Contacting Falconers..

[elvielash]

I'm most definitely new to the community I haven't even spoke to a falconer lol that's kind of why I'm posting .... Below is the same email I've sent to a couple surrounding groups nearest me each are about 3 hrs away but I am soooo willing to make the drive just to witness one of these amazing animals in action not even looking for a sponsor yet as i'm still trying to make sure I am ready for the commitment.. But through the many many phone calls I've made and few email's i've sent, only one man "the southeastern NAFA director" has responded to me and i'm becoming very disappointed.
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Hello My name is Elvie Payton, I have been trying diligently to find someone to speak with about falconry. I know that I am more than curious about the sport and have been reading into it for some time now... What I have learned more than anything is that this is not just a sport but a lifestyle and a huge devotion of my time, money, and patience. But I also believe that the rewards would far out weigh the responsibilities involved.

I have a history with raptors when I was a young boy only 11 or 12 and riding my bike down the back road I called home in Caneyville KY I came across an injured and very aggetated Red Tail Hawk. When I noticed the Bird would not move although I was getting intirely to close to where she stood in the ditch I knew something was wrong... My first reaction was WOH!! Gotta catch it lol being the young curious boy I was. As I got close (about 5' away) She gathered up enough strength only to fly a couple hundred feet from me and crash land into some weeds along the road. Then it sparked, I recalled a movie I had seen "Baker's Hawk" and I remembered that when they hooded their birds they would become much calmer. I quickly took my shirt off as I came up from behind the bird and threw it over top of her as to shield her eyes. To my surprise it worked, very well actually I was able to hold her and ride my bike over a mile back to my house. Once I got there and tried to feed and water her I knew even more something was wrong and this animal needed help!

After an hour or better of internet search I found a raptor rehabilition center in ky and the devoted volunteers drove over 3 hours to come to Her rescue. They told me judging by her size she was indeed female and that I had done the right thing. I was exstatic I have always enjoyed running into these animals while working in the fields and scorned any talk of shooting them "because they kill the rabbits" is the most popular excuse I've ever heard. I would love to find out if this is a passion or passing curiousity in my life and I beg someone to contact me so that I may attend an event or hunt before the end of the year. I am willing to travel a great distance if neccessary I currently reside in Monticello KY Lake Cumberland area and there are no local falconers that I have found...

---someone help me by letting me join them for an experience of a lifetime.... Please?

[SkyRider]

First off, welcome to the forum.

Secondly, where abouts are you located? There are falconers on this board that are spread across the United States that can help put you in contact with a falconer near you.

And lastly, the reason you may be having such a hard time contacting anyone is because the falconry season just started for most falconers with birds. And those without birds are out trying to trap a new one to fly this season. Makes for a lot less internet time and a lot more time spent outdoors. Keep it up, you'll be able to get in touch with someone soon enough! It's definitely worth it.

[elvielash]

I'm in Monticello Ky Lake Cumberland Area and you make a lot of sense! Uhhh monticello is close to SOMERSET KY as well as Cumberland Falls...

[Falcon Boy]

Have you tried kentuckyfalconersassociation.com/ ?

Also, your email is pretty long. You might want to try making it short and sweet. Something like:

My name is so and so. I'm very interested in falconry and was looking for someone to speak with to see if I can make the time commitment and lifestyle changes necissary to become a falconer.

[jfneumann57]

I'm 7 hours away, so can't sponsor you but you tag along. I'd probably find someone closer.

[elvielash]

Thanks for the advice guys! And yes falcon boy I know I talk a lot life's a story I like to tell it but I have had some luck joe McKinney contacted me today and invited me along for a hunt with him and Gary render from my hometown!!!!!!! Plus if anyone can help me with contacting a man named Danny denham I found through some other forums that he is located about 30 mins away from me and people have very good things to say about his knowledge and commitment.... Anyone know of him?