The Falconry Test

[werewolf]

Hello, I was thinking of taking the test before getting sponsored. Is this a good idea? And where would I call to take it? I Live in NJ and don't mind taking a drive to Trenton. Also is the test hard? Because I have read many books about falconry and studied it.

[genbuteo]

I took my test before I found a sponsor and I built my mew before I found a sponsor. The reason I did it that way is because it kind of shows your sponsor whoever that may be that you are dedicated to this sport and your better chance of getting a sponsor, but there are some sponsors who don't care at all whether you have taken the test or built a mew and will sponsor you but you don't really know unless you call around. You would have to call your local Department of Natural Resources or Wildlife Agency and set up an appointment. Just mention you want to take the falconry test and they will direct your call the the right person. It's that simple witht the exception of passing the test.

[kenbro77]

I think the first thing anyone should do is get a sponsor because he/she may have you do things differently than you plan. With that being said, you did not put where you are from so I can not answer for your state, but in Texas you have to have a sponsor before they will let you take the test.

[joekoz]

Werewolf: I took and passed the test in New Jersey at the New Jersey Division of Fish Game and Wildlife offices located at the Clinton Wildlife Management Area in Hunterdon County this past April. I read over a dozen books/manuals in preparation for the test. Several of them more then once. I purchased a number of them from Northwoods Limited including A Falconry Manual by Frank Beebe, Apprentice Manual by Georgia Falconry Association, Apprentice Study Guide by California Hawking Club, Falconry and Hawking by Philip Glasser, Hawking and Falconry for Beginners - An Introduction Guide to Falconry and Training Your First Bird by Advian Hallgarth, The Red-Tailed Hawk A Complete Guide to Training and Hunting North America's Most Versatile Game Hawk by Liam McGranaghan. Given all of the work I did preparing for the test, I was surprised over how difficult it was. Don't underestimate the test! With respect to finding a sponsor, I concur with Kenbro77 and would strongly recommend that you secure a sponsor first. My sponsor has been an outstanding resource. On a number of occasions and topics, I was certain that I was on target only to discover that I was heading toward making a mistake. Finding a sponsor in New Jersey can be tough. I found my sponsor by getting involved with the New Jersey Falconry Club. Potential sponsors want to be certain that you not only understand what it takes, but also are prepared to take on the responsibility, and have the resources (time and money) required to do it right. On October 17th, my sponsor and I trapped Jane my Passage Female Red-Tail. Her trapped weight was 49.75 ounces. Training has been going very well. Today she had 3 creance flights ranging 100 to 120 feet.

[cindy]

In Pennsalvaina you have to have a sponsor before you can take the test. I think even if NJ doesn't require it still get a sponsor first, so you have some one to help guide you in the right direction.

[floridafalconer]

Even if you are able to take the test first, I would definately hold off on building a mew, weathering or any major pieces of equipment. As Kenbro77 said, your sponsor may require something completely different and it would be a shame to waste time and money only to have to rebuild to his/her specifications.

[Migisi]

Nov 15, 2008 8:44:44 GMT -5 floridafalconer said:

Even if you are able to take the test first, I would definately hold off on building a mew, weathering or any major pieces of equipment. As Kenbro77 said, your sponsor may require something completely different and it would be a shame to waste time and money only to have to rebuild to his/her specifications.

I agree. Wait on building and making equipment.

I know a few over-eager newbies who spent a lot of time and $ making things which weren't necessary, appropriate, or safe for a bird... i.e a lot of work for nothing just to impress a potential sponsor.

This could actually have the opposite result.... seeing inadequate and/or improper stuff may give a potential sponsor reason to question sponsoring the newbie. It might indicate that this newbie may be inclined to do things in the future without sponsor input - things which may harm the bird. Just something to think about.

[snafu918]

I'd take the test first, as for the rest of it you should get a sponsor before you buy too much gear and build a mews. There's a lot of gear you don't need and a sponsor will help you save money in that regard. Also there are right and wrong way's to build a mews and again a sponsor will help you there as well.

[genbuteo]

I'd have to agree with all you guys, but I have to say when I first started and was looking for a sponsor, I was turned down twice because of the fact that they asked me if I took the test yet or have all my equipment which I didn't and for that simple fact I couldn't get them to sponsor me, then again it all depends on that person sponsoring you.

[dirthawker]

I know here in AZ that is the first thing they sponsors ask. mainly because we get all kinds of people asking us to sponsor, but they never show the initiative to take the test or get anything else done.

[andrewh]

I was under the assumption that in some states you had to be sponcered before you could even take the test. Is this true for Illinois? If I need to take the test then I will take it first. But like many of you have stated I would rather wait for my sponcer to help me with building my Mew and gathering my equipment... I think especially if I am to learn form them as well they will be knowing what is BEST for me.

is this thought process off base?

[Migisi]

May 11, 2009 8:40:44 GMT -5 andrewh said:

I was under the assumption that in some states you had to be sponcered before you could even take the test. Is this true for Illinois?

It used to be that way. Eragon and several others took their test without a sponsor. Illinois is okay with that. Some potential sponsors like the idea, so they know the wanna-be is serious and has done their preliminary homework.

I would rather wait for my sponcer to help me with building my Mew and gathering my equipment... I think especially if I am to learn form them as well they will be knowing what is BEST for me.

You are going to need guidance on mews and equipment requirements and what's best for the bird. I've known some newbies to proceed without that guidance, and they wound up rebuilding their mews and remaking equipment to the meet their sponsor's specs. Much time and money wasted. I'd wait on that stuff until you have a good sponsor to advise you.

[borderhawk]

May 11, 2009 11:07:11 GMT -5 Migisi said:

May 11, 2009 8:40:44 GMT -5 andrewh said:

I was under the assumption that in some states you had to be sponcered before you could even take the test. Is this true for Illinois?

It used to be that way. Eragon and several others took their test without a sponsor. Illinois is okay with that. Some potential sponsors like the idea, so they know the wanna-be is serious and has done their preliminary homework.

I would rather wait for my sponcer to help me with building my Mew and gathering my equipment... I think especially if I am to learn form them as well they will be knowing what is BEST for me.

You are going to need guidance on mews and equipment requirements and what's best for the bird. I've known some newbies to proceed without that guidance, and they wound up rebuilding their mews and remaking equipment to the meet their sponsor's specs. Much time and money wasted. I'd wait on that stuff until you have a good sponsor to advise you.

It depends on your state. I took my test first, without turning in any paperwork. Then got a call a couple days later saying they couldn't give me the results and weren't even supposed to let me take the test because I didn't have a sponsor yet. So I called the one falconer closest to me and told him the story without even asking for sponsorship, and he offered instead. He said it was because I continued to show interest and initiative after that first day of going out in the feild with him. He expected to never hear from me again. Turned out I got a 97%, which made him proud...
We ended up not seeing each other very often, but I could call him at 2am if I needed him, and had tested that a couple times...

[archangel]

In Nebraska you have to have a sponsor first.

As far as equipment, wait until you have a sponsor or at least find a falconer that would agree to look over your design and guide you through the process. There may be falconers out there that would do this for you that don't really want to do a sponsorship at the time. After proving your true dedication through building your hawk house he or she may refer you to someone who could be your sponsor.

Do not just build it on your own!!!