Falconry License

Massachusetts Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to Massachusetts falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. Massachusetts has a dedicated falconry community. The state's mix of farmland, woodlands, and coastal areas supports diverse quarry populations. Peregrines are well-established. Both state and federal permits are required; state regulations are aligned with federal standards.

State License Required Wild Take Permitted Facility Inspection Required

2026 Falconry License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Apprentice Fee

$28

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$28 / $28

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

October – November for passage raptors

State License Fees

Massachusetts Falconry Fees by Level

State license fees for each falconry level. Note: You must also obtain a federal USFWS falconry permit — the state license does not replace the federal requirement.

Level	State Fee	Max Raptors	Prerequisites
Apprentice	$27.50	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$27.50	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$27.50	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Massachusetts?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in Massachusetts

The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Massachusetts. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.

american kestrel red tailed hawk peregrine coopers hawk

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in Massachusetts

Wild Take Permitted in Massachusetts

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Massachusetts. Season: October – November for passage raptors. Both a state wild take permit and federal authorization are required.

Getting Licensed

Exam & Inspection Requirements

Written Exam Requirements

Written exam required for Apprentice level. MassWildlife administers the exam covering raptor biology, care, regulations, and hunting ethics. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Massachusetts.

Equipment (jesses, hood, perches, etc.) must be inspected before licensing.

Sponsor must have 2+ years of General or Master falconry experience.

Community

Falconry Community in Massachusetts

Estimated Practitioners

Massachusetts has approximately 80 licensed falconers, making it a smaller falconry community with a dedicated group of practitioners. Connecting with local clubs and the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) is recommended for finding a sponsor.

State-Specific Notes

Additional Massachusetts Falconry Information

Massachusetts' hawk watches at Mount Tom and the Quabbin Reservoir area provide excellent migration trapping opportunities. The New England Falconers is a regional organization with MA membership.

Source: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (www.mass.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

Massachusetts