The short answer is yes – falconry is legal in Maine after the 2026 regulatory overhaul, but only for individuals who meet the new licensing thresholds, adhere to stricter habitat protections, and complete the updated training curriculum. The 2026 amendments, enacted by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW), tighten permit issuance and impose heavier penalties for violations, reshaping the practice for both seasoned falconers and newcomers.
Overview of the 2026 Regulatory Changes
In 2026 Maine revised its avian wildlife statutes to align with the latest federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act provisions. Key changes include raising the minimum age for a first‑time falconry permit from 12 to 14, requiring a 40‑hour classroom and field training program (up from 30 hours), and expanding the list of protected raptor species. The state also introduced a “conservation zone” map that designates certain public lands where falconry is prohibited to safeguard nesting habitats.
What the Law Means for Falconers
Existing permit holders were grandfathered in, but they must complete a supplemental 8‑hour continuing‑education module by 2028. New applicants must submit a detailed raptor acquisition plan, demonstrating that the birds are sourced from legal channels such as accredited breeding programs. The law also mandates that all equipment, including hoods and jesses, meet MDIFW‑approved specifications to prevent injury.
Compliance Requirements
To stay compliant, falconers must:
- Carry a current federal banding certificate for each bird.
- Log all hunts in the state‑maintained electronic system, recording date, location, species taken, and outcome.
- Observe a minimum 30‑minute “cool‑down” period after each flight before transporting the bird.
Failure to meet any of these obligations can trigger a review and possible suspension of the permit.
Penalties for Non‑Compliance
Violations now carry steeper financial and administrative consequences. A first‑offense illegal take of a protected raptor can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a mandatory revocation of the falconry license for up to two years. Repeated offenses may lead to felony charges under state wildlife law, with penalties including imprisonment.
Can a minor obtain a falconry permit in Maine?
Yes, individuals aged 14 and older may apply, provided they complete the 40‑hour training program and secure a mentor who holds a senior permit.
Are out‑of‑state birds allowed for use in Maine?
Only if the bird is accompanied by a valid federal Banding Certificate and the import complies with both federal and Maine regulations. Unregistered birds are prohibited.
How does the “conservation zone” affect hunting grounds?
Falconers must avoid any public land designated as a conservation zone on the MDIFW map. Violating this restriction is treated as an unlawful take, attracting the full penalty schedule.
What continuing‑education is required for existing permit holders?
A supplemental 8‑hour module covering updated species protection guidelines and equipment standards must be finished by December 2028.
Is there a grace period for birds already in a falconer’s care?
Birds acquired before the 2026 enactment may remain in a falconer’s possession, but they must be banded and logged in the new electronic system within 90 days of the law’s effective date.