So, You Want To Become a Falconer?

Common questions from those invested in beginning their falconry journey

The ancient art of falconry has captivated the hearts of people since around 2,000 B.C. It has survived thousands of years (and the invention of the rifle) with startlingly little change, and is a positively wonderful way to experience nature at it's finest. But, it isn't for everyone.

Let's go over what falconry is, what it isn't, and what getting started in PA typically looks like.

What is Falconry?

Falconry is, at its heart, a hunting sport - so much so that you actually cannot be issued a falconry license without first obtaining your hunting license. Birds kept on a falconry permit must primarily be used for hunting wild game. There are many "falconry look-alike" activities that involve working with raptors, but are not permitted under a falconry license. Those super-cool raptor shows at Renaissance Faires and the like are often marketed as falconry displays, but in truth have very little in common with falconry and are authorized under a completely different set of permits. The same is true for raptor rehabilitation and raptor propagation (breeding).

When it comes down to it, falconry is hunting. If you aren't comfortable with dispatching small animals like rabbits and sparrows, falconry is not the right raptor activity for you. Finding a nature center or wildlife rehab to volunteer at will be a much better way to get involved with raptors, without having to dispatch prey yourself.

What Do I Need to Apply For a Permit?

In order to obtain a permit, you need to pass a written exam and physical inspection of your facilities. In order to schedule an exam, you need a few things. The easiest thing to get done, is to pass your Hunter Safety Course and obtain your PA hunting license. You will also need a letter from your township stating that there are no ordinances preventing you from housing a raptor. The final - and usually most difficult - step is obtaining a sponsor. While "Sponsor" is the term used in the regulations, a more fitting term would be "mentor." Just as in the days of old when one wanted to take up a trade (blacksmithing, for example), they first had to serve an apprenticeship under an experienced blacksmith, apprentice falconers must have an experienced falconer to mentor them for a minimum of 2 years.

After you have a hunting license, township permission, a letter from your sponsor, and a $25 check, you can schedule your exam, which includes subjects including terminology, training methods, species identification, basic medical knowledge, and laws/regulations. You need a score of 80% or greater to pass the exam; upon passing the exam, you will schedule a time to have a game warden come out to inspect your equipment and facilities.

How Do I Find a Sponsor?

In order to find a sponsor, you first have to find falconers - and much like the birds we work with, we can sometimes be difficult to find out in the wild. The best way to find falconers is to be where falconers are - I highly recommend attending the PA Falconry and Hawk Trust field meets and picnics, as well as meets/picnics from falconry clubs in surrounding states as we falconers will often travel to events across state lines (I myself go to both the PA and NJ meets every year). Sponsors are not assigned - that's a relationship that should be cultivated organically. Keep in mind that it will take time to find a sponsor - it's a huge commitment on their end, and you also should be "interviewing," for lack of a better term, in your search for a sponsor. Once you have a sponsor, you will be expected to follow their instructions on housing, equipment, manning/training, and hunting your bird. There are many different techniques and methods to all of the above, so your sponsor should be someone who uses methods and techniques that you are interested in learning in detail. You'll also be spending a lot of time with this person for a minimum of 2 years, possibly longer - so he/she needs to be someone you "click" with and could see yourself getting along with outside of falconry.

Be prepared to spend at least 2 years in the "pre-apprentice" stage in which you are shadowing various falconers and searching for a sponsor. Since once you are an apprentice, you will have a bird in your care, you should be reading and absorbing as much information from as many falconers as possible while you search for a sponsor. There's a lot to be learned about husbandry, training, and equipment before formally beginning an apprenticeship.

What Equipment Do I Need?

Legally, you need a mews (enclosure), outdoor perch, scale, leash, swivel, jesses, anklets, and bath pan. However, you'll note that a glove, which is perhaps one of the most iconic pieces of falconry equipment, is not on that list... so there's definitely things that you'll need that aren't legally required. In addition to a glove, you will need bells, lure, hoods, whistle, hunting vest/bag, among other things. I actually do not recommend purchasing falconry equipment before you have a sponsor - s/he will very likely have input as to what style of equipment you should purchase/make, so I recommend holding off on buying equipment until you have your sponsor's go-ahead. If you really are hankering to buy something right away to get you started - I recommend starting off with good quality field gear. Invest in good briar pants and/or chaps, boots, coat, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, and beating/flushing stick. These are all things you can use right away while hunting with other falconers. If you must buy something falconry-specific, go ahead and get a quarter hide of high-quality heavyweight kangaroo leather, and maybe a falconry glove.

What Is the Average Startup Cost?

Falconry can easily become a money-pit, as can any other passion you pick up in life, haha. However, you don't necessarily need to be rolling in the dough in order to become a falconer. Including all licenses and fees, the average startup cost is usually around $2000-$3000. You can of course spend more than that, but you may be able to bring that figure down to $1500 if you're handy and can make large price-tag items yourself. Those large items are things like the mews, weathering area, perches, and giant hood that should last for years if well-maintained. I also personally recommend setting aside an additional $500 for veterinary costs, should the need arise.

What Is the Time Commitment Required?

The time commitment required for falconry is much higher than that of caring for the average cat or dog; during the first month of having a bird, you should budget no less than 4-5 hours daily to work with a bird in the house or other area you and your sponsor have designated for training. During hunting season (September through March), you should have 4-5 days (excluding Sunday) where you can spend 1-2 hours hunting your bird in the field. Even though you spend that much time with the bird, it is not like a cat or dog or even a domesticated species of bird that will want to be pet or be affectionate in return for the time you invest into your relationship - these birds return to us and tolerate human presence simply because they have learned survival is easier with us than on their own.

Where Can I Find More Information?

The full PA Falconry laws and regulations are available here. I also have a recommended reading list here.

If you have questions about beginning falconry in Pennsylvania, you can also contact the PA Falconry and Hawk Trust Apprentice Coordinator using the Apprentice Coordinator contact button on their website.