How to Become a Falconer: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Ancient Art of Falconry
📚 Table of Contents How to Become a Falconer.
1. What Is Falconry?
2. Legal Requirements and Licensing
3. Falconry Apprenticeship: The First Step
4. Choosing Your Raptor
5. Essential Falconry Equipment
6. Building a Mews and Facilities
7. Daily Care and Training
8. Costs and Time Commitment
9. Ethical and Conservation Considerations
10. Final Thoughts and Resources
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1. What Is Falconry?
Falconry is the ancient practice of hunting wild game using trained birds of prey. With origins dating back over 4,000 years in Mesopotamia and Egypt, falconry has evolved into a regulated sport and lifestyle that blends wildlife management, hunting, and deep human-animal bonds.
Modern falconers work with species like hawks, falcons, and eagles to hunt rabbits, pheasants, and other small game. It’s not a casual hobby — it’s a lifelong commitment to the care, training, and partnership with a raptor.
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2. Legal Requirements and Licensing
Falconry is highly regulated and laws vary by country and region. In the United States, for example:
• You must be at least 12 years old (some states require 16+)
• Pass a written falconry exam (80% minimum score)
• Obtain a state falconry license and a hunting license
• Complete a facility inspection for your bird housing (mews)
• Acquire federal and state permits before obtaining a bird
In the UK and EU, only captive-bred birds are allowed, and birds must be ringed and registered. Always check with your local wildlife agency or falconry association for specific regulations.
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3. Falconry Apprenticeship: The First Step
Most countries require beginners to start as Apprentice Falconers under the guidance of a General or Master Falconer.
🔹 Typical Apprenticeship Requirements:
• Duration: 2 years minimum
• Sponsor: Must be an experienced falconer
• Limit: Usually 1 bird allowed (often a Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel)
• Study: Read at least 2–3 core falconry texts
• Practice: Assist with training, hunting, and care
Apprenticeship is not just about learning techniques — it’s about proving your dedication and building trust within the falconry community.
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4. Choosing Your Raptor
Not all birds of prey are suitable for beginners. Common choices include:
• Red-tailed Hawk: Hardy, forgiving, ideal for apprentices
• American Kestrel: Small, agile, good for learning basics
• Harris’s Hawk: Social, intelligent, often used in team hunts
• Gyrfalcon or Peregrine Falcon: Advanced birds for experienced falconers
Birds must be captive-bred in most regions. Wild capture is often illegal or heavily restricted.
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5. Essential Falconry Equipment
To safely handle and train your bird, you’ll need:
• Falconry glove: Protects your hand from talons
• Jesses and leash: Leather straps for control
• Hood: Covers bird’s eyes to keep it calm
• Lure: Used for recall training
• Perch: Resting spot in mews or outdoors
• Telemetry gear: Track your bird during free flights
• Scales: Monitor bird’s weight for health and training
High-quality gear can cost $500–$2,000+, depending on materials and customization.
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6. Building a Mews and Facilities
Your bird needs a secure, clean, and spacious enclosure:
• Mews: Indoor housing with perch, ventilation, and protection
• Weathering yard: Outdoor area for sun and exercise
• Bath pan: For hydration and cleaning
• Inspection: Must meet legal standards before licensing
Materials range from wood to steel, and costs vary from $500 to $5,000+ depending on size and quality.
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7. Daily Care and Training
Falconry is a daily commitment. Birds require:
• Feeding: Fresh meat (quail, mice, rabbit) based on weight
• Training: Manning, lure work, recall, hunting practice
• Health checks: Monitor eyes, feet, feathers, and weight
• Exercise: Free flights or creance line work
Expect to spend 30 minutes to 2 hours daily, with longer sessions during hunting season.
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8. Costs and Time Commitment
Falconry is not cheap — or easy.
💰 Estimated Costs:
• Licensing and permits: $100–$300
• Equipment: $1,000–$3,000
• Bird: $500–$10,000+
• Food and vet care: $500–$1,500/year
• Mews construction: $500–$5,000+
⏳ Time Commitment:
• Apprenticeship: 2 years minimum
• Daily care: 30–120 minutes
• Hunting season: Full weekends or travel days
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9. Ethical and Conservation Considerations
Falconry is deeply tied to wildlife conservation. Ethical falconers:
• Use captive-bred birds
• Follow strict hunting laws
• Participate in raptor rehabilitation
• Educate the public about birds of prey
• Support sustainable hunting practices
Falconry has helped restore species like the Peregrine Falcon through captive breeding and release programs.
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10. Final Thoughts and Resources
Becoming a falconer is a life-changing journey. It demands patience, discipline, and a deep respect for nature. If you’re ready to commit, start by:
• Contacting your local wildlife agency
• Joining a falconry club or association
• Finding a sponsor
• Studying core texts like The Art of Falconry or A Falconry Manual
🧭 Recommended Resources:
• North American Falconers Association
• Learn Falconry
• Falconry Advice Guides
• Mike’s Falconry Supplies
Falconry FAQ: Additional Questions Answered
❓ Can I practice falconry without hunting?
No. Falconry is legally and traditionally defined as hunting with a trained bird of prey. While some educational or display flying may be permitted under separate licenses, true falconry requires active hunting.
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❓ Are owls used in falconry?
Rarely. Owls are not traditional falconry birds. They lack the hunting drive and trainability of hawks and falcons. Some species like the Eurasian Eagle Owl may be flown for demonstrations, but they are not ideal for hunting.
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❓ Can I keep a bird of prey as a pet?
No. Raptors are wild animals and require specialized care, training, and legal permits.
What is FALCONRY? — Birds List · Falconer Techniques · Equipment
