My name is David and I’m looking to start up the sport of falconry. I’ve joined a falconry club and been out a few times with people who have birds. I have about 7 books, which I read all the time and a video. My first bird would probably be a Harris hawk but I don’t think that I’m ready to have this huge commitment yet as I’m only 16. Please could you give me any advice on starting this amazing sport?
If i were you i would keep going out with experienced falconers, work ferrets, beat and do anything you can to help with the days hunting. Ask loads of questions and take their advise as to when they think you,re ready for your own bird. Which club have you joined?
TAKE NOTICE OF WHAT SHAUN IS SAYING, HE GIVES GOOD ADVICE IM 46 Y/OLD AND HAVE JUST GOT MY 1st BIRD AND IT IS VERY WELL GETTING A BIRD BUT HAVING THE TIME TO DO THE JOB RIGHT AND TO BE TRUE TO THE BIRD AND YOURSELF NEEDS A LOT OF DEDICATION
IT IS A BIG COMMITMENT BUT IF YOU DO GET A BIRD IT IS A GREAT FEELING WHEN SHE FLIES FREE FOR THE 1st TIME AS GOOD AS IT GETS ALL THE BEST
Sorry I was a bit late Shaun the club I have joined is the Welsh Hawking Club I’ve only been going about 5 months and I find the people very helpful. Bob what did you do to get to the stage of buying your first bird and if you don’t mind me asking what bird is it?
David, you sound like you're doing the right thing and not rushing in, if you use your head you can have the best of both worlds, keep going out with other falconers and showing commitment, eventually someone may be willing to let you use a spare bird, then after the hunt you can hand it back and let its owner do all the hard bits. This is an ideal way to prepare for your own bird, you learn all the skills required to serve your bird with quarry and the bird gets looked after correctly. Once other falconers are confident that you're ready they will advise you how and where to get your bird. Have you been out hunting or just on experience days?
I’ve been out hunting 3 times with a Harris hawks, Goshawks and red-tailed buzzards which was great experience for me. I helped working the ferrets and sometimes beating cover but that was mainly the dog’s job.
I dont really know what else to tell you, you're obviously getting the right hunting experiance, you need to keep this up and try to get all the info you can on husbandry and handling, weight control etc. Believe me, its not as easy to do it correctly as some might try and tell you.
Just to give you an idea I've got a young lad (15) doing a course with me at the moment, he's been 8 times so far, once a week for eight hours at a time. He's now able to handle birds safely and take them out in the field, make in etc. but I would'nt think he'll be ready for a young, untrained bird of his own for at least another 6 months.
