A fine looking peregrine falcon. from wildernessclassroom.com

Falconry, the training of raptors (the birds, not the dinosaurs) to hunt prey, is one of the most robust activities known to man. These birds are quick, powerful, and the kings of the sky, yet they still respond to a seemingly insignificant man on the ground. The bond between falcon and owner is a regal version of that between man and dog. I had the pleasure of watching an episode of Nature on PBS which focused on the raptor. An animal with 20/7 vision is not a force to be reckoned with. The history is something too:

Beginning in the 6th century and extending through the Middle Ages, the popularity of falconry — or hawking — surged in Europe. It was the sport of royalty for centuries, with the possession of falcons and other birds of prey considered a status symbol. By the 1600s in England, falconry came to be governed by a strict set of customs called the Laws of Ownership, which dictated the birds of prey that were allowed to be flown by citizens of various social ranks. For example, a king could fly a gyrfalcon; a duke, a rock falcon; an earl, a peregrine; a yeoman, a goshawk; and a servant, a kestrel. During the reign of Edward III, 1327-77, stealing a trained raptor was punishable by death.

These days, there are about 10,000 falconers around the world, with half of them located in North America.

A clip from PBS’s “Raptor Force”, including video from a camera strapped to the bird in flight

Want to falcon? Well, it’s not so easy these days with federal regulations. In the U.S., you must:

First take a written test on biology, training, and veterinary aspects of raptors. Next you have to find a sponsor to train you. Then you must build a suitable facility to house your raptor and obtain necessary equipment. This will be physically inspected by a Game and Fish representative. After paying the state fee you become a licensed falconer. Now you can trap a raptor, usually a Redtail hawk.

September to March you hunt with your bird a minimum of three times a week, three hours per day would be average. You’ll need suitable hunting ground and a means of transporting your bird there. Expect to comply with all state hunting regulations. The season from April to September you take off as your bird moults a new set of feathers.

You can also watch ‘The Falconer’ on SNL re-runs, but you sure won’t feel like a Medieval monarch.