Falconry Permit/License

Falconry is the sport of taking wildlife by means of a trained raptor. A person may not practice falconry within the state unless he first submits to the Department of Natural Resources a completed application form, provided by the Department, and approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, including all information required on the form.

A falconry permit may not be issued until the applicant has answered correctly at least 80 percent of the questions given on a supervised examination, provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and administered regionally by the DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit is required for each person within the State of Maryland to possess a raptor for the purposes of falconry.

If you are interested in becoming a licensed falconer in the State a Maryland, there are three classes of permits for which you may apply: Apprentice Class, General Class, or 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. The sponsor may not have more than three apprentices at any one time. 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 18 years old and have at least two years of experience in the practice of falconry at the Apprentice Class level, or its equivalent. Also, a General Class Falconer may not possess more than two 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 three raptors and may not obtain more than two raptors for replacement during any 12-month period.

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.

Other Requirements

A $5.00 non-returnable fee, made payable to MD DNR, is due with the application for a Falconry Permit and with each subsequent annual report. A $5.00 fee is also charged if the applicant re-takes an examination.

A $100.00 fee, made payable to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, must accompany the Federal Application Form 3-200 (OMB No. 42-R1670).

There are laws and regulations in place that govern facilities and equipment, inventory and marker requirements, transportation and transfers, open season dates for taking raptors from the wild, release of raptors into the the wild, propagation of raptors, annual reporting requirements, and hunting regulations and seasons.

Procedures for Obtaining a Falconry Permit

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Falconry permit is required for a person within the state to possess a raptor for the purposes of falconry. A separate raptor propagation permit is issued by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for any person who wishes to breed raptors.

1. Carefully read all information included in the application packet. Make sure you are familiar with Federal regulations 50 CFR 13 - General Permit Procedures, §21.28 and §21.29 - Falconry Permits and Maryland regulations 08.03.09.07.

2. Fill out the Maryland Falconry Application. If you are applying as an apprentice, you must first locate a licensed falconer who will agree to be your sponsor.

3. Contact the Permits Coordinator, Wildlife Service at 410-260-8546 when you have completed the application and are ready to take the examination. You will be scheduled for a date and time that is convenient to you.

4. On the day of your examination bring a check for $15.00 to cover the cost of the three year falconry permit issued by the State of Maryland. After you have passed the test, a site inspection of your completed mews will occur. When you pass the mews’ inspection your State of Maryland permit will be issued. Then you will complete the Federal application form, attach a copy of your state permit and your check for $100, and send it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as directed on the federal application. When you receive your federal permit call the Permits Coordinator, Wildlife Service (410-260-8546), for your bands and several copies of the Federal Acquisition and Disposition form. This form must be completed as directed each time you acquire, trap or release a raptor, or in the event a bird escapes or dies.

Please refer to the following:

Maryland Falconry Application

Maryland Sponsor's List

Suggested Reading List

COMAR 08.03.09.07

50 CFR Chapter 1 §21.28

50 CFR Chapter 1 §21.29

Federal Fish and Wildlife Service License/Permit Application and Instructions

Request by E-mail:
(include US Mailing Address)
customerservice@dnr.state.md.us

Request by Phone:
(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
MD DNR- Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401