Falconry

[Edward Smith]

Falconry or hawking is a sport which involves the use of trained raptors  (birds of prey) to hunt. There are two traditional terms used to describe a person involved in falconry: a falconer flies a falcon; an austringer flies a hawk or an eagle. In modern falconry the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and the Harris hawk are often used. The terms "falconer" and "falconry" now apply to all use of trained birds of prey to catch game.

Historically, falconry was a popular sport and status symbol among the nobles  of medieval Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Today, Falconry is currently practiced in many countries around the world.The falconer's traditional choice of bird is the Goshawk and Peregrine Falcon. In modern Falconry other species are being used, such as: Osprey, Sea Eagles, Bald & Golden Eagles, Red-tailed hawks, Harris's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Red-shouldered hawk, Great Horned Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owls, Common Buzzard, Etc.
Many species are trained to hunt a variety of game. Some are more suited to hunting one species. Animals hunted range from Ducks, Geese, Grouse, Rabbits & hares to Foxes and some report Large eagles ahve been used to hunt Wolves in Kazakhstan!

Canada recently passed Federal legislation that legalized Falconry to take Waterfowl. 8 out of 10 provinces have adopted this. The exception is Newfoundland & Labrador and New Brunswick. There are people here trying to persuade the provincial government to allow such practices to take place here. This is an exciting way to hunt! But, not for the faint of heart, LOL. Here are few videos on hunting using falconry and some training video! Hope you enjoy!

[silverleapers]

The website for the
Newfoundland and Labrador Falconers Association is at: http://www.newfoundlandandlabradorfalconersassociation.yolasite.com/

[John Smallwood]

Great vids.