Falconry License

New Hampshire Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to New Hampshire falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. New Hampshire has a small falconry community. The state's forests and agricultural valleys provide hunting for accipiters and buteos on grouse, woodcock, and cottontails. 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

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in New Hampshire

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

american kestrel red tailed hawk coopers hawk peregrine

Species list may change — verify current authorized species with New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before acquiring any raptor.

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in New Hampshire

Wild Take Permitted in New Hampshire

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in New Hampshire. 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 covering raptor biology, care, equipment, and New Hampshire regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 New Hampshire

Estimated Practitioners

New Hampshire has approximately 25 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 New Hampshire Falconry Information

New Hampshire's Pack Monadnock and Mount Wachusett area ridge systems see productive raptor migration in autumn. Most practitioners are members of the New England Falconers association.

Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (www.wildlife.nh.gov) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

New Hampshire