So You Want to be a Falconer

ASK YOURSELF;

Before you start ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will you, can you, commit part of your waking hours to a creature who at the very best of times will merely tolerate your presence and is as affectionate as a stone, and at the worst of times will cause you heartache and puncture wounds? Can you commit to an average of a ½ hour a day, every day and 2 to 4 hours on a hunting day, regardless of school, family, or job - forever?

2. Are you 14 or older?

3. Are you an outdoors person? Do you like animals? Are you a hunter? Will you be able to hunt three to six times a week during the hunting season on the hawk's schedule - not yours? If you've never hunted, can you learn?

4. Will you be able to convince the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and at least one general or master level falconer that you have the drive, the dedication, the motivation, the book knowledge, the facilities and equipment to properly house and care for a Red-tail Hawk or an American Kestrel?

If you can answer yes to ALL of these questions then, and only then should you consider becoming a falconer

Questions courtesy Rick Holderman, CHC Apprentice Contact

From my personal experience I found it impossible to practice the sport while in the last year of High School and while attending college. Various jobs that I have had have made flying a bird daily impractical as well. Lack of transportation, renting a home, lack of suitable flying grounds, high falconer population in your area (field saturation), can all make practicing falconry impossible or very difficult. There are so many things to consider before making the decision to pursue the sport of Falconry.