Talk with falconers. I leave for the US for good on July 25th but I'm willing to meet up with you and help.
The official qualification in the UK is 'The LANTRA Award for Beginning Falconry'. Unlike most LANTRA programs for this one they only do the administration. The education part is provided by falconers, clubs and 'professional' courses. I dislike the courses as they don't teach you enough to be competent.
To become completely competent you will need a mentor (sponsor in US vernacular), someone you can talk to and call if you have problems. With 4000 years of knowledge in falconry, it couldn't possibly all be passed to you in a 3 to 5 day course.
A course will cost £400 and up plus more for LANTRA vs. joining a club for £20 or a bit more, getting a mentor from the club £0, reading and spending time with your mentor £0+petrol money, then taking the LANTRA assessment for £50 or a little bit more.
One last benefit of joining a club vs. taking a course, through the club you could save hundreds of £ on equipment and your hawk.
Post by harrishawker on Sept 29, 2007 2:01:03 GMT -5
I disagree with Fred. Don't join a club until at least 3 years experience is had. find a Falconer who will train you. PM me i might find someone.
Many beginners take stick for elementary mistakes and are targets for some . Many falconers in these clubs get away with much bad falconry if they have years behind them, but if you are a beginner you would think its more forgivable but unfortunately you end up being a target of fun . If you can take personal reticule then fine but if you stand up for your views some will knock you down. Much of our class system is predominant in country sports, sit in the corner and say nothing is what is expected of you as a total beginner.
You will find many many many great falconers who would not touch a club with a bargepole. The BFC is about the best to start with if it has to be a club for just the TP insurance alone.
Good luck.
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