How to Get Started with Falconry: A Beginner’s Guide

Falconry, the ancient art of training birds of prey to hunt in cooperation with humans, is a fascinating and rewarding pursuit. It combines knowledge of raptors, patience, skill, and a deep connection with nature. If you’re interested in taking up falconry but don’t know where to start, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the essential steps to embark on your falconry journey.

What is Falconry?

Falconry involves the training and use of birds of prey—such as falcons, hawks, and eagles—to hunt wild quarry in its natural habitat. This practice dates back thousands of years across many cultures and remains popular worldwide today.

Unlike casual birdwatching or falcon photography, falconry is a hands-on sport requiring dedication, responsibility, and a strong ethical commitment to wildlife conservation. When done correctly, it is a sustainable hunting method that fosters respect for nature.

Why Start Falconry?

• Connection with Nature: Falconry offers a unique way to engage with wildlife on an intimate level.
• Conservation Awareness: Many falconers actively participate in raptor conservation efforts.
• Skill Development: You’ll develop patience, observation skills, and a deep understanding of raptor behavior.
• Tradition and Culture: Falconry carries rich cultural heritage and traditions.
• Recreational Hunting: For those interested in hunting ethically using trained raptors.

Is Falconry Right For You?

Before diving in, consider if falconry fits your lifestyle and interests:

• Do you have time for daily bird care and training?
• Are you patient and willing to learn complex skills?
• Can you commit to legal requirements and ethical hunting practices?
• Do you have or can you create an appropriate space for housing a bird of prey?

If yes, falconry can be an incredibly fulfilling hobby.

Legal Requirements: The Foundation of Responsible Falconry

Falconry is heavily regulated worldwide due to the protected status of birds of prey. Before acquiring any bird or equipment:

Research Local Laws

• Investigate your country’s or state’s falconry laws.
• Many places require permits or licenses to practice falconry legally.
• Some species may be restricted or prohibited.

Obtain Necessary Permits

In the United States, for example:

• You typically need to pass a written exam covering raptor biology, care, laws, and equipment.
• A facility inspection ensures proper housing standards.
• You must apprentice under a licensed falconer before owning your own bird (usually 2 years).

Always prioritize legality to protect both yourself and the birds.

Choosing Your Mentor: The Apprenticeship Phase

Falconry is not a solo venture. Beginners typically undergo an apprenticeship under an experienced licensed falconer who guides them through:

• Bird care fundamentals
• Equipment use
• Training techniques
• Hunting methods
• Ethical considerations

Seek out local falconry clubs or associations to find mentors. Building relationships within the community will provide invaluable support and knowledge.

Selecting Your First Bird

As an apprentice, you usually start with certain types of hawks considered suitable for beginners.

Common Beginner Raptors

• Red-tailed Hawk: Hardy, adaptable, excellent hunting skills.
• Cooper’s Hawk: Smaller but agile; requires more skill but can be rewarding.
• Harris’s Hawk: Social birds that often hunt cooperatively; easier temperament.

Avoid starting with falcons or larger eagles until experienced.

Captive-bred vs. Wild-caught

Wild-caught birds require special permits; captive-bred are recommended for beginners due to better health and temperament.

Your mentor will help procure the right bird suited for your experience level.

Essential Equipment for Falconry

Acquiring proper gear is crucial for safety and effectiveness:

• Jess and Leash: Leather straps used to tether the bird safely.
• Glove (Gauntlet): Thick leather glove protects your hand from talons.
• Hood: Covers the bird’s eyes to keep it calm during handling.
• Telemetry System: Radio transmitters help track lost birds during hunts.
• Perch or Mews: Secure housing area for your bird when not hunting.

Invest in quality equipment from reputable suppliers to ensure durability.

Housing Your Raptor: The Mews

A mews is a specialized enclosure designed for keeping your bird safe and healthy when not flying. Key points:

• Must provide protection from weather elements and predators
• Provide adequate space for movement
• Include perches at different heights
• Ensure cleanliness and easy maintenance

Your local laws may specify minimum standards for mews construction.

Daily Care and Feeding

Birds of prey require daily attention:

Diet

Raptors are carnivores that eat fresh whole prey such as quail, mice, or rabbits. Foods should be sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid contamination.

Health Monitoring

Observe behavior daily. Look out for signs of illness such as:

• Lethargy
• Changes in appetite
• Abnormal droppings
• Feather damage

Schedule regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian experienced in raptors.

Hygiene

Clean perches, mews, and equipment regularly to prevent bacterial infections.

Basic Training Techniques

Training your raptor involves building trust and teaching it commands through positive reinforcement.

Steps Include:

1. Manning: The process of getting your bird accustomed to human presence without stress.
2. Creance Training: Using a long line tether (creance) during flight exercises to build recall skills safely.
3. Lure Training: Using a lure (a baited object swung on a line) to encourage flights back towards you.
4. Free Flight: Once confident in recall skills, allowing the bird full flight during hunts.

Training takes time—patience and consistency are key.

Ethical Hunting Practices

Ethics are central to falconry:

• Hunt only legal quarry species within regulated seasons.
• Do not cause unnecessary suffering—ensure quick kills.
• Respect wildlife populations; avoid overharvesting.

Falconers often view their role as stewards rather than exploiters of nature.

Joining the Falconry Community

Falconry is enriched by community engagement:

• Join falconry clubs for support and camaraderie
• Attend workshops, seminars, and meetups
• Share knowledge while respecting local customs
• Participate in conservation initiatives

Networking helps you grow as a responsible falconer.

Common Challenges Beginners Face

Starting falconry involves overcoming hurdles such as:

• Steep learning curve about anatomy, behavior, law
• Time-intensive bird care routines
• Initial financial investment for equipment and permits
• Emotional challenges dealing with setbacks

Perseverance pays off—each challenge is part of the learning process.

Resources for Further Learning

Educate yourself continuously through books, websites, videos:

• The Falconer’s Apprentice by John C. Hauser
• Hawks at Home by Pete Dunne
• North American Falconers Association (NAFA)

Many states have falconry associations that provide mentorship and materials.

Final Thoughts

Falconry is much more than just hunting with birds—it’s an intricate relationship that requires respect, dedication, and responsibility. By following legal guidelines, finding knowledgeable mentors, investing time in training and care, and embracing ethical principles, beginners can embark on a fulfilling journey into this ancient sport.

If you approach falconry with passion and patience, you’ll soon discover the profound joys of working alongside one of nature’s most magnificent hunters—a true partnership forged through trust between human and raptor. Happy hawking!