Advice on how to take up falconry

Falconry - How to get started

"How to start off in falconry? Put simply there's a right way and there's a wrong way. Well, there are lots of wrong ways in fact!"

The aim of all Clubs, responsible falconers and authors of falconry manuals is to ensure that anyone wishing to take up this most noble and ancient of hunting sports does so in a way that avoids as many of the pitfalls as possible. This remains a core objective of the South East Falconry Group. The following principles are, from our experience, steps towards the right way.

Research the subject thoroughly before you start

You'll need to appreciate the time, space and commitment falconry demands

You'll need to understand the every day language, terms and practices used

You' ll need to understand the birds used, their requirements and match them to your own circumstances & experience

Identify and enlist support before you start. You can get by on your own but you'll make mistakes and these mistakes may be fatal as far as your hawk/falcon is concerned. So unless you have no means of communication there's no excuse for not making contact with another falconer or a falconry club

Falconry is a hunting sport so make sure you get out and gain some first-hand experience seeing birds handled, slipped and retrieved in the hunting field

Seek an apprenticeship with a local falconer or attend one of the many residential falconry courses

Preparation is essential

Select the type of hawk you intend to purchase making sure you have suitable land on which to train and hunt your bird

Obtain the appropriate falconry equipment and hawk furniture

Prepare your mews

Identify a reputable breeder using recommendations where possible

Check your state of preparedness with your mentor / club

Order you hawk

Final thoughts

Always put the welfare of your bird above every other consideration

Don't be afraid to seek help. Even the most experience falconer doesn't know everything

There are no excuses. Modern treaties on falconry abound (E, Ford, J. Perry-Jones), practical courses are offered by most falconry centres (The Hawk Conservancy, Eagle Heights)

Falconry is nothing if not pluralistic. If you seek advice, seek opinions from as many people as you can and form your own opinion from the majority

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Material Copyright © 1998 The South East Falconry Group