Post by brentb on Jan 28, 2009 19:47:01 GMT -5
I see most people introduce themselves in the introduction section but since I have several questions I thought I'd save space and introduce myself here and then probe for a little direction... 
My name is Brent and I live near Lake Stevens, Washington. I've had this internal fascination burning in me for years and a trip last fall to the Birds of Prey center outside Boise, Idaho got me all juiced up and thinking about it again. Now that the holidays have passed I would really like to explore this desire, learn everything I can and then see if it is the right thing for me. I have a few basic questions below and I am hoping some of you experts can help point me in the right direction.
First, as silly as this sounds but is age 46 too old to really get started in this sport? I'm not in the same shape I was in 20 years ago, but I still love the outdoors, like to spend time camping with my wife, and I can still hike a river good enough to fish it. Now that the kids have grown up and moved out, I have plenty of time again. I work 4:30 AM to 2:00 PM so my afternoons and evenings are typically free.
Second, everywhere I go I see people recommend that I read everything I can get my hands on. I've browsed through the recommended reading thread here and read a BUNCH on the Modern Apprentice web site. But the amount of literature is nearly overwhelming for a beginner.
If you could pick out just two or maybe three books for the raw beginner to read what would they be? I've been looking at Falconry and Hawking by Philip Glasier, would this be a good place to start?
Lastly I am going to make contact with the Washington Falconers Association and see if there is anyone I can meet and possibly join them for a day to see the sport up close. Any recommendations on how to proceed? Just pick a name from the officer's list or does anyone know someone in the association they might recommend to contact?
Thanks for reading this and thanks in advance for your help!
Brent
My name is Brent and I live near Lake Stevens, Washington. I've had this internal fascination burning in me for years and a trip last fall to the Birds of Prey center outside Boise, Idaho got me all juiced up and thinking about it again. Now that the holidays have passed I would really like to explore this desire, learn everything I can and then see if it is the right thing for me. I have a few basic questions below and I am hoping some of you experts can help point me in the right direction.
First, as silly as this sounds but is age 46 too old to really get started in this sport? I'm not in the same shape I was in 20 years ago, but I still love the outdoors, like to spend time camping with my wife, and I can still hike a river good enough to fish it. Now that the kids have grown up and moved out, I have plenty of time again. I work 4:30 AM to 2:00 PM so my afternoons and evenings are typically free.
Second, everywhere I go I see people recommend that I read everything I can get my hands on. I've browsed through the recommended reading thread here and read a BUNCH on the Modern Apprentice web site. But the amount of literature is nearly overwhelming for a beginner.
If you could pick out just two or maybe three books for the raw beginner to read what would they be? I've been looking at Falconry and Hawking by Philip Glasier, would this be a good place to start?
Lastly I am going to make contact with the Washington Falconers Association and see if there is anyone I can meet and possibly join them for a day to see the sport up close. Any recommendations on how to proceed? Just pick a name from the officer's list or does anyone know someone in the association they might recommend to contact?
Thanks for reading this and thanks in advance for your help!
Brent