Patrick McNaughton

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

After pursuing falconry for a few years, I had the opportunity to go to my first meet. I was not sure what to expect, but the picnic turned out to be very helpful. I got to meet falconers from all over Missouri, learn specific laws in this state, and attend a class from Dr. Sullivan. I left that session with an abundance of information that I will use for the rest of my hawking days.

I have been trying to become a licensed apprentice for a while now. Unfortunately, my family and I have moved twice since then. With all of the moving around it can be hard to settle in and start functioning in the falconry community. Luckily, I’ve been able to experience hunting in a variety of places and terrain. I’ve been out with red-tails flying on a jack in the plains of West Texas. I’ve also hunted with goshawks in snow-covered Wisconsin.

Now that we’re here to stay in Cape Girardeau, I can build my mews, take my exam, and hopefully start a successful hawking season. I look forward to the next MFA meeting in October and hope that it is as helpful as the last. Thank you for allowing me to come and join the fun.