Visitor's Online: 1

This section is created so you can have question and answers to some common queries about falconry and apprenticeships.

So you want to be a falconer? Well the first thing you have to ask yourself is are you ready to change your life style? Falconry is an art and a sport. It requires infinite hours, commitment, financial stability, finesse, subtlety, skill and patience.

Falconry is not a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. As a falconer you must devote time to your bird(s) each and every day. Many times it means special considerations and arrangements for things such as travel, daily activities, even family vacations.

Falconry is not suitable for everyone. Many people are exposed to falconry in a glamorized setting such as a movie, TV show, or magazine article. rarely do these show the countless hours you spend training, hunting, or providing for well being of the raptor. These are not simply something you can put into a pen and forget about till next weekend when you want to go hunting again. Most falconers fly there birds daily during the hunting season. Thus you will have to plan everything else around daily hunting. Unfortunately this is the good side. The other side is Animal-rights activists and some environmentalists condemn falconry as "inhumane" and "morally wrong". Even some other hunters condemn falconers, claiming we interfere with "their" hunting or "their" game populations.

A hopeful falconer should begin with knowledge. The beginner should first be consumed with reading all that's available on raptors and falconry. This should include raptor species, species characteristics, nutrition, diseases- ailments and their treatments, prey habitat, prey characteristics, proper husbandry and as importantly the legal requirements. They can also at the same time contact and speak with other falconers and ask to accompany them both in training and hunting. This may be the best way to guarantee falconry is "right" for you.

If you have any questions you can contact the Apprentice Coordinator

Apprentice Workshops
The list below gives you the area an apprentice workshop will be held.

Central:
Contact Person for the workshops.

Eastern:
Contact Person for the workshops.
**Aug. 2, 2008, Pinch Pond Campground, Manheim, Lancaster County. This workshop will be held in conjunction with the annual PFHT Picnic. Contact Jack Hubley for more information: 717-627-2605.

Western:
Contact Person for the workshops.