I support the proposal…

I support the proposal outlined within ERO# 019-1806. My encounter with falconry began with my dad who is a licensed falconer and a member of the Ontario Hawking club. Through this association I’ve come to see falconry practiced by more women when such outdoor sports are typically dominated by men. I find this to be very inspirational as a young woman since it will draw more women into contributing to the critical decisions about our habitat, and natural resources, ERO# 019-1806 proposal will encourage this participation. To me falconry is not just about the human/raptor bond, training, and the pursuit of wild game. It has a more profound definition, a legacy that had been engrained through thousands of years of practice, a deep connection to the habitat, flora, and fauna, for when these are negatively impacted there are repercussions throughout the eco-system. Falconers are acutely aware of these shifts in our environment, example they were one of the first groups to raise concern regarding the reduction in Peregrine falcons due to DDT toxicity, furthermore falconers were key contributors to the recovery of this magnificent raptor. Falconers involvement is not only limited to raptors but are actively contributing to preserving habitat and game species. I am not a falconer but falconry imparted a longing for nature within me, as when I go on hikes I’m more in tune on the subtle changes in my surroundings, and all movement seen is examined more intensely, and this has led me not to take for granted our natural resources.