I live in Warren County…

I live in Warren County Kentucky and we are home to the 3rd largest city in KY. There are 3-4 practicing falconers in this county and only one of us, me, is flying a wild-trapped bird, a Red Tail. Many falconers move on to Harris Hawks or captive bred hybrid accipiters after getting their start with a wild-trapped birds. Since entering into falconry, just 6 years ago, I have been personally called to assist with several injured or compromised hawks, owls, and small falcons. The word gets out on the falconers living in the area and our phone rings and we respond when people find raptors in need! Your falconers are a wonderful source of experienced bird handlers/transporters. They also contribute to the welfare of the raptor population through educating the public on the unwanted use of rodent poison, by trapping and relocating to prevent predation and the unwanted shooting of raptors, plus trapping of raptors who are stuck in buildings and on and on. Limiting the current or incoming falconers on wild take, especially plentiful raptors such as Red Tail Hawks, serves as yet another barrier to entering this sport. The list of barriers, particularly finding a willing sponsor, is long. Conservation of the raptors and the game they hunt is a main priority of falconers. More willing and able falconers in the sport will help perpetuate the advantages I have mentioned. I encourage you to remove the barriers to the wild-take of common hawks as well as Goshawks.