Harris Training...

[legacy2013 52]

Hi, i was wondering if anyone from north yorkshire would be able to do me the pleasure of showing me the ropes in falconry, i am 26 and this isnt just on a whim, any replies would be fantastic just looking for some hands on experiance, i have permission with rabbits, and other game etc that we could hunt over, will travel also, i am from York, i had something organised but got let down, thanks

[CrowHawker 227]

I'm sure you will find someone, offering them to fly on your permission in exchange for mentoring I like that! Good on you.

[legacy2013 52]

Thanks, only seems fair, was just a shame to get let down.

[CrowHawker 227]

Yes would of been, but not many people who want to learn offer anything in return. Good job your not closer as I'd take you under my wing, and have you cleaning bird mews

[legacy2013 52]

Hahaha, i would do anything pal, and its bad news for me your not closer!!!

[pointer 543]

I'm sure you'll find someone close to you mate, your more likely to get a result via facebooks forums than on this one. Most falconers/Austringers I've spoke to including the one from the BFC I tried to get help from don't have enough land to fly on.

[CrowHawker 227]

Who's your BFC contact?

[pointer 543]

I'm not going to put a name on here, I joined the BFC thinking that was the best way to learn about hunting with Hawks. I wanted to go out and see birds so when a field meet was due I rang up asking if I could spectate. I couldn't because you have to go to two of the meetings in a pub first which isn't really my cup of tea at all and as they are bi-monthly wouldn't have helped me much that season. To cut the story short the lad I had a few phone calls with seemed a nice bloke that would have helped me in time but kept offering to sell me a hawk even though I repeatedly said I didn't want to rush out and obtain one before seeing and learning about them. Apparently I sounded sensible on the phone. We also had a discussion about the rarity of brown hares which showed our experiences around the country were very different. I'm also not comfortable with the idea of breeding from untried stock that have never left the aviaries. The guy was completely honest and truthful I'll give him that.

I probably didn't give the BFC a fair chance and obviously they are experienced falconers.

[CrowHawker 227]

I love going every month good excuse to have a cider or 10 are region has lots of quest speakers from hunting in Africa to Diana Durham-Walters I love it. yes I to don't believe in breeding from untried stock in the field unless it was a imprint female gyr wouldn't fly that! But I'd fly her daughters!

Edited September 29, 2014 by CrowHawker

[pointer 543]

It was mainly the fact I felt it was more important to sell me a hawk rather than me proving that I had the time, money, land, experience etc, etc.

I tend to rub people up the wrong way, once someone tells me they have a load of dogs, birds or whatever I can't help but get into an awkward discussion about how they fit it all in. I know you can order any bird of prey from BFC members up here, for all they know your going to put it on a 6 x 4 shed.