Dream of Handling an Eagle? Harmonie State Park in Indiana Hosting Free Family Falconry Event

One Indiana state park is hosting a falconry event in February and it is free to attend.

What Exactly is Falconry?

Simply put, falconry is a form of hunting that utilizes live raptors and birds of prey like hawks and falcons as the "weapon." The prey often consists of smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels.

Dedication and Time

Becoming a falconer takes dedication and time. There is far more that goes into falconry than just acquiring a large bird. In fact, even that isn't so simple. Almost all birds of prey and raptors are protected species so there are protocols that must be completed in order to gain the proper licensing and registration to own a bird like that. According to the North American Falconers Association,

Falconry is not an "overnight" achievement. Becoming a Master falconer takes at least seven years; finishing your apprenticeship alone will take at least two. Your hawk requires a significant amount of time, every day, 365 days a year, and a bird in training requires substantially more time. Raptors, unlike a rifle or a bow, cannot be hung on the wall and forgotten until the next hunting trip.

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Falconry in Indiana

If you are fascinated by the idea of falconry and would like the opportunity to learn more in a face-to-face setting, the Indiana Falconers Association will be on hand at Harmonie State Park on Saturday, February 18th from 1 pm to 3 pm. The event is free to attend and is family-friendly, Learn more now by visiting the official Facebook event page.