Falconry (Found baby falcon)?

Question

Ok. So I have a falcon eyass that I found wandering my yard. I have been feeding him raw hamburger and he has been doing well. I tried to let him go today but he didn't want to leave (I have only had him since yesterday) so my first question is:

What should I do with him? I have called my local fish and game and they don't know what to do.

Second question. Now i am super interested in falconry. I looked up the requirements and saw that you must be an apprentice first for two years. How do I find someone to apprentice under? (I live in Arizona)

Answer 1

You should not be feeding this bird, and you should not have it in your home, or captive in any way.   It's illegal.  Like all native wild birds, they are protected in the US by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

I hate to rain on your parade, but you will not be able get a falconers permit (today).  Falconers have to go through a long process before they are permitted to keep a bird.  They are trained, educated and licensed.   It's a regulated sport.  Falcons are not pets - they are trained hunters.

If the bird is an adult, and cannot fly - it is sick or injured, and needs medical treatment immediately.

If it's an uninjured fledgling - you should leave it alone.  Fledglings who have just left the nest must learn to hunt on their own, or they will not survive.  Your intervention, though well-meaning, is misguided.

If the bird is not visibly injured, leave it alone.

If it is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Here are links to help and rehabiliators in Arizona:

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_injured_s...

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_rehab_rel...

Here's a link to the Arizona Falconers' Association:

http://www.azfalconersassoc.org/

Here are the requirements:

http://www.azfalconersassoc.org/steps.ht...

Answer 2

You call your Wildlife Reservation and tell them.  they will pick it up or you take it there.  you don't fool with Wildlife.

Answer 3

Its illegal to keep a falcon or hawk without a permit. You need to apply for a permit.

Answer 4

what state are you in?  That way, we have more info and can help.  it doesn't surprise me fish and game doesn't know anything.  you have to get that bird to the proper person immediately.

Answer 5

you should check with a animal naturalist for your state, they can let you know. Falconry is very neat, but  you need to learn and to apply for a permit. Check out any clubs in AZ.Usually they are against the law to own without a permit.