Falconry is the sport of hunting wildlife by means of a trained raptor. A person may not practice falconry within the state unless they first obtain a falconry permit from the Department of Natural Resources. There are three class levels of falconers in the state of Maryland and each falconer must start at the Apprentice Class level. As certain conditions are met, see specifics below, they may progress to the General Class and eventually to the Master Class.

Apprentice Class

Applicants must be at least 14 years old and must have a sponsor who holds a General or Master Falconry Permit. A Falconry Apprentice Permittee must have a sponsor for a minimum of two years. Also, an Apprentice may not possess more than one raptor (and may only possess the American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, or Red-shouldered Hawk) and may not obtain more than one raptor for replacement during any 12-month period.

General Class

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have at least two years of experience in the practice of falconry at the Apprentice Class level, or its equivalent. A General Class Falconer may not possess more than three raptors and may not obtain more than two raptors for replacement during any 12-month period. A General Permittee may not take, transport, or possess any species listed as threatened or endangered in federal regulations published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Master Class

Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the practice of falconry at the General Class level, or its equivalent. Also, a Master Class Falconer may not possess more than five raptors from the wild and may not obtain more than two raptors for replacement during any 12-month period. A Master Class Falconer may possess any number of captively-produced raptors. A Master Permittee may not take, transport or possess any species listed as threatened or endangered in federal regulations pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 unless authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What the Prospective Falconer Needs to Know

• This is a highly specialized form of hunting and as such, falconers are required to meet all of the requirements for acquiring a valid Maryland Hunting License. Falconers must follow the hunting regulations and season restrictions for small game hunting in Maryland. Please review the license requirements here.
• There are federal laws and state regulations that govern the practice of falconry in the state of Maryland. Take some time to familiarize yourself with Federal regulations 50 CFR 13 - General Permit Procedures & §21.29. As well as Maryland regulation 08.03.09.07.
• There is a testing requirement for any potential falconer. The Maryland Falconry Exam is a supervised examination administered regionally by the Department's Wildlife and Heritage Service. A passing score of 80% or greater is required prior to issuance of an Apprentice Class Falconry permit. This test requirement is not to be taken lightly and it is advised that one thoroughly research basic biology, natural history, care, disease treatments, handling, training & use of raptors, and federal/state laws/regulations governing falconry. If the potential falconer does not pass their initial test, they may retake the test between 30 and 90 days from the date of the first exam. A suggested reading list is provided below and it is encouraged to reach out to potential sponsors, practicing falconers, and the Permits Coordinator for additional resources.

Procedures for Obtaining a Falconry Permit

1. Fill out the Maryland Falconry Application. A $10.00 non-returnable fee, made payable to Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is due with the application for a Falconry Permit and with each subsequent renewal year. If you are applying as an apprentice, you must first locate a licensed falconer who will agree to be your sponsor.
2. Schedule a time to take the Maryland Falconry Exam by contacting the Permits Coordinator. One must be a resident of Maryland to take the exam.
3. Prepare your falconry facility (mews/weathering facility) and allow for the site inspection. Contact the Permits Coordinator to schedule the inspection.

Falconry Resources

• Maryland Sponsor's List
• Suggested Reading List
• Annual Falconry Report Form
• ​​For assistance understanding federal raptor reporting requirements, creating an account, additional copies of the Acquisition and Disposition form reach out to the Permits Coordinator. The USFW Division of Migratory Birds/Falconry 3-186A Database can be found here.
• For any necessary band needs reach out to the Permits Coordinator.
• The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service issue a separate raptor propagation permit for any person who wishes to breed raptors. More information on that permit can be found here.

Request by E-mail:

georgia.johnson@maryland.gov
wildlifepermits.dnr@maryland.gov

Request by Phone:

301-501-0202
410-260-8540

Toll-free in Maryland:
1-877-620-8DNR [8367], Extension 8540

TTY: Maryland Relay via 1-800-735-2258 or 711

Request by Mail:

Wildlife Permit Coordinator
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401

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