A SHORT ESSAY ON FALCONRY
BY
Master Eule, Baron von Haginbald
OL, Baron, Don, Lion
Master Falconer
4,000 years ago, somewhere on the plains of Central Asia, a man captured a falcon to test her predatory spirit. He trained her, fed her and set her free. In search of prey, she soared higher and higher. From far above the clouds she spotted her quarry and made her kill. But then she did not fly away from the man, instead she shared her catch with him. On this occasion, long ago, was born the art and science of falconry.
Falconry is defined as the art and sport of taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. This ancient art is a very demanding endeavor, requiring a serious dedication of time and energy from the Falconer.
It is interesting to note, however, that little has changed in the sport of Falconry over the past 4,000 years. Although it has been the subject of shifting popularity and restrictions, the sport has always been the favored pastime of the idle rich and Noble classes....those with the time, interest and, most importantly, the resources, to keep and train these miraculous winged predators. As medievalists, we can research the historical aspects of Falconry, however, we are encumbered by
the numerous restrictions our modern world imposes to trap, house, train and fly Falconry birds in the manner of a medieval Falconer.
To quote Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor in 1250 AD:
"He who would be fully instructed in Falconry must be proficient in the feeding, the attendance upon, the training, and the domestication of falcons, and in teaching them how to capture their quarry. He must also be well acquainted with numerous other responsibilities connected with these tasks. Only then can he be regarded a worthy member of the guild and deserve to be called by the name Falconer."
In our modern world of the United States of America today (other countries have different restrictions), it is not an easy task to become a licensed falconer. You must:
- score 80 or better on a Federal test concerning the habitat, training, care and biology of birds of prey
- design and build Falconry facilities based on State and Federal guidelines
- have your facilities inspected by State and Federal officials
- obtain sponsorship from another licensed General or Master class Falconer and study as their Apprentice for a minimum
of 2 years
- obtain a State and Federal Falconry permit
- obtain a State hunting permit
- seek out and trap a wild raptor suitable for Falconry (i.e. a Red-tailed Hawk, or American Kestrel...different states have additional birds available for Apprentices)
- constantly keep, train, feed and care for your birds. You must also fly your birds on a regular basis (i.e. several times per week). Unlike a rifle or shotgun, you bird is dependent on you all year and cannot simply be placed in the closet until next season.
However, as members of a society dedicated to the research and re-creation of all aspects of ancient, medieval and renaissance life, it is quite possible to incorporate knowledge of the sport into your persona without actually being a licensed Falconer or caring for a bird. To that end, there are many period sources available where you can find a plethora of information about the life of a Falconer:
- "de Arte Venandi cum Avibus", Frederick II, 1250. Translation by Wood & Fyfe, Stanford University Press, 1943. If you were to own one book on the subject, this would be it. At over 600 pages, Frederick II discusses the life of a falconer in great detail as well as the habitat, biology, trapping, training and care of birds of prey.
- "The Booke of St. Albans", Juliana Berners, 1486. Details hunting, fishing and fowling during the 15th c. Includes a detailed sumptuary chart on what class can posses what species of bird of prey.
- "A Jewell for Gentrie" by T.S., London, 1614. A look at falconry during the late 16th c.
- "Falconry: In Two Bookes", Symon Latham, London, 1615
- "An Approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hawking", Edmund Bert, London 1619
Additional modern texts include:
- "The Kings and Their Hawks: Falconry in Medieval England", Robin S. Oggins, Yale University, 2004
- "Falconry Uncommon", George Kotsiopoulos, Hancock House Publishers, 1999
- "The Hound and the Hawk: The Art of Medieval Hunting", John Cummins, Phoenix Press, 1988
- "The Hunting Book of Gaston Phebus", Hackberry Press, 2002
Falconry is a unique pastime in that the technology of the sport has changed very little in thousands of years. As a modern person reads through copies of the period masters, one is struck with the fact that this "Sport of Kings" is practiced today much as it was when the subject was first written. As medievalists, we have the unique opportunity, through our interest in history, to pursue and learn this ancient art in much the same way as a falconer of the Middle Ages and Renaissance would have. If such a pastime interests you, please seek out a licensed Falconer in our Society. They will likely be more than happy to help guide you on your journey to knowledge of this intriguing lifestyle.
Falconry
Master Eule with Dudley at Gulf Wars XV
King Brion and Eastrealm Royal Falconer, Brianna McBain with Clarice
AS XL.
For more pictures go to
Brianna was elevated to the
Order of the Laurel
for Falconry by His Majesty .
For more information on SCA Falconry go to :
Commentary on how the BoD ruling affects falconry in the SCA
by
I have never really talked to Swiftrunner about this but I was there when the whole thing started. It was the Seneschal's knee jerk reaction to someone's message to him about the hunt Guild planning a hunt. That person I believe has been banned from the huntlist. The Guild was and still is
sensative to the SCA not wanting us to kill our food at an event, ie: TwoChucks cannot kill a lamb to cook over a fire. The Seneschal was wise enough to leave drowning worms and free flight off the banned list. I still plan to invite my SCA friends to hunt with "Sally" but they will have to do
it as mundane individuals without SCA sanction or insurance.
I think it is wise to not test the limits of the ruling but keep within the intent of the ruling. For me that is: no live bait for my bird. Yes when she is flying free she is infact hunting and will go after game if she sees it. The ruling leaves room for an accidental kill just like most states allow a falconers bird to feed on an out of season or protected animal if you cannot get there intime to stop her from killing it. I can do a good demo with a lure so there is no need to use live game at an event. At a NON-SCA EVENT/get together, we are back to State Rules not SCA rulings
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