Help finding/meeting a sponsor. Montana

[amaradus]

Hello, I have been trying for the past few months to find a sponsor in Montana. I live in Helena, Montana and there just does not seem to be anything around here.

I have read dozens of books on falconry. I know all the regulations, and the biology of the raptors, types of raptors and stuff like that. So I am ready to start socializing with sponsors to see if any of them think I am worth their time.

There is supposedly a falconry club in Billings, Montana, but the only contact information I can seem to find is an address that I have sent two letters to already. Other than that there is nothing, local FWP won't say anything. If anyone can point me in any direction that would be great. I have set aside a lot of time and money to make sure I do this right. My commitment to this task cannot be questioned, it is not just some whim. I just seem to have hit a brick wall.

[Ally]

Hi there. I am in Hamilton so I am a bit far away from you but I know that there are falconers in Helena. The Montana Falconers' Association has members all over the state, but you are correct that many of them are in Billings area. Unfortunately, you just missed our club's picnic where you would have been able to meet many people--the MFA does not have a website, so getting information out of them can be difficult. The FWP should be providing you with a list of licensed falconers in the state? That is odd that they haven't.
It sounds like you have done your homework. Welcome to the forums, there is a lot of great information here. Will send you a PM with more info.

[SkyRider]

Ally beat me to it. Yes, there are falconers in and around Helena. Several in Great Falls as well, but that's getting a little further away. Ask the Fish and Game to send you a list of licensed falconers in the state. They used to do that, but that might have changed. If all else fails, get in touch with the head of the Montana Falconry Association and he can point you in the right direction. Ally, you wouldn't happen to know who it is currently, would you?

[Ally]

Yep, it's Ralph Rogers, he was re-elected. Contacting him or Blair Anderson (VP) might be a good idea. I know one falconer in Helena who I will try to put in touch with you.

[amaradus]

Thank you for the replies. I am going to head up to the great falls FWP tomorrow and see if they ate a little more helpful. Helena has always been a hassle to deal with. Traveling isn't a huge deal for me either so if I have to drive a few hours, it's not a problem.

Thankfully I only work three days a week as well so I have the time to devote to this. I am very excited to be getting somewhere

[SkyRider]

That's a sweet work schedule.

The Great Falls guys are pretty good. I'm surprised you haven't had more luck with the head falconry guy at Fish and Game. He's always been really great to work with me and bend over backwards. Good luck in Great Falls.

[amaradus]

I must have been going in at the wrong times because it appears I have been talking to the wrong people which explains a lot. I'll head back over there Friday before I go up to GF and see if I can get the right people.

Though I haven't been trying hard till just recently to connect with the community at large. I wanted to make sure I got educated first.

[amaradus]

Well good news and bad news. I spoke with Ralph Rodgers, great guy, we are going to talk more. Finally got in touch with the right people at FWP. Seems that the last person I was talking to at FWP was correct, that there really isn't a list of falconers that they hand out. They do have a list, and they gave me a few contacts off of it.

Bad news is that Helena, MT seems to be the dead spot in Montana falconry. Which doesn't surprise me, if you want to do something, or do it right, you can usually strike Helena off the list first. So looks like I will be traveling if I want to get things done right.

Just good to be getting somewhere and talking with the community. Thanks for the help.

[Ally]

Good to hear!
As far as Helena being dead, check your private messages, I sent you information to get you in touch with a falconer in Helena. I would highly recommend him. There are definitely hunting spots up there...as far as being "dead," in and around Missoula is about as bad of falconry as you'll find anywhere Lots of private land that nobody wants to share, and no bunnies You'll do just fine!

[amaradus]

I meant dead as in terms of there not being any master falconers in the area.

[snsblonde24]

Aug 22, 2013 9:12:37 GMT -5 Ally said:

Hi there. I am in Hamilton so I am a bit far away from you but I know that there are falconers in Helena. The Montana Falconers' Association has members all over the state, but you are correct that many of them are in Billings area. Unfortunately, you just missed our club's picnic where you would have been able to meet many people--the MFA does not have a website, so getting information out of them can be difficult. The FWP should be providing you with a list of licensed falconers in the state? That is odd that they haven't.
It sounds like you have done your homework. Welcome to the forums, there is a lot of great information here. Will send you a PM with more info.

Hi Ally, I'm looking for someone willing to take on an apprentice in the Hamilton, bitterroot valley area. Would be able to put me in touch with anyone?

[Ally]

Hi Ally, I'm looking for someone willing to take on an apprentice in the Hamilton, bitterroot valley area. Would be able to put me in touch with anyone?

Hi there,
I'd be happy to answer questions or put you in touch with a couple of other people close to us. I just released my goshawk so I do not currently have a bird, and those who still have their birds are molting them right now so this time of year is good for questions, learning to make equipment/scouting hunting areas, but not a great time to get out in the field or get any hands-on experience. Have you passed your test yet?

[madhatter]

Hello, I’ve been interested in falconry for 17 years but am having a hard time finding information for Montana on it such as where to take the falconry exam. I need to pass the exam and finish my mew and am also in search of a sponsor in the process. I live in Judith Basin County. I was hoping someone in the forum could point me in the right direction. Thanks

[SkyRider]

Feb 27, 2018 14:36:36 GMT -5 madhatter said:

Hello, I’ve been interested in falconry for 17 years but am having a hard time finding information for Montana on it such as where to take the falconry exam. I need to pass the exam and finish my mew and am also in search of a sponsor in the process. I live in Judith Basin County. I was hoping someone in the forum could point me in the right direction. Thanks

Contact Fish and Game in Montana. They will set up a time and a place for you to take your test.

Ask around and find a few local falconers. Montana makes it unnecessarily difficult because they don't do much in the way of a Facebook group or club website. If you can find the President or Apprentice coordinator for the Montana Falconry Association, they should be able to point you in the right direction.