The sport of falconry has a long history in the land of the living sky.
By definition, it pertains to the hunting of wild animals in their natural habitat by means of a trained bird of prey.
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Dana Green recently became a full falconer after completing the required multi-year apprenticeship with the Saskatchewan Falconry Club. His winged companion is a two-year-old female peregrine falcon named Eos.
“For me, falconry is this beautiful intersection of culture, history, wildlife and conservation,” Green said.
The history of falconry in Saskatchewan began in the 1950s with the creation of the Saskatchewan Falconry Association.
There are approximately 25 active falcons in the province. The steps to become one are quite extensive, as you will need to go through an apprenticeship lasting several years.
“You have to have a complete set up of your own living space and have a training period with books and videos to read,” said Ian Timmins, president of the Saskatchewan Falconers Club.
“All preparing you for that wonderful day when you will get your first bird.”
During hunting season, a falconer and his bird will hunt for prey such as ducks, quail, pheasants, and grouse.
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“When I get it off the hood, it means it’s time to go,” said Green, as he showed off his falcon. “That means it’s time to chase some ducks or pheasants.”
Dana Green’s Peregrine Falcon Eos can travel at a speed of about 300 km per hour.
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Peregrine falcons are one of the fastest animals on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 300 km per hour.
They can also fly thousands of feet into the sky, to which the prairie landscape lends itself perfectly.
“I mean, this is the land of the living skies, right? Everything about how falcons hunt, the Saskatchewan landscape is ideal for them,” Green said.
And while Baz may swoop in for the kill, it is the partnership with Green that makes it possible.
“A falcon needs a big sky,” Green explained. “If she’s in a great position, she’ll be hundreds of feet up in the air where I can’t see her anymore … Her job is to be the perfect hunter. My job is to flush the game for her.
At the end of the day, Green said she goes through a lot of research and aims to ensure birders have the best hunting experience.
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