Let's get one thing out of the way first. Some people seem to know "somebody" who keeps a raptor without bothering with the appropriate federal or state permits. Those "somebodies" are not falconers; they're felons. Seriously. So don't even think about it.

What you will do during your apprenticeship is part standard and part style, depending on the particular person who agrees to be your sponsor. For example, some sponsors feel that it is best for apprentices to keep their first bird through the molt and into the second hunting season; some insist that the first bird be released and another trapped in order to give the apprentice experience with more than one individual. Regardless of personal style, you'll definitely learn how to house, trap, care for, man, and train your own bird, either an American Kestrel (small falcon) or Red-tailed Hawk (large hawk). Many sponsors also teach you how to make your own perches and other equipment. You'll also learn how to spot signs of disease, how to build your own mews, even how to train a good rabbit dog, and many, many other things. There's a good reason why an apprenticeship lasts at least two full years!

When you call for your Falconry Packet, it will contain a list of people currently willing to be sponsors, but remember, you're going to be spending a lot of time for at least two years with this person. Not all falconers who might sponsor you appear on the list. Attend some WFA activities and meet people "in the flesh" first; odds are, you'll strike up a conversation that will, eventually, become or lead to an apprenticeship.

The North American Falconers Association (NAFA) has a good general overview of what the sport requires, but it's one of those things that you just can't truly understand from any kind of reading material. You have to meet the people involved in the sport, learn the language, and just sort of soak it up. (Ever sat with a group of enthusiastic fly fishers or snowboarders? Seem like they're all speaking some weird foreign language with a gleam in their eye? Same deal here.) The time, the money, and the effort that these folks expend on their birds is just amazing. Sponsors are allowed up to three apprentices at once, but most only have time for one.

If this seems discouraging, it's simply because we want you to think about it and evaluate it honestly. It's a lot more work than you might expect, especially in terms of time. You will have to prove that you're serious. One aspect that aspiring apprentices often forget, for example, is veterinarian bills. Specialist avian vets are expensive. Not to mention that your dogs, if any, will also need care.

Want to know a real secret, though? If you've truly fallen in love for life, you won't mind. Just like aquarium fanatics don't mind scraping algae, or a dog lover doesn't mind that icy nose at 3 am, or a "cat person" doesn't mind the shed fur. When you're in love, you'll do anything to make that individual happy, and you'll be happy to do it.

Here's the information you need to get your packet.
Ready for your inspection?