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Falconry Mentors & Sponsors

A sponsor is the single most important person in a beginning falconer’s journey. Required by law in nearly every state, your sponsor guides you through the apprenticeship, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and ultimately determines whether your first years in falconry are rewarding or discouraging. This guide explains the sponsor’s role, how to find one, and how to build a productive mentoring relationship.

What a Falconry Sponsor Does

A falconry sponsor is a licensed General or Master class falconer who agrees to mentor an apprentice through their first two years of practice. This is not a casual arrangement—the sponsor signs legal paperwork with the state wildlife agency accepting responsibility for the apprentice’s education and conduct.

In practical terms, a sponsor teaches you how to trap or acquire your first bird, build and inspect housing (the mews), condition and train the raptor, manage weight effectively, hunt in the field, and handle veterinary emergencies. They are your first phone call when something goes wrong and your sounding board for every decision during the apprenticeship.

Good sponsors go well beyond the minimum requirements. They invite apprentices on hunts with their own birds so you can see advanced handling in action. They introduce you to the local falconry community, recommend reliable equipment suppliers, and share hard-earned knowledge about the quarry and terrain in your area. The best sponsorships become lifelong friendships rooted in a shared passion for raptors.

Legal Requirements for Sponsorship

Federal regulations (50 CFR 21.29) require that every apprentice falconer be supervised by a sponsor holding at least a General class license. Most states mirror this requirement, though some add their own conditions:

• Proximity. Some states require the sponsor to reside within a certain distance of the apprentice (commonly the same state or within 100 miles). Others allow out-of-state sponsors with prior approval from the wildlife agency.
• Sponsor limits. Many states cap the number of apprentices a single sponsor may mentor at one time—typically one to three. This ensures each apprentice receives adequate attention.
• Inspection duties. Sponsors are often required to inspect the apprentice’s facilities before a bird is obtained and periodically thereafter. Some states require the sponsor to be present during the apprentice’s first trapping attempt.
• Documentation. The sponsor must co-sign the apprentice’s license application and may be required to submit progress reports or verify hunting activity.

Because regulations vary, always check your specific state’s falconry rules before approaching a potential sponsor. Knowing the legal requirements in advance shows initiative and makes a strong first impression.

How to Find a Sponsor

Finding a willing and compatible sponsor is often the biggest hurdle for aspiring falconers. Here are the most effective strategies:

• Join your state falconry club. Nearly every state has a falconry organization affiliated with the North American Falconers Association (NAFA). Attend meetings, field meets, and social events. Showing up consistently demonstrates genuine commitment.
• Attend NAFA or regional meets. These multi-day gatherings bring together hundreds of falconers. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to start conversations and build relationships with experienced practitioners.
• Contact your state wildlife agency. Some agencies maintain lists of falconers willing to sponsor, or they can point you toward the state club coordinator.
• Use falconry directories. Online directories like this one connect apprentice-seekers with falconers who have indicated willingness to mentor.
• Visit raptor rehabilitation centers. Many active falconers volunteer at rehab facilities. Volunteering alongside them is a natural way to demonstrate your work ethic and passion for raptors.

A word of caution: do not cold-email or cold-call experienced falconers asking them to sponsor you without any prior relationship. Sponsoring is a significant time commitment, and most falconers want to know you personally before agreeing. Invest time in the community first.

What to Look for in a Mentor

Not every licensed falconer makes a good sponsor. The ideal mentor should have:

• Active hunting experience. A sponsor who regularly flies birds and hunts is far more valuable than one who holds a license but rarely practices. You want someone whose skills are current.
• Geographic accessibility. Falconry is a hands-on pursuit. If your sponsor lives three hours away, you will miss out on spontaneous hunting invitations and rapid-response help when problems arise. Closer is better.
• Teaching temperament. Some exceptional falconers are poor teachers. Look for someone who explains their reasoning, answers questions patiently, and adjusts their teaching style to your learning speed.
• Relevant species experience. If you plan to start with a red-tailed hawk, a sponsor who primarily flies longwings (falcons) may not provide the most applicable guidance. Ideally, your sponsor has direct experience with the species you will fly.
• Good standing in the community. Ask other falconers about a potential sponsor’s reputation. The falconry community is small, and experienced members know who mentors well and who does not.

Sponsor & Apprentice Responsibilities

A successful sponsorship is a two-way relationship. Both parties have obligations:

Sponsors should:

• Be available for regular check-ins, especially during the critical first months of bird training.
• Provide honest feedback, even when it is uncomfortable. A sponsor who only tells you what you want to hear is doing you a disservice.
• Introduce the apprentice to the broader falconry community and advocate for them when appropriate.
• Model ethical behavior, legal compliance, and exemplary raptor husbandry at all times.

Apprentices should:

• Study independently. Do not rely on your sponsor to teach you everything. Read foundational texts, watch educational content, and come prepared with informed questions.
• Respect your sponsor’s time. They are volunteering their expertise. Be punctual, follow through on commitments, and express gratitude.
• Be transparent about problems. If your bird is losing weight unexpectedly, if you missed a feeding, or if something feels wrong, tell your sponsor immediately. Hiding issues to avoid embarrassment can cost a bird its life.
• Help with your sponsor’s birds. Offer to assist with trapping, equipment maintenance, or mews cleaning. This reciprocity strengthens the relationship and gives you additional hands-on experience.

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