The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will host an Introduction to Falconry Workshop presented by the North American Falconers Association on Saturday, September 11, 2021, 8:30am-4pm.
The event will be held in-person at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC.
Falconry is hunting by means of a partnership with a trained raptor. Strict state and federal requirements are in place for ownership of a raptor and using the raptor for hunting purposes. Workshop participants will learn about the history of falconry, raptor identification, anatomy and care of raptors as falconry birds, falconry bird training, hunting equipment and more. Falconers and their hawks will be on hand throughout the day during the workshop.
Said Daron Barnes, the Wildlife Commission’s program manager of the Office of Wildlife Interaction, Regulated Activities and Permits: “Anyone wanting to practice falconry in the state of North Carolina must go through an apprenticeship and hold the necessary falconry license. The workshop will cover the regulations that falconers are bound by, and the guidelines for the application and permitting process, which are also relative to other states.”
The workshop is open to anyone 12 and older; however, children 12-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The registration fee is $40 and includes lunch. Registration is available online through September 9.
The North American Falconers Association (NAFA) was founded in 1961 to encourage the proper practice of the hunting art of falconry and the wise use and conservation of birds of prey. From a handful of members in its early years, NAFA has grown to a membership today of approximately 2,000 and is today the largest membership falconry organization in the world. Though founded principally to represent the interests of North American members, NAFA gladly accepts members from all countries who share in our passion of birds of prey and falconry.
Since 1947, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws, and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational, and sporting activities. Visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Source: Mindy Wharton, NC Wildlife Resources Commission / North American Falconers Association
