Who has hawks, falcons and peregrines for pets?

[golok]

I have always been fascinated by the sport of keeping hawks and falcons. I believe the Arabs like this kind of pastime immensely.

In certain parts of the States, I think there are some who live in way in the country who do keep hawks and falcons. After some time, these birds of prey become rather fun companions.

However, I am not sure if there is any wildlife regulation that touches on this kind of game, or rearing of such birds.

Any birdmen out there who can enlighten us on this issue?

 

[Stormbringer]

Always been fascinated with them as well. I thought I would jump in and recommend the movie "The Falcon and the Snowman" it is a true spy-thriller but part of the subplot can give you an idea of the relationship you can build with one of these birds. That is why the the character is called the Falcon.

It's Hollywood (although quality), and it sparked my interest in falconry.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

I live in NY and have gone to a Rapture center where I was entertained by these Falconeers.I would love to have one myself.AS far as I can remember asking many questions about the hobby.They take alot of practice and very time consuming.I guess they have radio collars which they use to track them in case they "fly off"They are regulated I'm not sure if it is State or Federally regulated,but you need a license.I believe you have to apprentice under someone who is licensed and it can take a very long time to qualify.If your interested,I may be able to provide you with contact info,if you would like some solid information on this hobby.

 

[Charlie D]

Golok,
To keep any North American raptor legally, you would have to be a falconer. The art of Falconry is very much alive and well in the US with hundreds of practioners. This sport is regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with each states wildlife department. Usually, the state does the onsite inspection for you to get a permit after you qualify. There are 3 levels of falconry, apprentice, general and master. To get started you would apprentice yourself to a general or master falconer. There is a tremendous amount of material to learn and being a falconer is a time consuming hobby as the birds do require care and handling on a daily basis. I don't know what state you are in, but if you're interested contact your state's wildlife agency. Of course, this does not include eagles, falcons or any other endangered or threatened bird of prey.
In some states, you can possess hawks not prohibited by the Migratory Bird treaty act without a falconry permit. These are raptors from foreign lands. The last one I saw being kept as a pet was a European Hawk. In Fl, this still requires a state permit, but maybe not in yours.