About the Georgia Game Hawkers Club
The Georgia Game Hawkers Club serves
to disseminate knowledge that leads to greater skills in the field.
It is committed to promoting the sport of falconry and fostering fellowship among enthusiasts.
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EVENTS
The GGHC hosts 2 official events each year, a picnic and a field meet.
Our picnic is typically held in September in Winder, Ga.
The field meet takes place in Statesboro, GA. and is held on the MLK weekend.
Anyone interested in attending either event should contact us for an invitation.
What is Falconry?
Falconry is defined as the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained raptor. It is, therefore, inherently a hunting sport.
Is falconry for you?
Falconry is the most highly regulated field sport in the world and requires a huge commitment of time and energ. It's not like other hunting sports where you simply put away your chosen weapon when the hunt is over. There is a great deal of responsibility that comes with the undertaking of raptor husbandry. Our hunting companions are wild animals that are trained to allow our presence in the pursuit of there wild quarry. They are not pets, and require much more time and attention to be properly taken care of. Falconry is not an "overnight" achievement and there is no such thing as a part time falconer.
How do I become a falconer?
There are several requirements to becoming a licensed falconer in the state of Georgia.
You must fill out an application and pass an exam given by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The exam covers raptor biology, raptor health, literature on raptors, basic care and handling of raptors, as well as laws and regulations pertaining to raptors.
You must also make or acquire certain equipment and build a special housing facility for a raptor. The equipment and facility must meet a minimum standard set forth in the falconry regulations.
And you must find a general or master class falconer to sponser you for your years as an apprentice, which is generally your first two years of your falconry endeavor. Your sponsor will guide you and teach you the basics of falconry and with any luck a long and lasting friendship will also come with it.
For more information on obtaining a GA Falconry License visit: https://gadnrle.org/falconry
How do I find a sponsor?
Please be aware that sponsoring someone is a very big deal. It takes a great amount of time away from a falconer's personal life. They will be dedicating at least two years of their own time to help you in your journey. Because of this, don't expect the first falconer you contact to automatically say yes to you. There is a high turn over rate of new apprentices that try to enter the sport, then quickly drop out when they realize just how much is involved in being a successful falconer. Because of this high turn over, many falconers are hesitant to take on new apprentices. Don't be discouraged if someone tells you they prefer not to sponsor you. Keep seeking other falconers and continue to show you are committed to the sport. Go to club events, join people on hunts as much as possible, and keep learning more about the sport. The more enthusiasm and commitment you show, the more likely it is that a falconer will take you on as an apprentice.
It is also important to find a sponsor that that lives somewhat close to you. Long distance relationships rarely work in life, and falconry is no exception. Find someone that is as close as possible so that they are available to you when needed.
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Georgia Game Hawkers Club
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