The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host a falconry apprentice workshop, presented by the N.C. Falconers Guild, on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education in Raleigh. Falconry is hunting by means of a bird of prey, with strict state and federal requirements<http://www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/OtherLicensesPermits/FalconryLicensesPermits.aspx> in place for ownership of a raptor and hunting with it.
“Everyone practicing falconry in North Carolina has to go through an apprenticeship and earn a license,” said Daron Barnes, permits supervisor with the Commission’s Division of Wildlife Management. “We give a presentation at this workshop on the rules and regulations that govern falconers, and talk to attendees about the application and permitting process.”
Participants at the workshop also learn the history of falconry, about bird training, equipment and care, raptor anatomy and identification. Live birds will be on hand.
The N.C. Falconers Guild <http://www.ncfalconersguild.org/default.htm> was founded in 1987 to assist and advance falconry and bird of prey issues through education and support. The Guild works to benefit scientific study of all raptorial birds and their prey species, and all aspects of the environment.
Advance registration is required, with space limited and a $35 fee charged for participation. Lunch is provided. For more information or to request a registration form, contact Beth Gunn with the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education at 919-707-0205 or beth.gunn@ncwildlife.org<mailto:beth.gunn@ncwildlife.org>.
The Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education<http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Centennial.aspx> is one of four wildlife education centers operated by the Wildlife Commission. The Centennial Center is located on the first floor of the Wildlife Commission headquarters at 1751 Varsity Drive on N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org<http://www.ncwildlife.org/>.