Based on the recommendation on the Georgia Falconry Association‘s website, I have begun my falconry education by purchasing The Apprentice Study Guide and the Apprentice Manual by the California Hawking Club.

The following are my study notes: 

Introduction

History/Facts

• Falconry began as early as 2,000 B.C
• Historically, the U.S. has followed Great Britain relative to the sport.
• British falconers start with a purchased captive-bred peregrine or Harris’ hawk.
• In the 1920s, the Peregrine was exterminated in the British Isles
• In the U.S., start with wild-trapped Red-tailed hawk (Q: does this vary by state?)
• Falconry has been in the U.S. for 50 years
• Increase of awareness resulted in increase of Peregrines in California

Effect of falconry on population

• 75% of hawks/falcons die before adulthood. In some species, 9 out of 10 will die before adulthood.
• Falconers take immature birds which as zero impact on the wild population and and actually results in an increase in overall population.
• U.S. federal government reported that falconry birds have less than half the mortality rate of wild birds
• Falconry birds have a better chance of survival because they live through their first year and have become proficient hunters.

Being a falconer requires:

• Quality
• Daily time commitment
• Training
• Feeding
• Veterinary
• Hunting fields
• Mews

Chronology

Must be 14+ yrs old. 14-18 requires a guardian’s signature

Forms & regulations

• Falconry exam is federal & state
• Must get 80% correct
• Notify DNR (or other related to your state) when ready to take the exam

The test will include

• Raptor biology
• Care & handling
• Diseases – prevention & treatment
• Laws and regulations
• True/False & multiple choice questions
• If you fail? Wait 90 days and then re-take the test
• Will require a sponsor

• Pass the exam