Complete guide to Michigan falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information.
Michigan has an active falconry community particularly in the Lower Peninsula's agricultural areas. The state's diverse habitats from Great Lakes shorelines to Upper Peninsula wilderness provide varied hunting opportunities. Both state and federal permits are required.
State License Required
Wild Take Permitted
Facility Inspection Required
2026 Falconry License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Apprentice Fee
$15
State license only — federal permit additional
General / Master
$15 / $15
State fees for General / Master levels
Wild Take
Allowed
October – November for passage raptors
State License Fees
Michigan 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
$15.00
1 raptor
Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General
$15.00
3 raptors
2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master
$15.00
5 raptors
5+ years as licensed General falconer
Raptor Possession Limits
How Many Raptors Can You Keep in Michigan?
Apprentice
1
raptor max
General
3
raptors max
Master
5
raptors max
Allowed Raptors
Raptor Species Permitted in Michigan
The following raptor species are authorized for use in falconry in Michigan. Species availability may also be restricted by your permit level.
american kestrel
red tailed hawk
coopers hawk
peregrine
gyrfalcon
Species list may change — verify current authorized species with Michigan Department of Natural Resources before acquiring any raptor.
Wild Raptor Take
Capturing Wild Raptors in Michigan
Wild Take Permitted in Michigan
Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in Michigan.
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. Administered by MDNR; covers raptor biology, equipment, Michigan regulations. Minimum 80% score required.
Facility & Equipment Inspection
Facility (mews) inspection is required before obtaining any raptor in Michigan.
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 Michigan
120
Estimated Practitioners
Michigan has approximately 120 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 Michigan Falconry Information
Michigan's Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is a premier raptor migration site attracting gyrfalcons from the Arctic. The Michigan Falconers Association supports new and experienced falconers statewide.