Falconry Apprentice Expectations

When considering becoming a falconer, we hope you take a few minutes to think about what that commitment means. Falconry is not a sport for your part-time entertainment or an opportunity to have a pet raptor; rather, Falconry is a serious commitment that requires a great deal of skill as well as knowledge about biology and daily care for your bird and hunting partner. The Falconry Apprenticeship process is intended to guide and support learning the knowledge and developing the necessary skills to become a successful falconer. It is expected that the Sponsor will support your learning process regarding the treatment and care of a falconry raptor, how to facilitate the raptor’s pursuit of wild quarry in the field, how to deal with common falconry issues that may arise, how to engage with the public regarding the practice of falconry, and the laws and paperwork associated with falconry. The Sponsor/Apprentice relationship will ultimately influence your future as a licensed falconer.

Together with members of the Falconry Community, we have identified a recommended (in-exhaustive) list of expectations that should be considered when making the determination if you wish to become a falconry Apprentice during the minimum two-year commitment.

The Apprentice’s Expectations:

1. I am willing and able to make a reasonable commitment to learning the practice of falconry, and will accept the guidance-oriented support provided by my chosen Sponsor during my two year apprenticeship.

2. As a falconry Apprentice, I will make every effort to communicate and work with my Sponsor to learn the art of falconry.

3. I understand that if there are issues with my Sponsor, I need to contact the DNR Falconry Coordinator or DNR Falconry Liaison Conservation Warden as soon as possible.

4. I understand that my first and foremost priority is the safety of myself and my falconry raptor.

5. I am committed to learning all of the knowledge required to practice falconry, including the relevant laws, husbandry, methods of pursuit of quarry, and ethics.

6. If I have any issues I will contact my sponsor, the DNR Falconry Coordinator, and/or the DNR Falconry Liaison Conservation Warden as soon as practically possible.

7. I understand that my apprenticeship may be extended beyond two years if my sponsor and DNR Falconry Coordinator feel more time is needed to become a successful falconer.