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Getting Started in Falconry
Getting Started in Falconry
Is falconry for you? If you’re interested in getting into the sport of falconry the first step is to meet a falconer and go watch them hunt their bird. Falconry isn’t necessarily what you imagine it is or what you see on the internet. It’s not just having a pet falcon, there is a lot of work involved and keep in mind that it’s a hunting sport. If you’re not interested in hunting then falconry may not be for you.
A good way to meet local falconers is through online falconry forums and Facebook groups.
There are many Facebook groups for falconry, one I recommend for those in Florida is the “Florida Gamehawkers” group. You’ll likely find local falconers and answers to some of your questions. (And don’t go online posting for a “sponsor”, most will not agree to sponsor someone they haven’t met.)
The steps involved in getting into the sport. Be patient, this is a long process, it takes most people about a year to get their first bird.
Find a local falconer and go see what the sport is all about. You don’t want to invest a lot of time and money only to find that falconry isn’t for you.
Begin the learning process, you have a lot to learn, there are numerous books on the sport and a few websites where you can start learning about the sport and the birds we use. www.themodernapprentice.com is a good place to start.
Pass the Florida Wildlife Commission’s falconry exam (some potential sponsors won’t agree to sponsor someone who hasn’t passed the test)
Start obtaining the necessary equipment (Perches, gloves, leather, leashes, hoods, jesses, traps, swivels, bath pans, etc.)
Build a place to keep your bird. In Florida, most falconers don’t have an actual “mews”, most just have a weathering area to keep the bird but a lot of this is personal preference and you should seek advice from your sponsor or experienced falconers.
Once you pass the test, have your equipment and facility inspected by FWC and have a sponsor you’ll then receive a falconry permit and you’ll be ready to trap your first bird.
The Florida Wildlife Commission has a webpage on Falconry including a reading list, equipment list and application for the permit https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/falconry/
Falconry books and equipment can be purchased from one of several online falconry suppliers.
Mike’s Falconry – https://www.mikesfalconry.com/
Western Sporting Publications – https://www.westernsporting.com/
Northwoods Falconry – https://northwoodsfalconry.com/
Mike Dupuy Hawk Food – https://mikedupuyhawkfood.com/
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