Basic Falconry #1: Levels

One of the basic concepts of falconry that everyone should know is about levels/ ranks. Apprentice is the first level, and each rank gives you new freedom and the opportunity to fly different birds. As an apprentice you are only permitted to catch and fly a passage (a raptor in its first migration) Red-Tailed Hawk or an American kestrel. After (a bare minimum) of 2 years of flying either of these birds you have the opportunity to become a General, they must be 18 years old to become a General, the sponsor writes in to the State to confirm that the apprentice’s abilities are General worthy. As a General falconer, they are able to hunt with the following birds: Merlins, European Kestrel, Alpomado Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Saker Falcon, Gyrfalcon, Lanner Falcon, Harris’ Hawks, Great Horned Owl, Osprey, Sharp-Skinned Hawk, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Coopers’ Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk. These birds are not legal in all states and the are restrictions on which (age-wise) hawks you can take. Again this is all depended on the states laws. Also as a General, they are permitted to have two birds where the Apprentice can only have one. Lastly the highest rank of falconry is a Master Falconer. To become a Master falconer, they must have 7 years of experience in all, and 5 years at General level. As a Master they may fly Goshawks (one of the largest birds of prey) and Golden Eagles. Also as a Master they are expected to take on a Apprentice (this is called sponsership...)