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Falconry Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc. App

Falconry Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc. Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc Page 2 of 29 Table of Contents 1 Introduction........................................................................................... 3 1.1 A Message for the Apprentice ......................................................................4 1.2 A Message for the Sponsor: .........................................................................5 2 Objectives and Responsibilities ................................................................ 6 2.1 Responsibilities of Apprenticeship.................................................................6 2.2 Responsibilities of Sponsorship.....................................................................7 3 Apprentice Unit ...................................................................................... 8 3.1 Research ....................................................................................................8 3.2 Preparation.................................................................................................9 3.3 Your First Bird...........................................................................................10 3.4 Manning ...................................................................................................10 3.5 Early Training ...........................................................................................11 3.6 Free Flight and Entering ............................................................................11 3.7 Hunting ....................................................................................................12 4 Sponsor Unit........................................................................................ 13 4.1 Research and Preparation..........................................................................13 4.2 The Bird ...................................................................................................14 4.3 Manning ...................................................................................................14 4.4 Early Training ...........................................................................................14 4.5 Free Flight and Entering ............................................................................14 4.6 Hunting ....................................................................................................15 Appendix A: Falconry Equipment Checklist .................................................... 16 Appendix B: Mews and Facilities Checklist..................................................... 17 Appendix C: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act ............................................. 18 Appendix D: Selected Falconry Bibliography .................................................. 26 Appendix E: Field Meet Etiquette.................................................................. 28 Appendix F: Code of Conduct....................................................................... 29 Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc Page 3 of 29 1 Introduction Falconry is the sport of hunting wild game with a trained bird of prey. It is an ancient art that has captivated people for thousands of years in many cultures worldwide. It offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the beauty, power and intensity that raptors embody, but it is not easy or simple. In fact, the sport requires a level of dedication and commitment that is unheard of to most people. Not surprisingly the number of falconers is relatively small. The Ontario Hawking Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the art and practice of falconry, and the raptors that it employs. The requirement for novice falconers to successfully complete an apprenticeship period is nearly universal in North American falconry regulations. We support this requirement and believe that an effective apprenticeship program is essential to the long-term welfare of falconry. The objective of the apprenticeship program is to produce high-quality falconers that are an asset to the sport and the wildlife on which it depends. The purpose of this document is to set reasonable expectations for both the apprentice and the sponsor. It is not a falconry manual. Rather, it highlights important areas that need to be addressed in the development of basic falconry skills and values, as well as key activities that should take place during the apprenticeship period. The Guide also outlines the preparation and equipment needed BEFORE a hawk is obtained. The success of the apprenticeship program depends on the commitment of both sponsor and apprentice, and this commitment should not be taken for granted by either party. We believe that these guidelines will help to maximize the benefits of the apprenticeship program not only for the apprentice, but also for the falconry community as a whole. Supporting and facilitating an effective apprenticeship program is an important function of the Ontario Hawking Club as it promotes the care, welfare and responsible training of falconry birds. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) recognizes the OHC’s Apprenticeship Program Guidelines as meeting Provincial apprenticeship licencing requirements1. 1 Please contact your local MNR district office for up-to-date information about the apprenticeship requirements and falconry regulations. Why Apprenticeship? These guidelines go beyond the minimum requirements of provincial falconry regulations. They are designed to help you make the most of your apprenticeship and truly master the art of falconry – if you follow them! Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc Page 4 of 29 1.1 A Message for the Apprentice Falconry can be an immensely rewarding pursuit, however, it requires commitment, perseverance, and above all else, a deep respect for the welfare of your hawk. The decision to commit to the care, training, and hunting of a raptor is not one to be made in haste. Careful consideration and investigation into the requirements of the sport is very important. A solid understanding of the time and resources that will be involved on an ongoing basis is vital. Before proceeding with your apprenticeship, you should answer the following questions: ¾ Do I understand what is involved and what will be required of me? ¾ Do I realistically have time to devote to falconry, considering my other commitments? (Family, work, school, etc…). ¾ Can I commit myself to the specialized care that a raptor requires 365 days per year? ¾ Do I have the resources needed to pursue the sport? (Funds for food & equipment, veterinary expenses, proper housing for the bird, reliable vehicle to travel to and from hunting grounds, etc…). ¾ Am I legally able to possess a raptor at my place of residence? (Check city/town bylaws, rental/strata agreements). ¾ Am I prepared to follow the Apprenticeship Program Guidelines? (Read this entire document carefully). ¾ For what purpose do I want a raptor? Your objective should be to hunt wild game with your raptor. This is the definition of falconry, and is the only reason the law allows individuals to keep native birds of prey. If this is not your intent then you should reconsider taking on a raptor. Falconry is not pet keeping. In fact, raptors make very poor pets. Keeping raptors as pets is strictly against the aims and objectives of the Ontario Hawking Club, and is in fact, illegal in the province of Ontario. Your Ultimate Goal: To be a responsible, ethical, sportsmanlike, law abiding falconer that is an informed asset to the present and future of falconry in the Province of Ontario Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc Page 5 of 29 1.2 A Message for the Sponsor: Although there is no legal requirement for you to be a sponsor, as an experienced falconer you have the privilege and responsibility to provide guidance and leadership to novice individuals who exhibit a genuine interest in pursuing the sport of falconry. This responsibility is a part of the tradition of falconry that stretches back through the ages. In order to continue this tradition and uphold the highest possible standard of falconry, the decision to take on an apprentice is one to be made carefully and sincerely. The welfare of raptors that come into the possession of a novice, the level of proficiency and ethics of falconry practiced, public perception of falconry, and the reputation of the OHC and falconers in general are the main issues at stake with respect to your commitment as a sponsor. This Guide has been supplied to you as a resource. It is designed to provide a framework within which you can impart your knowledge, experience, sportsmanship, and ethics unto a novice in a consistent manner. Please read it thoroughly. Passing on the values and skills that are part of quality falconry is the best way to ensure that falconry continues to be a legitimate and respected field sport in the Province of Ontario. Your Ultimate Goal: To produce a responsible, ethical, sportsmanlike, law abiding falconer that will be an informed asset to the present and future of falconry in the Province of Ontario. Apprenticeship Program Guidelines © 2005 Ontario Hawking Club Inc Page 6 of 29 2 Objectives and Responsibilities The objectives of the apprenticeship program are to ensure that: ¾ A novice with little or no previous falconry experience will develop proficiency in the husbandry, training, flying and hunting (hawking) of a raptor under the guidance of an experienced falconer. ¾ Raptors are properly fed, housed, equipped, and are otherwise maintained under healthy, safe conditions. ¾ Raptors in the possession of a falconer are regularly flown at game when it is safe and legal to do so. ¾ The apprentice will strive to practice the sport of falconry at a high level of competence, sportsmanship and ethics. ¾ The sport of falconry and the reputation of the OHC are not harmed by the acts of inexperienced or irresponsible individuals. 2.1 Responsibilities of Apprenticeship Prior to obtaining a falconry bird, the apprentice shall: 1. Be prepared to put the welfare of any raptor in his or her possession first and foremost at all times. 2. Be at least 15 years of age and in possession of a valid Ontario Small Game Hunting Licence. 3. Have read at least two modern texts on falconry and have a basic understanding of the sport (see recommended reading list in Appendix D). 4. Be familiar with all Federal and Provincial Regulations pertaining to falconry (see Appendix C). 5. Secure a relationship with a sponsor who agrees to this undertaking for the entirety of the apprenticeship period. The Ontario Hawking Club may be able to assist if you are having trouble locating a sponsor. The apprentice must agree to follow advice given by the sponsor. 6. Determine with your sponsor which species of raptor would be suitable as a first bird. The OHC strongly recommends a first bird for an apprentice be either a red tailed hawk or a Harris’ hawk, as both of these birds are more easily trained than other species and are relatively hardy. Any raptor used uploads/Voyage/ apprenticeship-guide.pdf