Newsgroups: rec.birds

> / hpdmd48:rec.birds / mcbirch@acs.harding.edu /  4:34 am  Apr  6, 1992 /
> I am new on the group, and was wondering if any one was into falconry.  I
> was hoping you could tell me about it.  I would like to someday own a 
> periguen (<- spelling) falcon, and hunt with it.  Or if you just take care
> of bird of prey i would love to hear about it.
> 
> 					M.C.Birch
> ----------

My wife is a licensed falconer and also does raptor rehabilitation
work.  Her speciality is working with Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles.
I could probably answer some questions you had.

The first thing to realize with any bird of prey is the amount of time
they take.  Don't even think of working with birds until your life is 
settled down (marriage, job, kids etc.)  It takes many hours of working
with the bird to establish the rapport which is necessary.  Even when
the bird is flying, you need to be able to go out 2 or 3 times per week 
for 2 to 3 hours at a time (before dark!) to let the bird fly.  They 
need feeding and attention every day also.

Falconry laws vary by country and state within the United States.  The
laws for Idaho are roughly:

1.  Falconry is allowed.  Established hunting seasons have been 
established (I don't think this is true of all states).

2.  You have to pass a written exam, have your facilities inspected by
the Idaho State Fish and Game, and work with a Master Falconer in order
to get your Apprentice Falconer license and the right to get a bird.
While an Apprentice Falconer, you have to work closely with your
sponsor.  The only allowed birds during this time are the Red-Tailed 
Hawk and the American Kestrel.  This lasts for 2 (I think) years.

3.  You can now apply for a General Falconer license.  At this level 
you can have hawks and falcons.  No endangered species and no Eagles.
No gyrfalcons.  For example, you could have a Prairie Falcon but not
a Peregrine Falcon or Gyrfalcon.  This lasts several years.

4.  You can now apply for a Master Falconer license.  At this level,
you can have an apprentice.  You may have a Gyrfalcon.  You may ask 
for another (special) permit to have a Golden Eagle.  No endangered
species unless they have been captive bred.  A captive bred Peregrine
is the only legal way to have one.

The easiest way to find out if you really want to work with the birds
is to get connected with an established falconer or rehabilitator in
your area and offer to help them out every day.  (You will find that
many falconers are also rehabilitators and vice-versa).  All the birds
my wife has worked with came in as rehab birds.  This lets you see
if you have the time and energy the birds require without committing
yourself.

You may find that some of the falconers are reluctant to let you come
work with them until you talk to them for a while.  They get a lot of
requests from people who think it would be glamorous to have a bird and
don't realize the amount of work.  You have to convince them you are
serious.

I have emphasized the work required so far.  However, there is nothing
like the feeling of having a Golden Eagle look you in the eye.  Also,
there is nothing better than watching a bird you (or your wife) nursed
back to health fly away on its own.

Let me know if you have any questions.  I only check the group every
couple of weeks.

Mike Nickerson
Hewlett-Packard
miken@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com