***If you don’t see your questions below, please email us and we will be happy to answer you***
Questions ~ Falconry Apprentice Course
How do I become a falconer?
California (and other states) require a two-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of either a general or master falconer. After passing the test given by the Department of Fish and Game, finding a sponsor can be challenging if you don’t already know a falconer. West Coast Falconry’s Apprentice Course was developed to help you through the hurdles of getting started, from what to study to pass the test, learning to make basic equipment, and how to find the sponsor who is right for you.
What is covered in training class? Please see our detailed description on the web site under Apprentice Course.
How long is the training? The course is three days including two evening labs.
How old do you have to be? Minimum age for the Apprentice Course is 13.
Will I handle raptors? Yes. Our falconry school permit allows us to instruct you by holding approved raptor species on your glove.
Will I see hawks catching prey? The last day of our course focuses on hunting and field strategies. Part of that is taking to the field to watch our Harris hawks hunt. If we are lucky, then yes, you will see them catch game.
What permits do I need? You do not need your apprentice permit for this class. Many “pre-apprentices” attend before taking their tests. You will need an Apprentice permit and a sponsor before you can practice falconry.
Can raptors be kept in cities? Yes, they are housed in urban and suburban settings all the time. Depedning on what species of raptor you have, and as long as you can provide the legal housing mandated by USFWS and California DFG, you can have a hawk in the city.
Can a bird rehabber take the class? Yes, in fact, many rehabbers have taken our course to better learn the skills of weight management, which are necessary in keeping a raptor healthy. This course can also qualify for continuing education credits for rehabillitators.
Will I have to hunt with raptors? Yes. Falconry permits are for practicing falconry, which is the taking of game (hunting) with a trained bird of prey in its natural environment.
Can I buy a bird? Not without a falconry license and not as an apprentice. Your first apprentice bird/s will be taken from the wild according to law. Later, as a general falconer, you can purchase certain species of raptors from licensed breeders.
Questions ~ Education/Programs
What kinds of raptors will be shown? We cover the full spectrum of raptor species in our curriculum, and will present hawks, falcons and an owl.
How much does it cost? We try to keep our education programs affordable. Quotes are based on the size of the group, location and time involved. Please call us to discuss your group’s needs and we’ll be happy to give you an estimate.
Is it safe for children? Absolutely! We take great care to make our presentations safe for both your children and our raptors.
Can people touch the birds? No. Birds of prey do not relate to affection or touching. They will tolerate the touch of their falconers when they need to be physically examined, but otherwise they do not care for it. Also, our hands contain oils and acids that can be damaging to bird’s feathers.
Can people hold the birds? In the appropriate venues and under safe conditions, yes, individiuals are allowed to glove up and hold our falconry birds. Our falconry school permit allows us to instruct you in this rudimentary falconry skill.
Questions – Other Programs
Do you offer programs where I can see the birds up close but not hold them? Yes, our class “Introduction to Falconry” is a great way to meet the birds and learn about falconry and raptor conservation without having to put them on your glove. If you chose to at the end of the session, it is a great time to have your picture taken.
If I am physically disabled, is there a program I can do? Absolutely! Our Introduction to Falconry program does not require walking, and even our Basic Falconry Lesson is suited to those in wheelchairs. Both programs allow you to hold birds on the glove and see them up close.
I’ve been on the Hawk Walk but want to see the hawks actually hunt. Do you ever take people out to watch this? During the fall and winter months (hunting season) we offer a Hunting Excursion which puts you right in the front row as our Harris hawks pursue game in the field.