement requires demonstrating competency to your state wildlife agency, and the specific requirements for advancement vary by state.