Methodology (involving dogs)
The method of hunting game for hawks and falcons with dogs is as follows:
Carrying the hawk (primarily genus Buteo or Accipiter) on the falconer's fist,
the dog ranges ahead under the tight control of its handler's voice, whistle
and hand commands. The dog is trained to seek specific quarry - rabbit, hare,
pheasant, partridge and water fowl. On scenting recognised quarry one of two
actions take place. If a spaniel is used, then the dog will flush the quarry
for immediate pursuit by the hawk. If a pointing dog is employed it will hold
(point) the scent of the quarry until commanded to flush by the
falconer, upon which time the hawk will give chase.
Where a falcon (genus Falco) is used in the pursuit of game (and vermin) birds.
A wide ranging pointing dog is employed to seek out grouse, pheasant and partridge.
When the dog comes on point (ie scents the game) the falconer will release his
falcon to climb high above the pointing dog until it is in a position to fly
down (stoop) onto the flushed birds. The dog will hold the point until commanded
to flush the quarry by the falconer.
Issues
Falconry is a traditional, ethical, self-policing and essentially very private
activity. It is rarely
practised in groups other than at field meets, the largest of which takes place
every four years and is hosted by the BFC at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire. Here
some 150 falconers and a further 100 guests enjoy four days hawking across 250,000
acres of private land, culminating in a dinner for the many landowners whose
give access to their land freely.
Smaller field meets of some 20-30 falconers do take place and the BFC estimates
that its
membership hold these on an average 24 days a year. Why a ban on hunting with
hounds impacts on falconry Because of its naturally low profile, the use of
falconers' dogs is not popularly perceived as being a part of the general "hunting
with dogs" scenario. However, there is no question that previous legislation
as drafted (see the so-called Foster' Private Members Bill introduced in 1998)
would have legislated against falconers using their dogs to hunt and flush ground
game (especially hare) for their hawks to chase. The only exemption in the bill
as drafted was for shooting. The Foster Bill, as drafted, should also have included
an exemption for falconry alongside shooting.
Those who oppose field sports believe that it is wrong to set any animal onto
another for the
purpose of vermin control, or as a method of providing food. The primary focus
for publicity is
on the "hound sports". However, when taken logically, such legislation should
include not only terriers.
The use of dogs to track shot and wounded deer or to pick up shot or injured
birds and mammals seems, currently, to be acceptable; as is the hunting of lesser
mammals and birds by dogs on the understanding that they are to be shot.
Land access by falconers Recreational access is granted to falconers by land
owners with less restrictions than for other field sports. The falconer is usually
alone, or with two or three friends. His hawks and dogs are well mannered -
otherwise no game would be caught. He is silent in the chase and presents no
threat to other users in terms of either disruption or risk. As far as the wildlife
is concerned, falconry is a very restrained sport with bags averaging between
one and three head per bird per visit. (It is a fact that the balance of hunter
and hunted most closely replicates nature in falconry.)
In 1999 the National Trust, having banned falconry for ten years, lifted this
ban following representations from falconers from the BFC and Hawk Board. This
is the first time a field sports ban has ever been lifted by a national body.
Many landowners welcome falconers for vermin control and game hawking, as well
as for the discrete eye' they keep on stock, trespass and vandalism.
Conservation by falconers Falconers were in the forefront of the conservation
of birds of prey following the disastrous use of pesticides in the 1950s and
60s. It was a falconer who first alerted the authorities to the
possibility of pesticide poisoning in peregrine falcons.
Falconers reintroduced the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) to the UK in the 1970s
following the eradication of the species at the turn of the century by game
shooting interests.
Falconers exclusively pioneered the science of domestic breeding that contributed
to the re-introduction of the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) to the English and Welsh
countryside.
Falconers have co-operated with the authorities to effect a massive reduction
in crimes against native raptors, including mercenary theft, by funding DNA
testing to establish parentage.
Throughout the country, injured birds of prey are cared for by animal charities
and, using falconry husbandry, re-released into the wild. It is to falconers
that the authorities turn when they have confiscated raptors that need specialist
care whilst further investigation is undertaken.
Internationally falconers have been responsible for the reintroduction and repopulation
of the peregrine falcon in North America. They are currently involved in a similar
programme in Europe.
Falconers work with the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES), serving on key committees and working parties to ensure the
continued protection and sustainable use for falconry of all raptors. Through
FACE and the IAF, falconers ensure common codes of practise that enhance the
global wellbeing of domestically kept birds of prey.
The future
Provided it is not hampered by legislation, falconry is increasing as a leisure
activity. Its practitioners are those who can manage their lives to allocate
the substantial amounts of time required to practice this demanding sport. Through
this growth comes an increased understanding of the biology of our native raptors
as veterinary science develops. (Fifty years ago when falconers numbered less
than 100, veterinary science was minimal, today it has a commensurate number
of veterinary experts.)
The use of dogs in falconry provides a traditional and central theme throughout
the sport. Whilst other methods could be employed to flush game none are as
discrimnating as the nose of a trained pointer or spaniel.
Finally (and as requested by the inquiry team), should the use of dogs to hunt
quarry for falconry be banned, it is seen as very unlikely such a ban could
be adequately implemented and policed. Dogs would still be kept - as pets -
and taken for exercise during visits to falconry venues. Who would recognise
and report hunting activity; who would prosecute; and at what cost to the public
purse?
Date uploaded to site 4 April 2000