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Your Beginner Roadmap to Falconry

Falconry is one of the most rewarding pursuits you can undertake—a profound partnership between human and bird built on trust, patience, and respect. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient traditions of this sport or fascinated by the science of raptor behavior, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to begin your falconry journey. From understanding local regulations to selecting your first bird, you’ll learn everything needed to start this incredible adventure responsibly.

Step 1: Research Your Local Laws and Regulations

Before anything else, you must understand the legal landscape of falconry in your region. Most countries, states, and provinces require falconers to obtain specific licenses and permits. In the United States, you’ll need to pass a falconry exam, secure apprentice status, and meet housing requirements. Contact your local fish and wildlife agency or falconry association to learn about regulations, required training periods, and any waiting lists for apprenticeships. This foundational step ensures you’re operating legally and ethically from day one.

Step 2: Connect with an Experienced Mentor

The falconry community is built on mentorship. Most regulations require apprentices to work under a licensed falconer for one to two years. Seek out local falconry clubs, attend meets, and reach out to established falconers in your area. A good mentor will teach you proper bird handling, training techniques, medical care, and the subtle art of reading your bird’s behavior. This relationship is invaluable—your mentor becomes your guide through challenges and your partner in celebrating successes.

Step 3: Prepare Appropriate Housing and Equipment

Raptors require specialized facilities. You’ll need to build or arrange an appropriate mews (a facility where hawks are kept), complete with perches, bells, jesses, and weathering areas. Housing must meet strict specifications for size, safety, and hygiene to ensure your bird’s wellbeing. Additionally, gather essential equipment including a leather glove, scales for monitoring weight, bells and bewits for identification, and a logbook for detailed records. Your mentor will help you assess whether your setup meets standards before you acquire your first bird.

Step 4: Study Raptor Biology and Behavior

Understanding your bird’s natural instincts, dietary needs, and behavioral patterns is crucial. Read foundational texts on falconry, study the specific species you’re interested in, and learn about molting cycles, hunting techniques, and seasonal variations in bird behavior. Knowledge of diseases, injuries, and veterinary care is equally important. Consider taking formal courses through falconry associations or universities. This education transforms you from a bird owner into a true falconer who respects and understands their partner.

Step 5: Choose Your First Bird Wisely

Apprentices typically start with red-tailed hawks or other forgiving species known for trainability and availability. Your choice depends on local regulations, your goals (hunting versus display), and your environment. Never skip ahead to more challenging species. Starting with the right bird builds your confidence and skills while setting up your raptor for success. Work with your mentor and local authorities to source a bird legally and ethically, whether through breeding programs, rescue situations, or established channels.

Step 6: Begin Basic Training and Conditioning

Training a raptor is a gradual process built on consistency and positive reinforcement. Start with manning (accustoming the bird to your presence), then progress to stepping onto the glove, responding to food rewards, and eventually flight training. This phase typically spans weeks to months and requires daily interaction. Keep meticulous records of your bird’s weight, behavior, and progress. Training teaches your bird to trust you while establishing the foundation for field work and hunting activities.

Step 7: Plan for Year-Round Commitment

Falconry is a year-long responsibility. You’ll monitor molting cycles, adjust feeding based on activity levels, maintain equipment, and keep detailed records. Even during off-seasons when you’re not actively hunting, your bird requires consistent care, socialization, and health checks. Understand that you’re making a 20+ year commitment depending on your bird’s lifespan. Plan for veterinary expenses, continuing education, and participation in the falconry community. This long-term perspective ensures you’re ready for the genuine commitment falconry demands.

What to Expect in Your First Month

Your first month focuses on preparation and learning rather than flying your bird. Expect to spend significant time building or refining your mews, attending mentor sessions, studying regulatory documents, and consuming educational materials. You’ll likely experience moments of doubt mixed with intense excitement—this is normal. Your bird’s arrival (if it happens in month one) begins the real journey. You’ll spend hours simply observing behavior, learning feeding schedules, and building trust through consistent, calm interaction.

By month’s end, you should have passed any required exams, established a solid mentoring relationship, completed your housing setup, and perhaps begun initial training with your bird. You’ll also have made connections within your local falconry community—friendships that often last a lifetime. Remember that progress looks different for everyone; some falconers advance faster in training while others focus deeply on foundational knowledge.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Rushing the training process: Falconry cannot be hurried. Attempting to fly your bird too early or without proper conditioning leads to escaped birds and damaged trust.
  • Inadequate record-keeping: Detailed logs are essential for tracking progress, health issues, and legal compliance. Never skip documentation.
  • Neglecting veterinary preparation: Find an avian veterinarian experienced with raptors before you acquire your bird. Emergency care cannot wait.
  • Improper weight management: Flying weight is critical and individual to each bird. Scales are non-negotiable equipment, and consistent monitoring is essential.
  • Underestimating time commitment: Falconry requires daily interaction and care. If you cannot dedicate this time, reconsider your timeline.
  • Skipping mentorship: Attempting falconry without proper guidance leads to bird suffering and legal issues. Always work with experienced falconers.
  • Poor equipment quality: Cheap jesses, bells, or perches can injure your bird. Invest in proper, well-made equipment.

Your First Week Checklist

  • Contact your local fish and wildlife agency for falconry regulations and apprenticeship requirements
  • Locate and connect with at least three falconry clubs or organizations in your area
  • Reach out to potential mentors and express serious interest in learning
  • Begin reading foundational falconry texts and species-specific guides
  • Assess your property and plan mews construction or arrangement
  • Create a budget for equipment, housing, and ongoing care
  • Research avian veterinarians with raptor experience in your region
  • Purchase a high-quality scale and begin a training logbook
  • Attend a local falconry club meeting to observe and learn
  • Set realistic timeline expectations with your mentor

Falconry rewards those who approach it with humility, dedication, and genuine respect for the birds. Your journey begins with preparation, continues through patient training, and transforms into a lifelong passion. Ready to gear up? See our Shopping List →

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