What species of birds may be taken from the wild to use for falconry?
The species you are allowed to take from the wild depend on your classification as a falconer. Apprentice falconers may take red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus), and American kestrels (Falco sparverius). An apprentice in Alaska also may take a northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) for use in falconry. A general class falconer may take other raptors for use in falconry, except a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). A master falconer may take a golden eagle if he or she obtains an eagle falconry permit (see Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 22, Section 24). In some states there may be state or federal restrictions on the take or use of some raptor species, and you may need a state permit or permits to capture them.
