Learning Falconry as Your Hobby

Some consider falconry a sport more than a hobby, but this hobby has its uses if you are a hunter of game. People have trained at their hawks to hunt down game it has become an extremely gratifying hobby to many people around the world. To train these hawks can be quite difficult without the proper studies. In fact if you want to become a falconer in the USA you require a license which is not so simple to get. You must find in licensed falconer and apprentice under him or her for two years minimum. Once you've done this you will then be asked to do a written test and have your facilities and equipment inspected.

5 of the most popular birds for falconry are

1. Read-tailed Hawk

2. Peregrine Falcon

3. The Goshawk

4. Prairie Falcon

5. Harris's Hawk

In 1999 the Peregrine Falcons were finally taken off the endangered species list by the efforts of falconers and their proficiency to recognize how to take them off this list and working close with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's were able to bring them from the brink of death and extinction. The peregrine falcons were captive-bred and in 2004 after 30 years the peregrines were finally allowed to be used by falconers.

Falconry dates as far back as 722 BC and is practiced throughout the world in places like Arabia where the falcon is used for hunting and is a very significant part of their heritage. It is reported they spend over $27 million on protecting the wild falcons and every year the they hold a beauty contest for the falcons as well as have the falconry exhibitions.

Some of the equipment used to train the falcons would be the hood which the bird wears it to Keep the falconry in a tranquil state. The hood is one of the most important pieces used with falconry it is hand made and leather. The Falcon needs to be comfortable the with its hood if it doesn't use the hood or rejects it in any way training can be extremely difficult. There are two bells used on its legs attached by small strips called the bewits which are made of leather. They have strips of leather which are often kangaroo leather called jesses tied to both Legs as well as an identity band.

If you are interested in becoming a falconer there are many resources available online. Do a search for falconry and you will be directed to many groups and forums. Falconry as a hobby is a very rewarding experience the dedication and the years spent on training your falcon is totally worth it.