Summer 2016 Update

Summer 2016 Update

As the summer draws to it’s peak heat indicies, my activity level with falconry is also reaching a zenith. This summer has been a time of change and growth on a personal level, as well as another challenge to my falconry career: getting ready for the next stage of falconry life. The next level for falconry for me comes at a time when change is a constant and being ready for the curveballs life throws at you becomes a mindset. All the preparation and readiness mindset in the world cannot prepare you for everything, but it can give you the ability to adapt better. Here’s a few things that I’m working on in preparation for ‘The Next Stage’.

 

New Mews

With time and resources both at a premium for me right now, it’s become a challenge to construct a new mews. I need a new mews for the next level, so I’m in the process of converting an existing shed into a mews. The next stage for me is the next bird. “What is the next bird?” is a fair question here, but truthfully, I don’t know. It will be a bird of opportunity and when the time comes. I believe that God has a way of working through others, and provides each of us with the right thing at the right time. So when the right bird is ready for me, she will find me, I just have to be ready for her. There’s no sense in going trapping for a new falconry partner if you don’t have all the amenities arranged.

 

Apprentice

For the first time in my falconry adventures, I am taking on an apprentice. At first blush, this seems like a simple thing to do, being a falconer of 7 years, and varying levels of experience. It’s about time I passed on all my falconry knowledge and skills, right? However, taking on an apprentice is not something I take lightly, nor would I want to undertake the training of a young falconer haphazardly. This experience is going to take additional focus and a re-examination of my own skills as a falconer AND a teacher. The teacher in me always strives to give my best to my students.

 

Hunting Companion – Small Munsterlander

I’m going to add a four-legged companion to the hunting party this year. With ‘Wink’ (old English Setter, beyond his years) out of commission for bird hunting, I’m adding a Small Munsterlander puppy to the team, ‘Kida’. This is another feat that is no small measure of consideration, but I’m getting some extraordinary assistance from my apprentice. The training of a great hunting dog is another undertaking that should be given the greatest consideration. The additional training as a falconry dog will be an extra change for Cedar, as she is not used to hunting with dogs in the field. This too shall take some adjustments. Great Teams were not formed in a day, so we are going to work together on training as a team in the hopes of having some great falconry adventures together in the coming season.

Administrative Duties

I continue to work hard for the falconry community in Michigan and continue to provide assistance in special areas as necessary for the betterment of the sport in the State of Michigan. This sometimes involves long meetings on Saturday mornings, but it’s with some terrific folks and the topic is captivating. The outcome of our team’s work will provide the falconry community in Michigan additional confidence in our partnership with the authorities.

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