Getting Started

How to become a Falconer

Study and Research

Begin by learning about falconry through books, websites, and connecting with experienced falconers. Joining a falconer on a hunt will help you decide if the sport is for you.

Find a Sponsor

Locate an experienced falconer willing to serve as your sponsor and mentor throughout your apprenticeship. This relationship is crucial to your success.

Pass the Exam

Study for and pass the state falconry examination, which tests your knowledge of raptor biology, care, training, and regulations.

Prepare Facilities & Equipment

Build appropriate housing (mews / weathering area) and equipment for your bird, which must pass inspection by wildlife officials.

The journey to becoming a falconer requires patience and dedication, but offers unparalleled rewards for those committed to the sport.

The Falconer's Journey

Apprentice (2+ years)

Work closely with a sponsor, learning basic husbandry, training techniques, and hunting methods. Limited to keeping certain species of hawks.

General (5+ years)

Gain independence and expand your knowledge. Allowed to keep a wider variety of birds and may sponsor apprentices with sufficient experience.

Master

The highest level of falconry. Masters can possess more birds and have access to the full range of species permitted for falconry use.

The apprenticeship system ensures that falconers develop the necessary skills and knowledge gradually, under proper guidance. This traditional approach to learning has preserved the art of falconry for centuries and maintains high standards within the community.

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 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/

Google Sites

Report abuse