Falconry Future
Future & Forecast
The ultimate challenge for the continuation of falconry will not be found in changing laws or shrinking habitats, but in the character of falconers themselves. The very future of this tradition is a direct reflection of our collective conduct. As practitioners of a public and often misunderstood art, we are under constant scrutiny. Therefore, the adage that 'attitude determines altitude' becomes the central truth of our existence. It speaks to the necessity of humility, ethical responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, as these are the qualities that will elevate falconry above criticism and secure its respected place in the modern world
Public Relations
Farmers & Hunting Grounds
The scarcity of hunting grounds, especially as farmland disappears, is a familiar struggle for every falconer. Yet, the hard truth is that our most significant losses often stem from self-inflicted wounds: the rivalry and poor etiquette of falconers themselves.
Time and again, a valuable farm has been lost not to development, but to internal conflict. When falconers compete for the same land, bypass clear consent, or create drama, the farmer is the one who pays the price in stress and security concerns. Their logical response is to simply say “no” to everyone. Because farmers talk to one another, one falconer’s mistake can poison the well for the entire community, costing us access to multiple properties.
To prevent this, we have a clear and non-negotiable protocol. If you ask a farmer for permission and discover another falconer already flies there, your next call is not to the farmer—it’s to the other falconer. You must approach them to discuss sharing the territory. The goal is to keep falconry’s internal politics away from the landowner’s doorstep.
While sharing is a great outcome, a “no” must be respected. This isn’t just about territory; it’s about stewardship. “Overhunting” a farm is a real threat. It pushes the quarry out, ruining the location for both parties. A responsible falconer understands the carrying capacity of their land.
Our access to the field hinges entirely on the goodwill of farmers. We are indebted to them, and that debt is paid through professionalism, respect, and a commitment to resolving our own issues without ever inconveniencing our hosts.
Falconry Custodians
Western Cape Falconry
The freedom and trust in the Western Cape we enjoyed for three decades under a simple, self-regulated system (the CapeNature Falconry Policy (CNFP) of 1991) is over. It was dismantled in 2023 with a new policy (2023 Falconry Policy), not by outside forces, but by the actions of a few “bad apples” from within our own falconry ranks. They forced the creation of a new, complex policy of compliance and control.
Let’s give credit where it’s due: CapeNature invested a tremendous amount of its limited resources into this new policy. For a community as small as ours, was it overkill? Absolutely. But was it justified? Without a doubt. It was justified by the transgressions that were ignored, and by SAFA’s complete failure in its duty as the overreaching body to govern and protect falconry effectively as a collective. This new administrative burden on CapeNature is a direct result of our community’s failure to police and control itself.
So, how did we get here? We must look in the mirror. Falconry is a solitary pursuit. That solitude, unchecked, can warp into a selfish entitlement—a belief that “my” needs come first. This is the seed of our own destruction. It creates a ridiculous and toxic sense of competition where none should exist. In falconry, the only true competitor you have is yourself. By just watching how the innovation of Dr Titus Plomaritus has been criticised, it reflects again how falconry rots from within.
Let’s not fool ourselves; this problem is real. We see it when young, active members talk down to the inactive or retired falconers, acting as if they are the only “true” falconers. How incredibly stupid and short-sighted. Do they forget that life happens? Falconry doesn’t pay the bills. A career, a family, and finances dictate how and when we can fly our birds. The most profound act of a true falconer may not be taking up a bird, but having the wisdom not to, knowing they cannot give their full commitment. A half-hearted effort is a betrayal of the bird and a nightmare for the falconer.
Falconry isn’t a jacket you wear every day. It’s a skill you master for life. It’s like riding a bike—you never forget. You can always come back, no matter how rusted your skills may seem, because it flows in your veins
Future - Art vs Sport
SA Falconry Clubs
Leading a falconry club in South Africa is about far more than just managing operations. It’s a delicate dance between management and leadership. Management keeps the gears turning, but leadership inspires the vision that keeps our art alive. The challenge is to maintain this balance, to serve the collective, grow our ranks responsibly, and defend our heritage in a world dominated by social media.
To date, our strongest clubs have always been those that draw upon the professional skills of their members. We are only as effective as the collective talent we can bring to the table. This reality means we must evolve our thinking about what makes a “good falconer.”
To create true ambassadors who will ensure the future of falconry, we must develop ourselves beyond the art of flying a hawk. We need to be stewards, communicators, and leaders.
This brings me to a final, deeply held thought. For too long, we have allowed others—and sometimes ourselves—to frame our pursuit in the simplest terms. Have we focused too much on falconry as a ‘sport’? I believe our future lies in reclaiming its soul. We must champion it as the profound art and timeless craft that it is, moving it beyond the limiting and maligned label of a ‘blood sport.
2025
California Hawking Club
In closing, the series on YouTube, “Rage for Falcons” (2025) by Naum Milyavskiy. It’s an excellent series on falconers of the CHC. Clips have been taken and shared here on their view on the future of falconry, rethinking our position and actions to face the future.
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