Is Falconry for me?
Falconry isn’t easy. But it is rewarding.
A bird is not like a gun that can be put in the safe for two weeks. You have to give it time and attention everyday. You have to feed, fly and clean up after your bird, everyday.
You need time and space to practice falconry properly. For most birds, you will need open grasslands and space to fly them well. You need to have a couple hours available for your bird.
Your bird will be happier, healthier and fly much better if you can give it the attention it needs. Please consider this when thinking about falconry. It is one of the most rewarding things to have a hunting connection with a bird. But it comes with a lot of responsibility.
Suggested step by step process
Although some clubs have different processes, SAFA generally recommends that you
- Contact your local provincial club secretary, and let them know you are interested in finding out more about falconry. Ask them if they can suggest any falconers who live nearby to go flying with.
- Spend some time “in the field” with falconers in the club to get a feel for falconry and what it really is like.
- If you’re still keen to take up falconry, that's great. Your provincial club will help you with the relevant steps from there.