The Lifelong Commitment of Falconry: Structuring Your Life Around Your Raptor

Written by rick in Falconry Guides

Falconry is indeed more than just a pastime; it’s a profound and lifelong commitment that demands time, effort, and significant lifestyle adjustments. From early mornings to late evenings, I’ve had to prioritize the well-being of my birds, structuring my daily routines around feeding, training, and health management. Below I’ll give you some insight on how this sport has changed my daily life, as well as the changes I’ve had to make to adapt:

Daily Commitment and Routine

My life revolves around my birds’ needs, which often means early mornings and late evenings dedicated to my feathered companions. This daily commitment includes:

Feeding and Weight Management

  • Providing fresh prey items daily
  • Carefully monitoring the bird’s weight and adjusting food intake accordingly
  • Feeding at specific times based on the bird’s natural habits
A woman with blonde curly hair holds a Harris's Hawk with outstretched wings on a gloved hand. She is wearing a headset and standing in a park-like setting with trees and green grass.

Training and Exercise

  • Dedicating significant time to daily manning sessions and training
  • Conducting regular lure training to hone hunting skills
  • Using lure machines for exercise and fitness maintenance

Time Management

As a falconer, I’ve had to dedicate a significant portion of my time to my raptors throughout my life. This often means:

  • Adjusting work schedules to accommodate feeding and training times
  • Limiting travel or making arrangements for bird care during absences
  • Prioritizing raptor care over other leisure activities

On non-hunting days, I spend at least 20 minutes interacting with my bird, which includes weighing, refreshing the bath pan, checking its well-being, and feeding.

Living Space Adaptations

Keeping a raptor has required substantial modifications to my living space:

  • Constructing suitable housing, such as a fully enclosed aviary
  • Preparing indoor accommodations for times when the raptor needs to be inside
  • Ensuring a quiet, stress-free area away from noise, children, and pets

Social Life Changes

The demands of falconry have significantly impacted my social life:

  • Less time for other hobbies or social engagements
  • Difficulty in taking vacations or extended trips
  • Potential strain on relationships with those who don’t understand the commitment
Falconer with a dark eagle perched on their gloved hand against a blue sky.

Ongoing Education and Skill Development

I’ve committed to continuous learning and improvement throughout my life as a falconer:

  • Staying updated on the latest falconry techniques and conservation efforts
  • Participating in falconry associations and workshops
  • Collaborating with other falconers and wildlife professionals

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

As regulations change over time, you must:

  • Obtain and maintain necessary licenses and permits
  • Adhere to strict regulations regarding species protection and hunting seasons
  • Keep detailed records of my birds and hunting activities

Financial Commitment

Maintaining a raptor is a significant financial investment that continues throughout a falconer’s life:

  • Ongoing costs for proper housing, equipment, and food
  • Regular veterinary care expenses
  • Potential travel costs for hunting or falconry events

Lifestyle Flexibility

I’ve had to maintain flexibility in my lifestyle to accommodate my birds’ needs:

  • Being available daily during daylight hours for my hawk
  • Adapting to the challenges of balancing work, family, and falconry responsibilities
  • Potentially choosing careers or living situations that allow for the necessary time and space for falconry

Conservation and Ethical Responsibilities

As I’ve progressed in my practice, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities:

  • Participating in breeding programs for endangered raptor species
  • Assisting with wildlife rehabilitation efforts
  • Engaging in educational outreach to promote raptor conservation
A woman with blonde hair looks intently at a large Eurasian Eagle-Owl perched on her arm. The owl has striking orange eyes and brown and black patterned plumage. The background is a blurred green, likely a park or wildlife center.

Conclusion

My lifestyle as a falconer has been one of continuous adaptation and unwavering dedication. From daily care routines to significant changes in living spaces and social life, I’ve had to make my raptors a central focus of my existence throughout my life. This commitment extends beyond mere pet ownership, encompassing conservation efforts, ongoing education, and a deep respect for the ancient art of falconry.

If you’re considering falconry as a lifelong pursuit, be prepared for a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. It’s a lifestyle that requires dedication, patience, and a true passion for these magnificent birds of prey.

Check Out Our Related Articles Below:

Caring for Raptors in Falconry: Essential Guide

Animal Welfare in Falconry: Prioritizing the Well-Being of Birds

rick

Welcome to my falconry website! My name is Richard, and I have been practising the art of Falconry for over 15 years. My fascination with birds of prey began at a young age when I visited a falconry sanctuary as a kid. The experience was truly captivating, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to learn more about these majestic birds. So my dad and I started to adventure towards the possibility of one-day becoming falconers, and that's how my journey in Falconry began. I find birds of prey to be remarkable at hunting prey. Their strength, speed, and intelligence are truly remarkable, and I've always been fascinated by the relationship between a falconer and their bird. The first bird I started my falconry journey with was a Harris Hawk, as I knew these were the easiest birds to start with. Unfortunately, I lost my Harris Hawk during the early days of training, which was devastating. However, this loss only made me want to try harder and do better in perfecting the art of Falconry to ensure I never lose a bird. Over the years, I have mentored many apprentice falconers and shared my knowledge and skills along the way. I have experience with a variety of birds, including different species of Hawks, Falcons, and Owls. Although my Best choice of bird to hunt with has always been my Peregrine falcon Jules. I have also worked with many experienced falconers and bird trainers, greatly expanding my knowledge and skill set while observing and learning. Unfortunately, due to a lack of information on the web, I struggled to find what I needed when I started in Falconry. Thus, I created this website to make learning about Falconry easier and faster for those interested. Now with the information and experience, I will provide throughout this site, understanding Falconry should be much easier than when I started out.

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