Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uflorida!ukma!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!sm.unisys.com!aero!donndeli
From: donndeli@sunburn.aero.org (James Donndelinger)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Birds of Prey
Message-ID: <45909@aero.ARPA>
Date: 10 Feb 89 17:25:33 GMT
References: <15450@cisunx.UUCP>
Sender: news@aero.ARPA
Reply-To: donndeli@sunburn.UUCP (James Donndelinger)
Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
Lines: 32

In article <15450@cisunx.UUCP> jrcst4@cisunx.UUCP (James R. Christman) writes:
>
>     This is my first posting, so please bear with me.  I am extremely 
>interested in birds of prey.  I live in the Pittsburgh area, and would like
>to know if there is anywhere around me that I can go to see them up close.
>Also, I would like to get accurate information on owning and raising birds of
>prey.  If anyone has any information at all on the subject, I would really like
>to hear from you.


Your best bet is to contact the PA Department of Fish and Game (that
might not be the actual name, in CA it's DFG, in WI it's Department of
Natural Resources but you get the idea).  They can provide you with a
list of General and Master Falconers in your area.  As stated in an
earlier posting, you will have to pass a written test and have your facilities
inspected.  You will also need to have a sponser(a General or Master)
for two years.  During this period you are an apprentice and your
sponser must report each year on your progress and performance.  If
you satisfy your sponser after two years you become a general
Falconer.  The concept of "owning" a raptor is fuzzy.  States vary on
the rules, but most feel you don't own the bird, it belongs to the
state.  There are some exceptions to this, as in captive bred birds and
hybrids.  The purpose of Falconry is not to own an exotic pet, but to
pursue (and sometimes catch) game in the field.  It is quite
exhilarating to watch a bird you have trained to chase game in the
field.  It is the most natural form of hunting and does not leave
crippled game behind.  Also, the game taken is never wasted, either
the Falconer or the bird or both enjoy the spoils.  I've been a
Falconer for 6 years and expect to get my Master Falconers permit next
year. 

~Jim