This is a great time to be a falconer here in Virginia and
the whole United States! We have a wide selection of birds of prey to choose
from and enjoy liberal hunting seasons on a wide variety of game. But if you
are not currently a falconer or are looking this up for the first time you might
ask, “what is the status of falconry today.”
Currently falconry is a legitimate form of hunting
recognized in 48 states and throughout most of the countries in the world.
Hawaii and Connecticut are the only two places in the United States where
falconry is not allowed. Connecticut is in the last stages of their regulations
process and should have a falconry program by trapping season 2005! We are all
excited about that because it has been in the works for over a decade! Hawaii
will probably never allow it because they have an extremely unique ecosystem and
importing raptors for use in falconry (or any other kind of non indigenous
animal) is nearly impossible.
Most states have their own falconry clubs and a quick
search on your browser will locate one in your state or one close to you. Here
in the USA we have a national club that a large percentage of falconers belong
to called, the North American Falconers Association or
NAFA. NAFA takes on the responsibility of being our collective voice in
congress and helps state clubs with regulatory issues. They also hold a
national field meet each year, commonly called the NAFA Meet. It is usually
held in the western states of Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas & Utah among
others. These states have good game numbers and variety so falconers from all
over the country can find good sport. Many foreign falconers also attend these
meets.
The state clubs usually have field meets as well. Here in
Virginia we hold two, one in Harrisonburg and the other in Winchester. We also
have a summer picnic centrally located in the state. Attending one of these
functions is a great way to see what falconry is all about and have a chance to
meet a falconer and bird of prey up close. You will see that Virginia
falconers come from all over the state and are from all walks of life. Our club
members are men, women, young and old alike. Check out our “Schedule
of Events” page for more details.
Falconers do more than just hunt with their birds. Most
falconers consider themselves conservationists and advocates for wild birds of
prey. Some do educational programs in schools, public events and larger venues
like hunter expos. Our goal is to educate the public about birds of prey and
their conservation as well as falconry. Many falconers in the state contributed
to the re-introduction of the Peregrine Falcon to the wild and its eventual
de-listing from the Endangered Species list.
Birds of prey are also finding this a good time to be a
raptor. Many species are at all time highs while others, like the Peregrine,
are recovering better than most experts had ever expected. Through educational
efforts many birds of prey that would have been shot a decade ago are spared
because of their benefit to the ecosystem. Falconers cherish the wild resource
and work hard to see that all will be able to enjoy it for decades to come.
