Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: I am very interested in falconry, what should I do now?
A: There are three main recommendations for anyone interest in becoming a falconer. 1) Read as much as you can. There are recommended readings posted on the MFA website (books and periodicals). This helps to give baseline knowledge about falconry and the raptors used. Some websites are good, but many of the falconry books (old and modern) are very informative. 2) Join the MFA. Falconry is one of the few remaining sports that require direct human contact/conversation. The best way to meet other falconers, learn more, and potentially find a willing sponsor is by joining the MFA. 3) Attend MFA events. Falconers will be much more inclined to answer questions, offer their help, or willing to sponsor when someone shows genuine interest by attending the various MFA events.
Q: Do you have to be a member or falconer to attend MFA events?
A: Non-members are welcome to attend any MFA event (regular meeting, field meet, game dinner), we just ask that you contact the MFA through this website or contact an officer prior to attending.
Q: How do I get in contact with a falconer near me?
A: Most falconers are willing to have a non-falconer join them when flying their raptor or willing to show their falconry facilities, but it is highly recommended to join the MFA or attend several events first and get to know members. Falconers will be more comfortable when they have seen an honest effort from an interested person. Membership lists are regularly sent out to MFA members which includes contact information.
Q: How do I find a sponsor?
A: It can be fairly easy to find a willing sponsor for a pre-apprentice (person interested in falconry) as long as they have shown a genuine commitment to the sport and raptors. Sponsors have a large responsibility when taking on an apprentice and do not take this lightly. Because of this, most falconers want to confirm that a person has the commitment, passion, knowledge, and time to train a wild raptor. The best way to meet willing sponsors is by joining the MFA and attending MFA events. This will expose the pre-apprentice to other falconers that they can get to know before asking about sponsorship.
Q: Can a falconer come speak/demonstrate for our group?
A: This is very dependent on the situation. Many falconers are willing to speak with groups about falconry and/or raptors but their willingness depends on location of the venue and time of day/year. Most falconers do not handle their falconry birds during the molt (~March-September) and so it can be difficult to bring along a raptor when presenting. Even if the presentation is during the time when a falconer is working with their bird, demonstrations are not always possible. Some birds may not tolerate groups of people, or the flight style/training may not be conducive for a demonstration. The best way to inquire is through the MFA website. We usually do our best to accommodate within reason.
Q: I/We are having troubles with a nuisance pest; can a falconer come fly their hawk/falcon to get rid of them?
A: Falconers are not allowed to use wild trapped raptors for hired services or a source of income. A separate permit is needed to use captive raised raptors for abatement services. However, depending on the location and set up a falconer may be interested in using their raptor to pursue the quarry during the falconry hunting season. Details can be provided to the MFA through the contact page on the website and a local falconer will be notified if the set up seems reasonable. The MFA can also provide the information to known abatement services that use trained raptors.
Q: I am very interested in falconry, what should I do now?
A: There are three main recommendations for anyone interest in becoming a falconer. 1) Read as much as you can. There are recommended readings posted on the MFA website (books and periodicals). This helps to give baseline knowledge about falconry and the raptors used. Some websites are good, but many of the falconry books (old and modern) are very informative. 2) Join the MFA. Falconry is one of the few remaining sports that require direct human contact/conversation. The best way to meet other falconers, learn more, and potentially find a willing sponsor is by joining the MFA. 3) Attend MFA events. Falconers will be much more inclined to answer questions, offer their help, or willing to sponsor when someone shows genuine interest by attending the various MFA events.
Q: Do you have to be a member or falconer to attend MFA events?
A: Non-members are welcome to attend any MFA event (regular meeting, field meet, game dinner), we just ask that you contact the MFA through this website or contact an officer prior to attending.
Q: How do I get in contact with a falconer near me?
A: Most falconers are willing to have a non-falconer join them when flying their raptor or willing to show their falconry facilities, but it is highly recommended to join the MFA or attend several events first and get to know members. Falconers will be more comfortable when they have seen an honest effort from an interested person. Membership lists are regularly sent out to MFA members which includes contact information.
Q: How do I find a sponsor?
A: It can be fairly easy to find a willing sponsor for a pre-apprentice (person interested in falconry) as long as they have shown a genuine commitment to the sport and raptors. Sponsors have a large responsibility when taking on an apprentice and do not take this lightly. Because of this, most falconers want to confirm that a person has the commitment, passion, knowledge, and time to train a wild raptor. The best way to meet willing sponsors is by joining the MFA and attending MFA events. This will expose the pre-apprentice to other falconers that they can get to know before asking about sponsorship.
Q: Can a falconer come speak/demonstrate for our group?
A: This is very dependent on the situation. Many falconers are willing to speak with groups about falconry and/or raptors but their willingness depends on location of the venue and time of day/year. Most falconers do not handle their falconry birds during the molt (~March-September) and so it can be difficult to bring along a raptor when presenting. Even if the presentation is during the time when a falconer is working with their bird, demonstrations are not always possible. Some birds may not tolerate groups of people, or the flight style/training may not be conducive for a demonstration. The best way to inquire is through the MFA website. We usually do our best to accommodate within reason.
Q: I/We are having troubles with a nuisance pest; can a falconer come fly their hawk/falcon to get rid of them?
A: Falconers are not allowed to use wild trapped raptors for hired services or a source of income. A separate permit is needed to use captive raised raptors for abatement services. However, depending on the location and set up a falconer may be interested in using their raptor to pursue the quarry during the falconry hunting season. Details can be provided to the MFA through the contact page on the website and a local falconer will be notified if the set up seems reasonable. The MFA can also provide the information to known abatement services that use trained raptors.
Photo credit: Marshall Radio Telemetry