Falconry is the sport of hunting wild game with a trained raptor (bird of prey). Caring for, training and hunting with a raptor cannot be considered the same as keeping a pet or other domestic animal. This sport is extremely demanding and time consuming. It requires a great deal of knowledge, skill and commitment in order to be successful.
Evolution, through the process of natural selection has resulted in the ability of game species to effectively evade natural predators. This means that hunting with a raptor is extremely challenging and that only a small fraction of the flights are successful at catching game.
In addition to practicing their sport, falconers are dedicated to the conservation of wild raptors. Many take part in bird banding programs and the rehabilitation of injured wild raptors. Condition techniques that are used in falconry have been successfully adapted to recondition rehabilitated raptors prior to their release. Falconers are also involved in public education programs that stress the beneficial role raptors play in the eco system and the need for their continued protection.
For a specific listing of the MHC members'current programs, please visit the Club Projects section.
Falconry is the most highly regulated field sport in the U.S. A comprehensive set of federal and state falconry regulations have been enacted for the protection of the raptors. To practice falconry in Michigan, an individual must hold a federal and a Michigan falconry permit. In addition, a falconer must possess the hunting license appropriate for the game being hunted and observe identical or similar hunting seasons and bag limits that apply to other hunters.
An apprentice falconer may advance to the general class after practicing under a sponsor for two years and may achieve master class after practicing at the general level for 5 years.
Regulations limit the number of raptors that a falconer may possess. An apprentice may have only one bird, a general may have two, and a master falconer may have three.
Falconer use different species of raptors based upon falconry class, desired quarry, local terrain and availability. The most common species used in the U.S. are: red-tailed hawks, kestrels (sparrow hawks), goshawks, coopers hawks, Harris hawks, prairie falcons, gyr falcons, and peregrine falcons. The species available to an apprentice level falconer are limited to a red-tail hawk or kestrel.
Strictly regulated captive breeding has become a significant source of raptors used in falconry. Falconers who pioneered the techniques of captive breeding are largely responsible for the recovery of the wild peregrine falcon population and their down listing as threatened and endangered wildlife.
The small number of falconers, combined with the fact that birds are frequently kept for many years results in an infrequent need to take raptors from the wild.
Biological research indicates that first year mortality rates for wild raptors is between 60 and 90 percent, in sharp contrast with the very low mortality rates for falconry birds.
The indoor enclosure used for housing a raptor is called a mews and the outdoor enclosure is called a weathering pen. Regulations require that both have certain minimum standards that must be met. Equipment including perches, bath pan, leash, swivel, jesses (leather straps) and a reliable scale to weigh the raptor are also required by the regulations. A leather glove and bells are other essential equipment
Many falconers choose to fabricate their own equipment, but there are many companies that sell equipment for falconry. For more of these companies, please visit the Links section.
Training begins with gaining the trust of the bird. During training, the birds learn that the falconer will assist it in hunting and securing food. Care, patience and understanding of raptor behavior and biology is required for success. Only positive reinforcement techniques are used. The falconer and the raptor establish a relationship built upon mutual trust.
The initial phase of training takes approximately a month after which the bird is flown free. Training is never considered complete as the falconer is continually working to improve the teamwork that is required in order to successfully catch game.
A prospective falconer must determine whether they have the time, commitment, knowledge and resources to be successful.
The first step in this process is to learn about the biology of raptors, the sport of falconry and the federal and state regulations.
Books are an essential source of such information. For a suggested list of books to read on falconry and raptors, visit the Recommended Reading List section.
All photos, logos, and text are property of MHC and/or it contributors. Any copying is strictly forbidden without permission of same. Full Legal Disclaimer.
