Falconry

[Duffy]

Somewhat inspired by the Red Tail Hawk thread, just for the sake of discussion, has anyone hunted with a falcon (bird of prey, not the bow)? I never have, but I have experienced it, in a way. I was squirrel and rabbit hunting on public land several years ago when a falcon flew fast and low near my position, and landed on a small bunny just about ten yards away. It scared the he// out of me! The hunter came by shortly thereafter to claim the rabbit, and we talked a bit. Never experienced anything like that before or since.

Anyone else?

[countyroad]

Never heard of such a thing. I had to read your post 3 times to make sure I was reading what I thought I was reading. Wow!!!!

[CritterGitter]

There is a sport of falconry and guys own birds(hawks and falcons) and hunt with them but I believe it requires a special license to own the birds. I think this a difficult endeavor to get involved in as I can imagine the level of training it would require. It does sound like a fascinating hobby though. I absolutely love birds of prey, but I don't think I would want to own one. I enjoy them in the wild.

CG

[XX78]

Sounds like a unique experience

[CritterGitter]

Here is a link with some information:

http://www.falconryacademy.com/



CG

[OHBOW76]

Not a cheap sport by any means, requires lots of time.

[10Gauge]

Duf,

I've had similar experiences with hawks while quail hunting in Georgia the last 10 years. Every year I take a trip to Riverview Plantation and hunt quail with 7 other guys who enjoy quail hunting. Almost every year one of us have a mishap with a red tailed hawk. This last hunt I witnessed first hand a quail that was shot and falling from the sky get snatched by a hawk before it hit the ground! These birds of prey routinely pick up wounded and even dead quail before our dogs sometimes. They are amazing birds to watch especially when they are hunting in pairs.

I travel all over the world with my job and have had a chance to go out on and watch falconry hunts for game birds in England. Like OB mentioned it's a sport of kings....lots of money just to get started!