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Falconry, the Sport of Kings
This is just a simple thread to introduce any that may be interested in falconry.
Falconry is currently the most regulated sport in America.
To start it has both Federal and State requirements that must be met. Although in 2010 the Fed has delegated almost everything down to the State to handle and are just a ghost compared to their involvement prior to 2010.
There are three levels of falconry: Apprentice, General, and Master.
Each level has its own requirements, and most states charge more for your license the higher you go. (Politicians UGG)
To become an apprentice there are two HUGE steps that you must complete: find a sponsor (general falconer or master falconer) willing to sign off on your paperwork and be your mentor for 2 years. Second, pass the federal and state exam (did I say it was the most regulated sport yet? lol)
Once this is done you must build your mews (your bird house), although the newest regs do allow you to keep your bird in your house/apartment, there are still requirements that the room must meet.
Next buy all your equipment: bells, kangaroo leather (for your jesses, and anklets), a leash (synthetic preferred), a perch (round or bow perch for hawks, falcon perch for falcons), scales, gauntlet (falconry glove), bath, a hood is optional (but your sponsor may demand it). I think I listed all the equipment, well, once you have it all you contact your state's wildlife department, falconry section and ask for an inspection. They will send out a game warden usually within a week to inspect your set up and equipment. Once the Game Warden passes you he will forward his report back to the wildlife department and you will be issued an APPRENTICE FALCONRY PERMIT.
And you are ready to go. The new regs make being an apprentice SO much easier than before, as apprentice now can have almost any species of birds for their first bird, and to add to the ease, they no longer have to trap their own bird but can actually buy their first bird now.
Well, this was just a small taste in the process and what you have to do to become a falconer. If you are serious about it, your state's wildlife department will have your state's specific requirements (almost always can be found online). Some states maintain a list of falconers willing to help and be your sponsor (I know Maryland and California does-or did) but some states wont release any information (such as Texas).
Currently the California Apprentice Guide (purchase online) is the most thorough study guide. But there are a few online ones that are free that help as well.
Falconry is currently the most regulated sport in America.
To start it has both Federal and State requirements that must be met. Although in 2010 the Fed has delegated almost everything down to the State to handle and are just a ghost compared to their involvement prior to 2010.
There are three levels of falconry: Apprentice, General, and Master.
Each level has its own requirements, and most states charge more for your license the higher you go. (Politicians UGG)
To become an apprentice there are two HUGE steps that you must complete: find a sponsor (general falconer or master falconer) willing to sign off on your paperwork and be your mentor for 2 years. Second, pass the federal and state exam (did I say it was the most regulated sport yet? lol)
Once this is done you must build your mews (your bird house), although the newest regs do allow you to keep your bird in your house/apartment, there are still requirements that the room must meet.
Next buy all your equipment: bells, kangaroo leather (for your jesses, and anklets), a leash (synthetic preferred), a perch (round or bow perch for hawks, falcon perch for falcons), scales, gauntlet (falconry glove), bath, a hood is optional (but your sponsor may demand it). I think I listed all the equipment, well, once you have it all you contact your state's wildlife department, falconry section and ask for an inspection. They will send out a game warden usually within a week to inspect your set up and equipment. Once the Game Warden passes you he will forward his report back to the wildlife department and you will be issued an APPRENTICE FALCONRY PERMIT.
And you are ready to go. The new regs make being an apprentice SO much easier than before, as apprentice now can have almost any species of birds for their first bird, and to add to the ease, they no longer have to trap their own bird but can actually buy their first bird now.
Well, this was just a small taste in the process and what you have to do to become a falconer. If you are serious about it, your state's wildlife department will have your state's specific requirements (almost always can be found online). Some states maintain a list of falconers willing to help and be your sponsor (I know Maryland and California does-or did) but some states wont release any information (such as Texas).
Currently the California Apprentice Guide (purchase online) is the most thorough study guide. But there are a few online ones that are free that help as well.
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