[Tweeters] In defense of Falconry and Hunting

[Mark Borden]

Hi Larry!

During the times I was licensed in California and Washington, my average in hunting license fees Falconry permit fees and other government levies was over $300 per year.  Over the course of about 30 years, especially if interest/or investment profits were included this would indeed be large enough to hire several graduate students for research projects.

Initially upon moving here to Washington there was a license fee of a bit over $100. Combined with my hunting license fees, for which I paid $196 last week, this was indeed substantial.

Several years ago there was a question though. Should Falconer‘s of less than 18 years of age be charged the usual fee? The Washington state falconers association went to bat and achieved a lower license fee for Junior Falconer’s. The question then became “how much should we charge for the regular license?“ During the time that this number is being debated, there has been no charge! That has been going on for the last three years, I assume because things move slowly in government.

In my 48 years as a Falconer, these last three years are the first time that I have not had to pay an annual fee. I do pay about $1000 per year in food for my Raptors, and the annual hunting license fees of course still apply.

Mark

Sent from my iPhone


> On May 26, 2022, at 4:34 PM, Larry Schwitters <leschwitters at me.com> wrote:

> 

> 

> Tweeters and Mark,

> 

> I found your statement "my licensing fees alone accumulated would fund an entire wildlife conservation program.” difficult to believe.

> 

> Washington State Fish and Wild  at https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-01/requirements.pdf  says "Permit Fee: At this time there is no permit fee. Legislature may consider a direct fee to the Department at a later date.”

> 

> Did I look in the wrong place?

> 

> Larry Schwitters

> Issaquah

> 

> 

> 

>> On May 26, 2022, at 1:50 PM, Mark Borden <markbordenmd at gmail.com> wrote:

>> 

>> I will preface this statement by reminding you that I am a Falconer.

>> 

>> Testing requirements, license fees, and facilities construction and maintenance make Falconry a challenging sport. It is a sport to which one must be dedicated 365 days a year.

>> 

>> As a master Falconer of over 40 years, my licensing fees alone accumulated would fund an entire wildlife conservation program.

>> 

>> Birders should be aware, that Falconry is the least efficient method of hunting. Whereas a (gun) Hunter can sometimes return with a limit, a single duck captured is considered an excellent day for a Falconer. Most Falconer‘s are lucky to catch a few ducks in an entire season. Almost every winged species that is pursued by a trained bird of prey, is faster than that bird of prey in almost every circumstance.

>> 

>> Several years ago I spoke to the wildlife officer in charge of the Okanogan region of Washington. At the time I was endeavoring to capture a wild Turkey with a trained great horned owl. Eleven years of pursuing that goal and I have still not found success. He was particularly concerned that I might accidentally capture a Sharp Tailed Grouse. I reassured him that I would have a better chance of winning the lottery without purchasing a ticket, than of capturing a Sharp Tailed Grouse with my owl. Only a handful of Falconer’s with the most highly trained and fittest Falcons, and the best pointing dogs, ever manage to catch a grouse. 

>> 

>> The Houbara Bustard is a challenging quarry, and thus is treasured by the Falconer’s of Saudi Arabia. A brief Google search will reveal that  programs are in place to protect and restore the bustard, and that as in our own country, those programs are funded mainly by hunters and Falconer‘s. It is far more likely that a Falconer seeing the report would attempt to observe the bustard than to capture it.

>> 

>> Falconry is considered by many to be “the ultimate birdwatching.“ Even the casual birder will experience an occasional thrilling moment when he/ she hears an alarm call, and sees a bird of prey attempt to capture a prey species. As Falconer‘s we are privileged to hear those alarm calls, and witness the birds of prey in an intimate association. Many Falconer’s try for years before capturing their first prey with a trained Raptor. Along the way most will learn to identify many birds, spend thousands of hours observing them in their natural settings, and develop a deep love for the birds and the places that they inhabit.

>> 

>> Falconers should be considered a resource for the birding community. Remember the recovery of the Peregrine? Falconer’s were responsible.

>> 

>> If there are birders on this list that are interested in learning more about Falconry, I would be glad to talk with them. The Washington Falconer’s Association has several annual field meets at which you would be welcome. At these meets you will see many trained raptors pursue game, but let me warn you ahead of time that you will see very few game animals captured!

>> 

>> Mark Borden

>> Coupeville, WA.

>> 360-632-7484

>> 

>> 

>> Sent from my iPhone

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