Post by Falcon Boy on Jun 30, 2013 15:10:36 GMT -5
I think the best way to impress potential sponsors is to be somewhat knowledgeable but open-minded. Read a few GOOD falconry books. I really suggest this one: www.mikesfalconry.com/A-The-Red-Tailed-Hawk-p/4003.htm Books like that will help you understand the basics.
I would not build a mew until you have a sponsor. Many sponsors want the mews to be a certain way and have certain features.
This webpage should also be read and understood. There are hours of good reading there www.themodernapprentice.com/
Really in my mind what I'd look for in an apprentice are a few things: 1) Have they done the leg work themselves? What have they read? Do they understand the basic concepts? 2) Do they have the means to be a falconer? The time, the money, the patience? Do they have a reliable car to go hunting 5-6 times a week? You don't have to be rich to be a falconer, but you need to be willing to sacrifice things for the sake of the bird, or you shouldn't have one. 3) Is this person dedicated to hunting, or do they just want a 'cool pet'? Part of this is the person would have to go out with me when I fly my bird. 4) How well does the person take directions? When out hunting do they do as their told, and ask reflective, intelligent questions, or do they just do whatever they want? 5) Can they hunt? Do they have fields? Do they know what to look for in a field? 6) In the end, will this person really do what's best for the bird? Can they admit it if they don't have the time or patience to be a falconer? Would they go a season without a bird if something in life came up and they couldn't give the bird their full commitment?
Just some things to think about.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
what do you guys suggest I do to impress potential sponsors? It also helps to build a mew when you already have some supplies for a weathering area and 5 close family friends/uncles which are carpenters to help build the mew ( my family comes from a log line of carpenters ), I also have some very "well off" family members who might want to help financialy
Start studying and reading as many falconry books as you can. Also start looking over your state's falconry rules. This will help you learn some basics and the terminology.
After you log in, click on the "forum" button in the top bar (highlighted in top half of picture). Then all the boards will appear.
Then pick the board you want to post in and enter that board by clicking on the name. Once there, click on "create thread' on the right side of the page (highlighted in bottom half of picture)
Please let me know if that doesn't make sense, I can do a better step-by-step if need be. Just let me know!
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
I haven't been on here much since joining, but I'm taking my exam tomorrow here in CT. Even though I have met and spoken to a couple of our CT falconers. I have not looked into finding a sponsor yet. I figure these guys don't want to be bothered until you have actually done all the things you have to in preparation of an apprenticeship. What would be the next step for me after passing the exam? Thanks Dave C
Post by carocastellanos on Jul 2, 2014 14:34:37 GMT -5
Hello I'm Carolina and I'm interested in becoming a falconer. I'm a beginner so I apologize if this question has an obvious answer. I live in Washington DC, where falconry is not permitted, but I am very close to MD and VA. Could I still keep a bird in my place in DC? Thanks so much!
From what you described, no, probably not since falconry is illegal there. To my understanding, that would mean that possessing a raptor within the limits of DC would be illegal. But if you end up moving to MD or VA, you could then practice falconry in either of those states.
Last Edit: Jul 3, 2014 15:08:13 GMT -5 by Falcon Boy
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
I am looking to become a falconer and I will wait and take the time to join I would like to be a master falconer at the age 18. I am at the age of 13 now and I live in Albuquerque New Mexico. Thank you You could contact me at Donovanscottmurray@yahoo.com
I'm not gona try to be a bummer here but I think people just don't get that falconry isn't something you should start unless our entire family and when I say entire I mean mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, spouse or what ever completely support you. Because falconry is a way of life and believe me when I say that you will be faced with some really hard decisions in your relationships if there's a disagreement on where the bird should stay in the house or that it shouldn't come inside and only stay outside. Falconry costs A LOT of money specialy where I come from. If your only gona spend 300 to 400 on a mews I don't think you should get into falconry. You have to remeber that costs will never end I mean my mews cost me 3100 bucks. Well maybe I did put a few cool machines in but I wanted the best for my birds. Now you don't have to spend so much on a mews, just remember that you will end up spending a hundred grand and up maybe a few million depending where you come from on falconry. Between food, falcons, hawks, supplies, gas, cars, flights, hunting grounds and all things do add up.
I also think you should do more research before getting into it. You can not be a master by age 18 you need to do a minimum of 7 years (2 apprentice, 5 General) before you can apply for a master license. Alexander said it well that you need suport and make sure you are able to support financially able to do it. Dont get discouraged but do a bunch more research (look up the laws for sure) and get together with some local falconers as a start!