Post by Morganeagle on Jul 14, 2008 20:05:12 GMT -5
Ok not a fun experience..... I think I did well with the board the pictures helped alot. Now I get to wait "They will get back to me with thier decision" Hopefully it will be soon!! I'll post again when I get news.
Post by Morganeagle on Jul 15, 2008 5:31:53 GMT -5
Sorry I was a bit tired and rattled after going in front of the board with TV cameras surrounding the room. To start I explained what the sport of falconry is about and that is is highly regulated. I passed out some info on what requirements have to be met to gain your license as well as a brief description of each level and what birds your allowed in NY to have. I explain that while here on our property that a BOP would either be within the mew, attached on our glove or a perch for weathering or in a giant hood for transport to land I have gotten permission to hunt on. Our bird would never be flown here freely. Showed what our rough plans for converting our garage into Mews looked like, and stated the outside of our garage will remain the same except for the addition of larger windows on the eastern exposure.
I passed out pictures of two really sweet RT's being manned on the fist as well as pictures from here in the neighborhood of RTs that have been perching in our back yard.
Questions I was asked were actually pretty mild. I'll list those that I can remember off hand.
Q: A nearby land fill has a organization that uses BOP to scare seagulls away could you contact them to house your bird there? A: It is a requirement as well as really best for your bird to stay within your immediate care to build the bond of trust between falconer and bird.
Q: Ultimately how many bird will say 5 years from now be housed on your property? A: Most likely there will be only 2 birds under our care at any time one for myself as well as my husband who is also working to gain his license as well.
Q: It sounds like your bird will be well controlled on your property, but what would happen if the bird were to escape? A: The bird would fly off and return to the wild and I would be required to try and find them or notify the local DEC office that the bird is back in the wild.
Q: How would you get the food required for your bird while it is in your home? A: At first I will have to order food from a supplier until the bird is trained and hunting then any small game that the bird takes during our local small game hunting season is stored and used.
That is what I can remember off hand while getting ready for work. I'll ask my husband if he can remember any others. For the most part the members of the board seemed really interested. One trustee in particular thanked me at the end and said she had learned a great deal from my presentation. I also invited them to our local Renaissance faire because I am working for a falconer our of Florida if they would like to see some birds and a flight demonstration.
It sounds you like did a great job and I would be surprised if you didn't get approval. The Q&A seemed mild and it didn't sound like there were any neh-sayers on the board trying to rain on your parade.
Post by Morganeagle on Nov 30, 2008 19:53:24 GMT -5
Sorry Joe..... I have had alot going on recently, but I have not heard anything as of yet. I am sure they will get tired of the weekly fax and maild letters and give me an answer soon.
I think it's fair to say you've done your due diligence and the board has neglected to address your request. If it was me, I would cease communication with them and just build your mews. (This is just my opinion on what I would do and I am not giving you any advise).