Falconry is the ancient art of hunting wild game with a trained hawk or falcon. Often called the "sport of kings," it dates back nearly four thousand years and is regarded as the oldest field sport in human history.

Falconry is a journey of devotion, patience, and partnership. Each day brings time spent with your bird—sometimes just twenty minutes, other times many rewarding hours. Your care becomes a ritual: offering fresh water, nourishing food, and gentle guidance. Even the daily weighing is more than routine-it's a way of ensuring your bird's strength and readiness to soar. In return, you gain not only a healthy hunting companion but also a bond built on trust and respect.

Steps to Becoming a Falconer

1. Build Knowledge and Relationships

Study the Art of Falconry

The first stages of becoming a falconer begin with educating yourself about the history, responsibilities, and regulations of the sport. Reading books, studying state or national guidelines, and learning basic raptor care help build a strong foundation.

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Join the Falconry Community

Just as important is connecting with the falconry community—joining local clubs, attending field meets, and talking with experienced falconers. These early steps not only deepen your knowledge but also open the door to mentorship and lasting relationships within the tradition.

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2. Take the Falconry Exam

As an apprentice, your two year journey to 'general falconer' starts with the falconry exam. It is a written test designed to ensure that new apprentices have a solid understanding of the basics before caring for a bird of prey. It typically covers topics such as raptor biology, state and federal laws, housing requirements, equipment, health care, and training techniques. Studying guides provided by wildlife agencies, as well as recommended falconry books, is the best way to prepare. Passing the exam demonstrates that an aspiring falconer is ready to take the next step toward apprenticeship.

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3. Find a Sponsor & Build Your Hawk House

A sponsor is required to becoming a falconer and is usually a licensed General or Master falconer. They will guide you through the early stages of the journey, offering mentorship and ensuring you learn proper care and training. At the same time, you must prepare suitable housing for your bird, often called a "mews" or hawk house. This enclosure must be safe, spacious, and meet strict regulations, with features like secure perches, weather protection, and access to fresh air. Together, having a sponsor and building proper housing show both your commitment and readiness to enter the world of falconry.

How To Find A Sponsor

Sponsorship in falconry is rarely immediate—it usually comes after trust has been established. By spending time helping and observing, you show commitment, and many apprentices shadow experienced falconers for months before being officially taken on.

• Join a Falconry Club or Association
  • Go to field meets, hunting demonstrations, or conservation programs.
  • Observe falconers in action and start conversations.
  • Consistency shows genuine interest and commitment.
• Attend Falconry Events
  • Go to field meets, hunting demonstrations, or conservation programs.
  • Observe falconers in action and start conversations.
  • Consistency shows genuine interest and commitment.
• Reach Out Directly
  • State wildlife agencies or falconry clubs may keep sponsor lists.
  • Write respectful emails/letters introducing yourself and asking to learn more.
  • Be humble---falconers want to see passion and seriousness.

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4. Purchase your Falconry Equipment

Before your state inspection, you must gather the required basic falconry equipment. Be sure to have items such as anklets, jesses, leashes, swivels, gloves, perches, and a reliable scale. The total cost typically falls between $100 and $500, though you can reduce expenses if you are able to make some of the equipment yourself. Having these essentials ready and in good condition is necessary to pass inspection.

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5. Hawk House Inspection & Permit

Once your facilities are inspected and approved, you can apply for a trapping permit, which allows you to legally capture a suitable raptor, such as a red-tailed hawk or kestrel, under the supervision of your sponsor. Together, these milestones mark the transition from preparation to truly beginning your falconry journey.

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6. Where the Journey Takes Wings

Trapping your first bird is one of the most profound moments in a falconer's journey. It marks the beginning of a partnership between human and raptor that is rooted in trust, respect, and tradition. As you watch the hawk or falcon take its first steps into your care, you are not just gaining a hunting companion—you are stepping into an ancient lineage, carrying forward a bond that has endured for thousands of years. It is the moment where preparation meets purpose, and your path as a falconer truly begins.

10 Common Questions About Falconry

1. Do falconers own their birds? Not exactly. In most places, falconry birds are considered wildlife and are held under a special permit. Falconers are custodians, not owners, and must follow strict laws regarding their care and release.
2. Can I keep a bird of prey as a pet? No. Raptors are not pets—they are hunting partners. Falconry is about training and hunting with the bird, not keeping it for display or companionship.
3. How long can a falconry bird live in captivity? Depending on the species, a raptor in captivity can live 20–30 years or more with proper care, often longer than in the wild.
4. Can I release my bird back into the wild? Yes. Many falconers trap and train passage (wild-caught) birds for a few years, then release them back into the wild healthy and strong. Regulations guide when and how this can be done.
5. What kind of food do falconry birds eat? They are fed whole, natural prey such as quail, mice, rats, and pigeons. Diet is carefully managed to keep the bird healthy and at the proper flying weight.
6. How do falconers train their birds to return? Training begins with food association and trust-building. Birds are conditioned to come to the glove or lure for rewards, eventually extending to free flight and hunting.
7. Is falconry dangerous? While raptors are not aggressive toward humans when trained properly, handling sharp talons and beaks requires caution, respect, and proper equipment.
8. Do falconers always hunt with their birds? Yes—hunting is central to falconry. Unlike keeping a pet, the bird's purpose is to work in the field, and the hunting partnership is what builds the bond.
9. How much land do I need to practice falconry? You don't need to own land, but you do need legal access to open fields, woodlots, or hunting grounds where your bird can fly and pursue game.
10. Can women become falconers? Absolutely. Falconry is open to anyone who meets the requirements and is committed to the practice, regardless of gender.