Hunting with birds of prey: A primer on this ancient and thrilling sport

THE RAPTOR RANKS

Falconry is probably the most highly regulated hunting sport in the world. In Canada, birds of prey fall under the jurisdiction of the individual provinces and territories, each with its own set of regulations that may differ considerably. All birds used in the sport, however, must have a special permit and leg band issued by the respective provincial or territorial wildlife department.

Owing to the varying regulations across jurisdictions, most provinces and territories have their own falconry clubs or associations. The Saskatchewan Falconry Association (SFA) is the oldest falconry group still in existence in North America. It was founded in 1958 by the late Richard Fyfe, a Canadian Wildlife Services biologist, and a handful of would-be falconers. The association’s membership has always remained small, with never more than 20 active members at one time.

Now a branch chapter of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, the SFA has long been involved with conservation efforts, starting with the successful fight to attain legal protection for birds of prey in the 1960s. The group has also long been involved in digging nest holes for prairie falcons; banding records indicate more than 1,200 prairie falcons have fledged from these artificial holes to date.

Also significantly, the SFA became involved in the captive-breeding and reintroduction of peregrine falcons when this magnificent bird was classified as endangered due to pesticides such as DDT. In 1976, the Saskatchewan Cooperative Falcon Project was formed as a consortium of the SFA, Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the then provincial game department. Its main focus was the construction of a breeding facility, where more than 500 peregrines were produced for release and sent to sites in the U.S. Midwest and Canada. Members of the SFA were also politically active and played an important role on the Canadian Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team.

Today, the ongoing mission of the SFA is to improve and encourage competency in the ancient art of falconry among those who are prepared to make a commitment to the sport. Members must also commit to the conservation of birds of prey and the quarry they pursue, promoting their value and role in nature.

Recently, more women have been getting involved in falconry. Perhaps the strong bond that develops between falconers and their birds is especially appealing to women, or maybe it’s the thrill of hunting without the use of guns. Whatever the case, women now make up a very significant and growing segment of the falconry community.

Interested in becoming a falconer? Visit the SFA at www.saskfalconryassociation.com.