Post by davidchapman8301 on Aug 7, 2013 19:42:36 GMT -5
Hello,
I am an aspiring Falconer in the Rochester, NY area. I submitted my Exam request and study guide a few days ago and would definitely like to reach out to anyone locally who is currently involved with the process. I will be using the NYSFA as well but thought I would utilize all available options. PM me if you are interested in sharing your knowledge and time! I would certainly appreciate any insight and guidance.
Post by davidchapman8301 on Aug 8, 2013 17:09:36 GMT -5
Is there no way to register to the NYSFA without paying a fee? I'm not stingy by any means and don't have a problem supporting the people facilitating means for falconers to meet, communicate, and everything else the site does. I would like to be able to speak with the people associated with the NYSFA without have to pay $30.00 as well. While I am studying now for the exam thanks to the programmer who created the really awesome study guide/practice test/flash card software, I would like to have a little more education on the entirety of falconry before spending $ to register with a site that provides you with no ability to vote/hold office. (Not that I am interested in registering for voting reasons)
you will join them eventually, once you become a falconer i'm sure. or your best bet, just use the public access part of their website if they have one to find out info on meets or gatherings if your not ready to join yet. I think there are a few falconers in that area, I use to live in Wilson,ny. we had rabbits and squirrels. got to be some good hawking there!!
Post by davidchapman8301 on Aug 8, 2013 19:09:32 GMT -5
Right on, hopefully I didn't come across as frugal. I think not being ready would have been better word choice. I know I would love to do this. My biggest concern is where I would build/keep a mew and availability as I travel for work at times. At the very least I have found an option to volunteer somewhere. Whatever the final decision is, I'm always excited to have new experiences and learn skills that are passed down like Falconry is.
you can't leave your hawk like you can a dog or cat with friends or neighbors. to trap train and hunt your first hawk you are looking at 6,7 or 8 months dedication. trap in august,release in april the next year is a basic typical time frame for passage birds.
Post by davidchapman8301 on Aug 8, 2013 22:37:04 GMT -5
I realize that I cannot drop them off at the local Falcon Boarding home while I disappear for a week or two. Which is why it was a concern. Its part of the learning process to make the final decision.
Post by davidchapman8301 on Aug 9, 2013 17:01:42 GMT -5
When you take the State Exam do they provide you with a score on site or is it mailed out? If its mailed out, what is the typical response time to receive your score? I signed up for the exam last week and the test is August 16th 7 days from today. I literally just received the study packets, forms, and the like today in the mail. ><
It is mailed out for us in NY and it takes them a few weeks to get it to you normally. The DEC is pretty slow. The test is pretty easy, especially if you are a good test taker. If you are looking to get a bird this year there will be some hurtles to clear. Trapping starts September 1st in NY. Hunting starts in October, I am in the central area of NY probably about 50 min or so from Roch. I should have a bird in the air soon for training if you are looking for some time to get out and see a bird or any of that stuff, send me a PM if you want more info.