Federal Permits

[frootdog]

The feds are way backed up in certain areas because a majority of CA falconers are due for renewal all at the same time and they have created a log jam in that division. Other areas are simply short staffed according to what I've. heard.

[falconess]

Hey Bob if you are still looking for the federal application just go to the fed website and download it there from the permits section, you have to go though a couple of links but it is in there www.fws.gov . When I first got my permit for apprentic class it took forever, I called about every other day and bugged them to proccess it faster but they never did it. When I upgraded to general it took less than a month but they might do somthing different with upgrades. Good luck if you send it in now your most likely to get it just in time for trapping season.

Melissa Wardle
Orem
ps What part of Orem do you live in? And are you the Bob that Ed told to call me?

[ritchiera]

Ok, for those of you that are guessing at how long the mountain states region is running for a Federal permit. I called today as it is getting close to the September 1 trapping season. I mailed my permit request on 16 July and they told me today that the permit was approved and mailed on Wednesday (the 10th of August. That is less than a month!

Wooohoo! I'm an apprentice!

Bob Ritchie
Orem, UT

[Weasel]

Congrats! Let us know when you go trapping!

[ritchiera]

Well, It may not be that exciting for all of you as I'm probably going to get a Kestrel the first year. My sponsor suggested it and I have been preparing for it. My mews would be fine with a RT, but I have been planning on the K bird the first year.

I want to save up for more gear, telemetry, and food supply for the RT and and future birds (prairie falcon). I'll keep the kestrel till next spring and release.

Additionally, I think the smaller bird will help me break in the family on falconry.

I would prefer a RT for rabbit hunting, but the gas, quail and travel time will make the first season harder for me if I go with the RT. In Utah it gets light late and dark early all winter. My thoughts are that I will be able to hunt more with the Kestrel in town than with the RT 45 minutes from the house. Hunting time is a big factor.

I have some flexibility with work, and can work 4X10's to have an extra day off, or work 5X8's and get off at 2:30 each day.

I hope to save up more vacation for next years season too by waiting a year for the RT.

I have been mentally tug-o-warring over the RT/Kestrel thing for 7 months now and I've decided to just bite the bullet on waiting for the RT and listen to what the sponsor says.

Besides, this is an exercise in patience. I'll be able to live without that big RT for a year.

My ultimate goal is a Prairie or Peregrine. I'll have to build a pigeon loft and get some pigeons fornicating in it so 2 years out I'll have homers to train with.

My sponsor has a Prairie and a Gyr/Saker hybrid and I want to go with longwings as soon as I can. They have 10 peregrine's a year for the resident draw here in Utah. I wan't to start putting in for that draw in 2 years.

I'm really glad to get started, and a Kestrel will even be a good change. I have been reading, building, making equipment and mews, and getting licensed for 7 months now. It feels good to get going. two weeks till trapping!

Thank's for all the answers and support for the last 7 months. You all are great.

Bob Ritchie
Orem, UT

[fishtail2000us]

fishtail2000us here looking for info on trapping and training great horned owl any body out tthere can help thaks fisdhtail from philly pa

[ritchiera]

Well, From what I have heard, Great Horned owls hunt at night, so they're hard to keep track of once they leave the wrist... Maybe night vision goggles

I know that there are alot of people into owls in europe so I'd look up some UK sites too.

Another thing, Great horned owls eat hawks when they can so you might not have too many falconry buddies after they're birds get eaten.

Sorry I'm really no help

Bob

[ccrobbins]

They see well in day time but their up close vision is not very good. From all the things I have "read" You need to take a brancher and free loft it right away. You also have to feed them by the hand because they cannot see food on the glove. The folks in England suggest going belless and stalking your prey so it does not get flushed until you have taken several head. From everything I have read they can fly fast and will attack almost anything......Carefull with ducks as GHOs will crash water to get them.


Of course all of this is second hand......

[kmcarb]

I just sent in my federal application for apprentice license to the New Mexico office. I live in Oklahoma, any experience on how long the Albuquerque office is taking to turn the licenses around? The weather has turned colder and the bigger rts are starting to come into the state in larger numbers. I've see a couple nice looking passage birds on scouting trips the last week and am chomping at the bit to use the bal chatri I recently finished.

I'll keep you posted.

[frootdog]

2-3 months buddy....Good luck. I feel for ya. I have about 3 friends that just got thiers and the shortest wait was 2 months.

[wilded]

You will be very lucky if you get it in time to trap a hawk this year.

[frootdog]

I think Arkansas trapping goes until Jan 31, but I'm not certain.

[Weasel]

If you wait a month and then call her, she may fax it to you. Kamile is the person in charge of fed permits in Albuqurque(sp?) I sent my permit upgrade to her in mid July and just got it last week. She is backed up as her helper went back to school or something like that.

[ccrobbins]

yeah, arkansas goes until jan 31. I will hopefully have my papers by then but who knows.....

[kmcarb]

OK, goes until Jan 25th so I still might have a chance.........does anyone know what kind of wine does ms. Mkeever like? or another vice I could exploit.......lol