New Mexico falconry license

First-year fees

Ask the agency — $10 exam fee is set in rule (19.35.8.9 NMAC); the license fee itself is set in the department's license-fee rule

Confirm the current falconry license fee with NMDGF/NMDOW before applying.

Exam & minimum age

Exam: 80% to pass. State falconry exam (≥80%) required for apprentice and temporary foreign visitor permits; failed candidates wait three months to retake. A $10 nonrefundable exam fee is due before the sitting.

Minimum age: 12 — Apprentice applicants must be at least 12; under 18 needs written parent/guardian consent (19.35.8.9 NMAC).

Classes: Apprentice → General → Master

Birds by class & trapping

Apprentice: one American kestrel or one red-tailed hawk, sponsored by a NM General (2+ years) or Master. General (16+): up to three raptors. Master: up to five wild-caught plus unlimited captive-bred raptors, with eagle species limited to three total and only by written request. A resident General/Master may sponsor up to two/three apprentices.

Eyass and passage raptors may be taken April 1 – January 15 by General and Master permittees only; no more than two wild raptors per calendar year; birds over one year are limited to American kestrels and great horned owls. Nonreusable bands are required on goshawks, gyrfalcons, Harris's hawks and peregrines; hybrids must carry two transmitters when flown.

Notes from the official sources

Permits run up to five years and expire March 31. Residents only; nonresident visiting falconers get reciprocity. Pre-license facilities and equipment inspection is required (Aylmeri jesses, leash and swivel, bath pan, weathering perch, scale).