The Falconry And
Raptor Education Group
ROSLYN • SOUTH DAKOTA
Mission
We are here for the education and conservation of birds of prey through the interactions and information to the betterment of humans to influence all generations.
These beneficial birds are an essential part of our environment and ecosystem.
As a sole proprietorship and veteran-owned small business, I encourage you to consider this program at your event. Birds of prey are sentient beings and not pets or performers. These animals are treated with the utmost care and respect. ALL situations will be held at the discretion of the Falconer.
Falconry, also called Hawking, is the sport of taking wild quarry with trained birds of prey. Whether they are falcons, hawks, owls or eagles, they all hunt naturally in their wild state by instinct. A falconer uses their skill to hunt in a partnership with a bird of prey, training them to return.
While the sport of Falconry has been around for thousands of years, it is still considered very rare. Through all different cultures, generations, the many variations in hunting style, laws of the land, different species native to certain regions and the terrain available to hunt, it remains the same universally.
These beneficial birds are an essential part of our environment and ecosystem.
As a sole proprietorship and veteran-owned small business, I encourage you to consider this program at your event. Birds of prey are sentient beings and not pets or performers. These animals are treated with the utmost care and respect. ALL situations will be held at the discretion of the Falconer.
Falconry, also called Hawking, is the sport of taking wild quarry with trained birds of prey. Whether they are falcons, hawks, owls or eagles, they all hunt naturally in their wild state by instinct. A falconer uses their skill to hunt in a partnership with a bird of prey, training them to return.
While the sport of Falconry has been around for thousands of years, it is still considered very rare. Through all different cultures, generations, the many variations in hunting style, laws of the land, different species native to certain regions and the terrain available to hunt, it remains the same universally.
Programs
Raptor Education Group
This main multi-educational program covers aspects of conservation, protection, historical lessons, and avian biology related to birds of prey. Also in-person interaction with permitted falconry conservation education birds. Future programs will feature federally permitted native raptor species of South Dakota!
Learn MoreFalconry Permit/Hunting
Life as a licensed falconer. Learn what it is to commit to a falconry hunting license. This class DOES NOT issue you a permit. There is a lengthy process, and this covers the dedication and commitment in the pursuit of falconry. {Under 18 must be supervised by a parent/guardian.}
Learn MoreContact
The Falconry And Raptor Education Group
- Roslyn, SD, United States
- 12412 440th Ave. Roslyn, SD 57261
- +1-6055900446 - FARE Group
- roslynraptors@gmail.com
- Program reservations ONLY, PRIVATE PROPERTY
Website: www.thefaregroup.net Facebook group: Dakota Falconry Network
F.A.Q & LINKS
Why do I need to reserve a program event? Can't I just visit the site?
The site is private property and a home. Not for the public to visit.
There is a high insurance cost and legal contracts that come with a site that is open for public display and guests. It is much cheaper to offer the program fee to recoup those minor costs compared to that kind of a site facility.
Are we allowed to pet or hold the birds?
No.
They can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. The feet and talons can grip with a strength up to 200lbs and not let go. They have tendons that almost seem to lock in place, so their prey does not get away.
These are apex predators and, though familiar with the ROUTINE of being transported and hunted with, they are not nice. They are not friendly and have a defensive nature against humans and other predator animals (like our pet dogs and cats).
Though there are places overseas and other organizations that might allow this, but as the owner of this education program and a falconer responsible for these animals, I do not.
How do I become a falconer?
Falconry is a highly regulated Hunting Permit
(because of the federally protected species that we use.)
The MANY LENGTHY steps to get permitted are definitely a commitment. The birds are federally protected so there is lots of paperwork. It is a "journeyman" type process:
Exam: Written/multiple choice test, administered in person by the South Dakota GFP Falconry Office.
Building Inspection: Housing for the bird--a Mews (the minimum enclosure size is 8'x8'x8'), to include equipment for use with the bird.
Sponsor agreement: MUST HAVE a SPONSOR! This is an ACTIVE PERMIT General or Master Level (it's not just your commitment; they are your mentor) who is only allowed two apprentices each year.
Apprenticeship: TWO full years--no substitutions-- (to include the hunting seasons with a bird) at the beginning of the issued permit date
Food: Hunts aren't always successful and may not always provide enough food for the bird. Therefore, food is required for training time--prey species for feeding is required. Grocery store meat is not an option.
50 CFR 21.82 is the federal regulations for Falconry permitted in the US. Each state can make things more strict or lenient as long as the FEDERAL laws are followed.
This is a very unique opportunity, and it is not for everyone, but that is not my decision. It's a personal commitment and takes a lot of patience, time and money.
This information is not meant to discourage! It is for awareness of the hunting sport you are interested in.
What if I find an injured raptor or any injured wildlife?
Contact a local county or regional Conservation Officer. (See below)
Most injured or sick raptors can be approached as if they are tame. If you can walk right up to them or even pick them up--which is NOT recommended because you could become a carrier of a contagious disease back to your own pets or other wildlife--they are NOT WELL.
You have 72hrs to turn over wildlife to a rescue/rehabilitation center.
On the EAST RIVER side there are multiple places in Sioux Falls, the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown and Special Eagle rehabilitation in Pierre.
Contact a South Dakota GFP Conservation Officer for guidance.
Most injured or sick raptors can be approached as if they are tame. If you can walk right up to them or even pick them up--which is NOT recommended because you could become a carrier of a contagious disease back to your own pets or other wildlife--they are NOT WELL.
You have 72hrs to turn over wildlife to a rescue/rehabilitation center.
On the EAST RIVER side there are multiple places in Sioux Falls, the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown and Special Eagle rehabilitation in Pierre.
Contact a South Dakota GFP Conservation Officer for guidance.
| Aberdeen | Tim McCurdy (District Supervisor) | 605.380.4572 Jakob Heyd | 605.237.9878 |
| Belle Fourche | Jacob Schwint | 605.391.6042 |
| Britton | Jack Baumert | 605.280.4738 |
| Brookings | Jeff Grendler | 605.360.0509 |
| Buffalo | Adam Fuest | 605.280.7482 |
| Canton | Josh VandenBosch (District CO Supervisor) | 605.940.0222 Tanner Pietz | 605.975.1482 |
| Chamberlain | Diana Landegent | 605.730.1578 Travis March | 605.730.1573 |
| Clark | Zach Thomsen | 605.881.2260 |
| Clear Lake | Adam Behnke | 605.881.3780 |
| Custer | Ron Tietsort | 605.431.7048 Jenna Capper | 605.391.2132 Jim Ganser | 605.431.8099 |
| Elk Point | Tony Stokley | 605.677.7814 |
| Flandreau | Andrew Stark | 605.222.0948 |
| Fort Pierre | John Murphy (District CO Supervisor) | 605.730.1571 Dylan Peterson | 605.730.3774 Josh Carr (Regional CO Supervisor) | 605.730.1574 |
| Gettysburg | Kendyll DeRouchey | 605.730.1568 |
| Gregory | Cheyanne Colton | 605.280.4741 |
| Hayti | Logan Hammer | 605.881.0018 |
| Hill City | Jeff Edwards | 605.381.9995 |
| Hot Springs | D.J. Schroeder | 605.381.6438 Seth Lorton | 605.880.0009 |
| Ipswich | Eric Voigt | 605.380.4376 Joe Galbraith (District Supervisor) | 605.380.4563 |
| Kadoka | Jason Hamar | 605.891.5775 |
| Lake Preston | Christopher Schiera | 605.370.0980 |
| Lemmon | Edgar Meza | 605.415.6462 |
| Madison | Cody Symens | 605.480.3364 |
| Milbank | Blake Swanson | 605.881.3779 Jamie Pekelder (District Supervisor) | 605.881.3778 |
| Miller | Jon Dunlap | 605.730.1570 Cory Flor (District Supervisor) | 605.680.0003 |
| Mitchell | Dylan Urban | 605.941.4552 |
| Mobridge | Patrick Beffa | 605.845.6286 |
| Olivet | Taylor Etherington| 605.941.4735 |
| Onida | Tyler Krekelberg | 605.730.1384 |
| Pierre | Jason Hamil | 605.280.7619 |
| Plankinton | Lynn Geuke | 605.220.6943 |
| Platte | Jeff Martin (District Supervisor) | 605.730.1575 Eric Brumbaugh | 605.295.1966 |
| Presho | Wyatt Weber | 605.222.4192 |
| Rapid City | Chris Dekker | 605.390.0923 Ross Fees | 605.381.3734 Adam Geigle (District Supervisor) | 605.390.1230 Jim McCormick (Regional CO Supervisor) | 605.381.9500 |
| Redfield | Shane Pedersen | 605.460.0450 |
| Salem | Alex Osborne | 605.220.1169 Matt Talbert (District CO Supervisor) | 605.360.0491 |
| Sioux Falls | Craig Fishel | 605.201.3001 Justin Harman | 605.530.7085 Jared Hill | 605.941.0181 Jeremy Rakowicz (District CO Supervisor) | 605.941.0074 Jeremy Roe (Regional CO Supervisor)|605.940.3519 |
| Sisseton | Anna Sells | 605.881.3773 |
| Spearfish | Josh Thompson | 605.381.4704 Mike Apland (District Supervisor) | 605.391.1574 |
| Sturgis | Ryan Pearson | 605.391.0836 |
| Tyndall | Taylor Kirchner | 605.360.0497 |
| Wall | Derek Pelton | 605.220.9688 |
| Watertown | Kyle Lenzner | 605.881.3777 Jackson Knight | 605.280.1545 Kraig Haase (Regional CO Supervisor) | 605.881.3774 |
| Webster | Austin Norton | 605.881.2177 |
| Winner | Dillon Bates | 605.730.1576 |
| Yankton | Don Allaway | 605.350.1669 |
Links: Laws, etc...
Laws/Rules/Federal Regulations:
- eCFR :: 50 CFR 21.82 -- Falconry standards and falconry permitting.
- Falconry Permit | South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Local South Dakota raptor species
Rescue/Rehabilitation
