Game Bird Producers and Falconers

Game Bird Farmers and Falconers

By Kitty Tolson Carroll

Game bird farmers and falconers historically have been at odds with each other. Raptors, especially great horned owls, have harassed game bird breeders for centuries. In response, many have used lethal control of raptor "pests," by using pole traps, by shooting, and such means.

Such methods are now illegal. Nowadays, if the general public found out that a game bird breeder used such methods, there would be a major outcry. Lethal control methods for raptors must not occur -- the negative publicity from such activities could put some of the game farmers out of business. Yet for some game bird breeders, lethal control of raptors could be worth the risk (we've all heard of the s.s.s. method of pest control: "Shoot, Shovel & Shut-up").

Some game bird farmers are pushing for an allowance for lethal control of raptors on their farms (see March, 2002 Wildlife Harvest, Vol. 33, No. 3). While I feel that using lethal control on raptors probably would have little impact on raptor populations, the public relations nightmare we all would undergo if this came to pass, I feel, would adversely affect hunting sports everywhere. I feel that the negative image that lethal control can give the general public is far more devastating to game bird farmers than the losses of their birds in the first place.

A Modest Proposal

My proposal is that game bird farmers and falconers work together to lower the impact of wild raptors on their livelihoods. Once or twice, I've mentioned this cooperation to fellow falconers. Several have said they don't want to deal with "canned hunting preserves."

My response is, "What do you think bagged quarry is? Where do you think the chukkar or quail you released under your falcon originally came from?"

Remember, bagged quarry is strictly illegal in Great Britain. That has come about because of the negative impression the mostly urban public got from the idea of setting up such an artificial "hunt." Like it or not, those virulent anti-hunting and animal rights trends which started across the Atlantic have reached our shores. They have been very active and vocal in the U.S. for about 20 years.

I see a mutual need between game bird producers and falconers. Breeders need the expertise of a licensed falconer to assist them with problem raptors, while falconers need game bird farmers to NOT travel the route toward lethal control, for our own well-being in the public eye.

Let me list just a few ways falconers can help game bird farmers: falconers can legally trap and remove offending raptors; we can recommend housing improvements and alternative facilities to better protect the young game birds; we can help them discover ways to provide a barrier net that the raptor will hit before it hits the pens themselves (causing real havoc and stress to the game birds); we can also direct that the farmers set up a pigeon loft away from their game bird pens to distract the hawks and owls away from the "cash crop."

As many falconers know, pigeons are more self-sufficient than game birds, and they are not nearly as much labor or overhead involved in keeping a pigeon loft. As many of us have also experienced, the flashy pigeons will often be targeted by raptors before other birds.

They key is to educate the breeder that he/she needs to modify all facilities -- indeed his or her very approach to game bird farming -- to minimize future losses.

Getting Down to Basics

Great horned owls (and barred owls) like to sit on pens at night, panicking the birds within. The owls then pull body parts through the enclosure. Hawks sometimes do this in the daytime. I've spoken with several biologist/falconers about this issue, and the primary way we've come up with to prevent this very serious and real problem is to use a double-netting system for the pens. The first layer of netting is for confining the game birds. Next, the facility should leave a six-foot dead space. Finally the whole is enclosed by a canopy net to keep a sufficient distance between marauding raptors and the pens themselves. Another facility improvement that I'd highly recommend is for them to build a "save haven" area where the game birds can hide from the predator, either aerial or ground.

More specific alterations to management practices include the employment of a pest management program involving live catch box traps for ground predators, and a Swedish goshawk trap for raptors (plans for raptor traps are available in game bird manuals, so handing out this information is not breaching any ethical barrier); all of which need to be implemented and managed year-round. Another major problem I've seen in my experience with game bird producers is that, in many cases, they blame raptors for ground predator incursions. Educating game bird farmers that pest management -- all kinds of pest management -- is a continuous process will be a key to the establishment of a long-term relationship with them.

Another solution involves keeping bantam game hens with the game birds, especially having the game hens raise the "cash crop" chicks. In my experience, this seems to teach the game birds how to avoid being eaten and the importance of taking evasive action.

Establishing a loft of pigeons to attract the avian predators away from the cash crop gamebirds. Barn/feral pigeons are inexpensive and very low-labor to maintain. The pigeons flashy style of flight attracts raptors away from the more expensive and vulnerable game birds. Pigeons are also useful for training bird dogs. And if you have some of the fancier breeds, they are quite an attractive addition to your preserve.

Electric fencing also helps to prevent ground predator losses.

Finally, adequate cover is essential for released birds. I've also found that keeping bantam game hens in these areas facilitates better survival rates of released birds.

Game bird breeders also have to learn to accept a manageable loss ratio from predation as simply a part of doing business in this field. Many must be reminded that they are literally offering a smorgasbord of tasty, fluttering game birds to attract any predator.

I have approached several game bird farms with my expertise in helping with problem raptors. They are normally curious about falconry, although some do have a hatred of raptors.

Actually, I can understand their feelings. I feel that way about raccoons. I've had much damage done to my pigeon loft and game bird pens by the masked bandits. Because if this, I do not expect the game farm owner to be as enchanted with raptors as I.

When I show them a falconry hunt, I simply want them to become more educated in how a raptor thinks, and to teach them ways to reduce game bird losses to raptors. I make many of the above specific suggestions to them. Then I help them set and attain some of these goals.

You as a falconer can barter for hunting rights during the non-gunning season, or for birds for your own raptor, in return for the service you're rendering. I've found game bird farmers to be quite receptive to help once they get over their suspicions. And everyone benefits in the long run.

I also suggest that you join and support pro-gun and hunting organizations. The National Rifle Association (www.nra.org); U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (www.ussportsmen.org); The National Animal Interest Alliance (www.naiaonline.org); and the North American Gamebird Association (www.naga.org), to name but a few. You might want to offer to sponsor them for North American Falconer's Association membership. They then will have the knowledge and tools to understand that we are also concerned with the same issues. That you hold memberships in such organizations will tell them that you, as a falconer, support the rights of all hunters, anglers, and trappers.

Here are some of the overseas websites to educate yourself about the anti-hunting, animal rights issues happening all over Europe: www.countryside-alliance.org; www.scottishcountrysidealliance.org; and PETA has an "action/alert" section we all should monitor. I noted recently that it has over 450 entries of mostly animal cruelty cases which they post to this alert page: http://www.peta.org/alert/automation/AlertItem.asp?id=450

All of us field sports enthusiasts need to stand together. We cannot be on the defensive any longer. We must be very proactive in projecting a positive image of falconry and all field sports, so it behooves us to help our game bird farmer brothers.

________________

Kitty Tolson Carroll has been licensed as a falconer since 1974. She has trained and flown accipiters, falcons, and buteos (and is training her first golden eagle), in the field on game. She was initially asked to give a small presentation on birds of prey and falconry in 1980. Since then, her lectures have evolved into a professional free flying presentation featuring owls, hawks and falcons. She performs at renaissance, medieval, historical, Scottish, and agricultural fairs and modern themed events.

She also does consulting work for pest bird problems in cities, stadiums, game bird farms, airports, production plants and warehouses. She emphasizes no poison/chemical methods for controlling pest populations.

You can contact Kitty at: Accipiter Enterprises, Educational Birds of Prey, 15209 165th Road, Live Oak, Florida, 32060. Phone: 386-776-1960. Web page: www.birdsofprey.net; Email: Hawkmom74@birdsofprey.net



Update: Since this article was written. In 2007, The US Fish & Wildlife Service now issues abatement permits to falconers who wish to use raptors for pest bird control. I hold one.

Banning of hunting videos and photos?

This is an important case for hunters and outdoors persons to watch:

http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=2170

I attended the Peregrine shareholders meeting in Tallahassee yesterday. I am extremely disappointed at the negative stance that Audubon of Florida has taken in resisting the de-listing of the peregrine falcon and allowing a very modest take of passage peregrines by falconers. I feel that Audubon has completely dismissed the historical fact that FALCONERS are the ones who brought attention to and saved the peregrine from the brink of extinction. And the fact that peregrine populations are stable and even expanding in certain (especially urban) areas. Falconers were the ones who invested their own finances, time, birds and expertise, developed the techniques and set up the captive breeding and release programs that have become the gold standard followed all over the world. I would recommend that you look at the website (or better yet go to Boise) of the worlds leading peregrine falcon conservation organization: www.peregrinefund.org . Now also called: The World Center for Birds of Prey. One of their founding members of this organization is the late Morley Nelson. He was famous for his cinematographic work on the Disney films; as well as a world-renowned falconer who flew both golden and bald eagles in falconry. The Snake River Birds of Prey Area; which has the largest concentration of nesting peregrines in the US is now named after him. The Peregrine Fund, which started at Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology is founded, staffed and financed primarily by FALCONERS and supporters of FALCONRY. The world’s largest collection of falconry books, artifacts and memorabilia is now housed there at the Archives of Falconry wing at the Peregrine Fund. Also, you need to visit the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. (www.theraptorcenter.org) This is where veterinarian students from all over the world learn techniques for treatment of raptors. The orthopedic techniques we use to heal broken bones on all birds was developed there by the leading veterinarian Dr. Pat Redig, DVM, Ph.D. Who is a practicing falconer. His Ph.D. was on the study and aspergillosis in goshawks. He is considered the world authority on this devastating disease and is a practicing FALCONER. The guidebook written by the University (Care and Management of Captive Raptors by Arent et. al.) is the guideline that the USFWS has adopted as the standard for the care of captive raptors held by USFWS permitted rehabilitators and educators. Again written by a practicing falconer. I recommend that you get a copy and read it.

Another organization is the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (www.iaate.org). Founded by Walter Crawford and Steve Martin, both falconers. If you look at the staff and membership list, you will find a large percentage of the members are also falconers, who have a love for all bird species.

Another famous falconer who just passed away was Frank Beebe. A Canadian falconer who is well known for studies on the goshawk and gyrfalcon. And co-author of one of the most cited books on falconry: North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks, (Beebe & Webster) now in 8 editions (9th edition is being done).

In Europe, Dr. Cooper, DVM, Dr. Nick Fox, Jemima Parry-Jones and Roger Upton among others, are all highly respected in research and captive breeding programs. In other words, when you align your organization with falconers, you are aligning yourself with some pretty respectable folks. Who hold some of the highest scientific and ethical standards.

The permits I hold are the following: Licensed as a falconer since 1974: USFWS: Falconry: Master & Eagle Class. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation, Raptor Propagation, Migratory Bird Educational Permit: Abatement Permit using Raptors.

I feel that Audubon is doing a great dis-service to themselves, the conservation of birds and the peregrine by their obstructive and non-scientific stance. I would urge you to study the history of the peregrine recovery and re-consider your position.

Respectfully,


Kitty Tolson Carroll

===============================================
Kitty Tolson Carroll� Email: Hawkmom74@birdsofprey.net
Website:� www.birdsofprey.net/gauntlet
OR: Hawkmom74@yahoo.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1300, Live Oak, Florida 32064
Phone: 386-776-1960

See Birds of the Gauntlet on YouTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W7Inf2Gu-E

Birds of the Gauntlet TM: Free-flight Bird of Prey & Falconry demonstrations by Accipiter Enterprises. �Educating the public at Sportsmen's shows,� Agricultural Fairs, Air Shows, Balloon Festivals, Renaissance Festivals,� Scottish Games since 1989.�� Fully contained with own� sound system & tent.�� Federally & state licensed & insured.� ��

International Falconry Academy TM: Falconry schools, instruction, workshops, Field Trips. �
BIRD STRIKE FORCE TM: Pest bird and pest raptor consultant / removal.��
Bird husbandry, behavior & raptor housing consultant

Licensed falconer since 1974.�� Master & Eagle class falconer.�

~~~~~Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take;
but by the number of moments that take your breath away.....

I attended the Peregrine shareholders meeting in Tallahassee yesterday. I am extremely disappointed at the negative stance that Audubon of Florida has taken in resisting the de-listing of the peregrine falcon and allowing a very modest take of passage peregrines by falconers. I feel that Audubon has completely dismissed the historical fact that FALCONERS are the ones who brought attention to and saved the peregrine from the brink of extinction. And the fact that peregrine populations are stable and even expanding in certain (especially urban) areas. Falconers were the ones who invested their own finances, time, birds and expertise, developed the techniques and set up the captive breeding and release programs that have become the gold standard followed all over the world. I would recommend that you look at the website (or better yet go to Boise) of the worlds leading peregrine falcon conservation organization: www.peregrinefund.org . Now also called: The World Center for Birds of Prey. One of their founding members of this organization is the late Morley Nelson. He was famous for his cinematographic work on the Disney films; as well as a world-renowned falconer who flew both golden and bald eagles in falconry. The Snake River Birds of Prey Area; which has the largest concentration of nesting peregrines in the US is now named after him. The Peregrine Fund, which started at Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology is founded, staffed and financed primarily by FALCONERS and supporters of FALCONRY. The world’s largest collection of falconry books, artifacts and memorabilia is now housed there at the Archives of Falconry wing at the Peregrine Fund. Also, you need to visit the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. (www.theraptorcenter.org) This is where veterinarian students from all over the world learn techniques for treatment of raptors. The orthopedic techniques we use to heal broken bones on all birds was developed there by the leading veterinarian Dr. Pat Redig, DVM, Ph.D. Who is a practicing falconer. His Ph.D. was on the study and aspergillosis in goshawks. He is considered the world authority on this devastating disease and is a practicing FALCONER. The guidebook written by the University (Care and Management of Captive Raptors by Arent et. al.) is the guideline that the USFWS has adopted as the standard for the care of captive raptors held by USFWS permitted rehabilitators and educators. Again written by a practicing falconer. I recommend that you get a copy and read it.

Another organization is the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (www.iaate.org). Founded by Walter Crawford and Steve Martin, both falconers. If you look at the staff and membership list, you will find a large percentage of the members are also falconers, who have a love for all bird species.

Another famous falconer who just passed away was Frank Beebe. A Canadian falconer who is well known for studies on the goshawk and gyrfalcon. And co-author of one of the most cited books on falconry: North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks, (Beebe & Webster) now in 8 editions (9th edition is being done).

In Europe, Dr. Cooper, DVM, Dr. Nick Fox, Jemima Parry-Jones and Roger Upton among others, are all highly respected in research and captive breeding programs. In other words, when you align your organization with falconers, you are aligning yourself with some pretty respectable folks. Who hold some of the highest scientific and ethical standards.

The permits I hold are the following: Licensed as a falconer since 1974: USFWS: Falconry: Master & Eagle Class. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation, Raptor Propagation, Migratory Bird Educational Permit: Abatement Permit using Raptors.

I feel that Audubon is doing a great dis-service to themselves, the conservation of birds and the peregrine by their obstructive and non-scientific stance. I would urge you to study the history of the peregrine recovery and re-consider your position.

Respectfully,


Kitty Tolson Carroll

===============================================
Kitty Tolson Carroll� Email: Hawkmom74@birdsofprey.net
Website:� www.birdsofprey.net/gauntlet
OR: Hawkmom74@yahoo.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1300, Live Oak, Florida 32064
Phone: 386-776-1960

See Birds of the Gauntlet on YouTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W7Inf2Gu-E

Birds of the Gauntlet TM: Free-flight Bird of Prey & Falconry demonstrations by Accipiter Enterprises. �Educating the public at Sportsmen's shows,� Agricultural Fairs, Air Shows, Balloon Festivals, Renaissance Festivals,� Scottish Games since 1989.�� Fully contained with own� sound system & tent.�� Federally & state licensed & insured.� ��

International Falconry Academy TM: Falconry schools, instruction, workshops, Field Trips. �
BIRD STRIKE FORCE TM: Pest bird and pest raptor consultant / removal.��
Bird husbandry, behavior & raptor housing consultant

Licensed falconer since 1974.�� Master & Eagle class falconer.�

~~~~~Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take;
but by the number of moments that take your breath away.....

Field Sports Forever

This is a blog to celebrate the practice of all field sports. From 'traditional' shooting and archery sports to terrier work, coursing, falconry, and all other 'primitive' field practices.