Martino: Falconry – The Sport of Kings and Common People
"Modern falconry can take an entire family's commitment. Flynn is surrounded by the Bradley's. Pictured is Glenn (L. to R.) Miley, Mandy and Kayla. Photo by author
Editor's Note: This is the first installment of our friend John Martino's outdoor column. John is a tremendous outdoor writer who covers a wide variety of topics. We hope you enjoy his work every Saturday!
It has been said that falconry is the sport of kings. Personally, I have to disagree. The falconers I have known are common, hardworking people who enjoy the purest form of outdoor pursuits.
Those who have witnessed a bird of prey in action is a site not soon forgotten - swift, silent, incredibly effective and not for the faint of heart. Raptors present a powerful package of speed and elegance. That’s the way it has always been and the way it will always be.
Stepping through the door of Glenn Bradley’s northern Howard County home I was a bit taken back. At first glance it appeared to be a normal household. Bradley’s daughter Kayla was fixing a sandwich for younger sister Miley while their pet beagle lay sprawled on a rug. That’s when I noticed something unique.
In the corner of their living room a mature, male Goshawk named Flynn, stood perched on an open air table, watching my every move with piercing yellow eyes. “Is that where he stay’s?” I had to ask. “Yep, he stays indoors with us,” Bradley explained. “He is part of the family.”
Bradley became engaged with the sport of falconry in 2008 after reading a story in this column about Ron Brown, another local falconer. “Yeah, it’s your fault,” said his wife Mandy, jokingly.
Falconer Glenn Bradley poses with Flynn, his goshawk and hunting companion. Photo by author
In the beginning Bradley began reading everything he could on the sport of falconry, which is one of the most highly regulated activities in Indiana and the United States. The process to attain Master Falconer’s status is an arduous, seven year process.
A fledgling falconer must first pass a challenging 120 question test, scoring 80 percent or higher. Additionally, the person must find an accomplished falconer who agrees to sponsor and guide them through a two year apprenticeship period. Facilities must be built and equipment acquired according to defined specifications. The falconer must then trap and train their first raptor, either a juvenile red-tailed hawk or American kestrel falcon. From then on you must submit to annual reports.
After two years the apprentice may then apply for their “general class” certification. Only after five more years of active experience can you apply for a Master Falconer license.
Bradley wasted no time in climbing the ladder of modern falconry and is known throughout the state. He currently serves as vice president of Indiana’s Falconry Association. He also has three apprentices under his own wing.
“So how do you safely trap a raptor?” I had to ask. “That’s something we prefer to keep among ourselves,” Bradley explained. “We do it to protect the safety of non-licensed people as well as the birds.”
Bradley trapped his first bird, a red-tailed hawk he named “Hit Girl.” That’s when the real work began. “There is nothing in the world like watching your own bird of prey,” said Bradley. “But make no mistake, this is more than an activity, it’s a lifestyle that requires attention every single day, 365 days a year.” Unlike other hunting activities that require nothing more than washing clothes and cleaning your gun at seasons end, falconers have daily duties until the following year.
“I couldn’t do it without my entire family’s commitment,” he continued. “Everyone helps care for the birds and they too enjoy it.” His daughter Kayla made quick reference that she also hopes to become a master falconer someday.
Flynn keeps a close eye on everything while on his open air perch in the Bradley's living room. Photo by Author
After his red-tailed hawk Bradley wanted to acquire a goshawk so he could experience a different type of flight and hunting style. They are the largest member of the accipiter family which includes sharp-shinned and Coopers hawks, sometimes referred to as the Great Whites of the hawk world.
Most birds of prey, like red-tailed hawks, take their prey on the ground. Accipiters will snatch prey out of mid-air in an exhilarating burst of speed and stealth.
Bradley purchased Flynn shortly after hatched in captivity. “Unlike trapped birds, Flynn has been imprinted to me and considers me his parent,” he explained. “This is why we can keep him in the house with us.”
Unfortunately there may be a few who think it is wrong to keep a bird of this stature in captivity. Consider this. Raptors in the wild are exposed to nature’s harsh, sometimes brutal, realities. Studies prove that as many as 70 percent of North American raptors rarely see their first birthday. This startling figure results from natural causes such as predation, disease, injury, infection, parasites and starvation. Additionally they must survive manmade hazards like powerlines, road traffic, illegal shooting, habitat destruction and environmental toxicity.
By contrast, raptors in the care of licensed, conscientious falconers are given a head start on survival, free from vulnerabilities they would surely encounter in the wild. Plus they are provided with a perfect home, consistent food sources, veterinary care, the chance to hone their hunting skills and most of all, love.
As far as hunting goes, Bradley says there is nothing in this world as exciting as watching a bird of prey in a natural setting exhibit its skills and must follow the same rules as traditional hunters in reference to seasons and bag limits. “I love to hunt but instead of a gun or bow I use talons,” he explained.
A millwright at Fiat-Chrysler LLC, Bradley often has people express interest in falconry. “That is until they find out everything that’s involved then they usually decide against it.”
Falconry is much more than hunting, much more than having a normal pet; it’s a unique lifestyle that requires a deep commitment. But for Bradley, it’s a life he loves.