Falconry License

New Mexico Falconry
License 2026

Complete guide to New Mexico falconry licensing — Apprentice, General, and Master level fees, allowed raptor species, wild take rules, exam requirements, and facility inspection information. New Mexico is prime falconry country with Harris hawks in the Rio Grande valley, prairie falcons on the shortgrass plains, and diverse desert quarry year-round. Wild Harris hawk take is permitted as part of the native range. 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

$20

State license only — federal permit additional

General / Master

$20 / $20

State fees for General / Master levels

Wild Take

Allowed

September – November; Harris hawk take permitted within native range

State License Fees

New Mexico 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	$20.00	1 raptor	Sponsor required (2+ yr General/Master), written exam, facility inspection
General	$20.00	3 raptors	2+ years as licensed Apprentice
Master	$20.00	5 raptors	5+ years as licensed General falconer

Raptor Possession Limits

How Many Raptors Can You Keep in New Mexico?

Apprentice

raptor max

General

raptors max

Master

raptors max

Allowed Raptors

Raptor Species Permitted in New Mexico

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

harris hawk american kestrel red tailed hawk prairie falcon peregrine

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

Wild Raptor Take

Capturing Wild Raptors in New Mexico

Wild Take Permitted in New Mexico

Licensed falconers may capture wild raptors for use in falconry in New Mexico. Season: September – November; Harris hawk take permitted within native range. 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 NMDGF; covers raptor biology, care, equipment, and New Mexico regulations. Minimum 80% passing score.

Facility & Equipment Inspection

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

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 Mexico

130

Estimated Practitioners

New Mexico has approximately 130 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 Mexico Falconry Information

New Mexico is one of only three states (with TX and AZ) where wild Harris hawks occur and may be taken. The Rio Grande bosque and Chihuahuan Desert provide year-round falconry opportunities.

Source: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (www.wildlife.state.nm.us) and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before applying.

New Mexico