HOW TO: make a living with falconry , a job working with Birds of prey

[@trevorgorman4844]

I really like this video as I hav considered a career change, I'm self employed now for 20yrs, fancy a change so possibly transitioning to falconry over a couple of years. This video is full of useful information on the pros and cons. A lot to think about.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Nice one ; it's warts an all!

[@firefuryg6194]

this was a really useful video and the brutal honesty was refreshing

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Hehe brutal but true ! Thank you

[@paulbarry6451]

Absolutely brilliant video. I know of so many young people that say they want to work with dogs because they are not too fond of people. I always advise that it's not the dogs that pick up the phone to book themselves in for a grooming session or stay at the kennels. Like most things in life it's usually only the really passionate people that succeed (apart from budgies and canaries with broken beaks lol)

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Haha! But yes you’re bang on there !

[@freebirdofreason1994]

We thoroughly enjoyed this insight in to various aspects of working with birds of prey, thanks for an honest top quality video . I also left school with no qualifications, lucky most of my classrooms had big windows to dream the time away, from bottom of the class to freedom in 56 years. Caretaker now in a primary school fixing windows. (:

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Same; watched nature out the windows wishing I was there.

[@ianwhitehead4728]

Very enjoyable I love how open and honest you are regarding this subject 10/10

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

It went a bit less positive than planned but deffo ‘ real’

[@jakethebirdnerd5411]

I’ve been thinking about getting into avian pest control except instead of keeping gulls away from rooftops I would stop birds from eating grape at wineries as there are a lot of those in my area. Great video as always Dave

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Yes there’s work in that for sure

[@rhyswelyn]

as always a great vid, very insightful with plenty of information and a honest and realistic approach to a career in falconry. Recommended for anyone considering a career with birds of prey.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Thanks Neil

[@Corey0729]

Thoroughly enjoyed that outlook on falconry as a career of some sorts! At the end of the day you dont have to make millions so long as your Quality of life is Good and you enjoy getting up and going to work, even as you say the days can be long and hard but to work with such amazing interesting species is so rewarding if you put the effort in! ime putting in for my AAL in a month or two so Hopefully have a Future working with my small Team! More of a Semi Retirement Work/Hobby Adventure! Really Enjoy your Videos and Advice Dave! Keep them coming! Regards Steve

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Brilliant steve ; get paperwork in order , have enclosures etc tip top and that will go a long way on the day !

[@kilakila992kilakila2]

My late Dad used to say "A working man will never make money because he is too busy working". Great video as usual Dave.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

I think that’s a good saying …

[@MichaelDavis-pq6ei]

Nice one Dave. I work in the pest control industry and love it. Not for the faint hearted, but I think the hawks love there job as much as i do.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Yes I enjoyed it but I must say some of what I did was dMn boring , some good fun!

[@trevorgorman4844]

Really good video, to the point and covered quite a few different types and ways of working with Raptors. I'm self employed (install CCTV) and Fly two Harris, my son (14) has a barn owl now for 5 years and I've taken him to talk at primary schools, I've also tried a little pest control at a golf club and a warehouse all free of charge just to see if how it goes. Your timing of this video is perfect. As recently I've been asked if I'd consider doing hawk walks at a castle type hotel here in Ireland and I'm considering it but just need a little push. Really appreciate your perspective and honesty on this topic. Something to ponder a little more..... 🤔 maybe.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Hedge your bets and try and be a perfectionist with the bird work and go for it

[@trevorgorman4844]

Visiting schools over the winter months would complement hawk walks and displays during the summer. Could you direct me towards a suitable program for primary schools ?

[@ThatSocratesguy]

@@trevorgorman4844Hello sir your initial comment caught my attention. A year later now could you share some experience about abatement work please? Did you succeed in getting paid for it nicely?

[@stewgordon9291]

Dave! Brilliant video mate. Your a True soilder . Get back to what you love doing. As you say don't get over birded🙂👍

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Cheers!

[@johnhufton5787]

What a wonderful video. Thank you Dave.

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Thank you

[@ThatSocratesguy]

What an incredible video. Salute 🫡

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Cheers

[@ThatSocratesguy]

@@falconry.davesharpenatureboyI’d like to ask a question. I was thinking about becoming a falconer to earn income (not as a passion). So I could switch from my boring desk job. Your video has made me conclude that this is not viable. Except for the abatement falconry sector perhaps. Suppose one were to (to save time and investments) train specifically for that, with the goal of working for abatement companies. - Could one even live off that or is that unrealistic? Since it’s only a seasonal job I think? - Are there even programs that train you into becoming an abatement falconer only? Because as you said, it’s only a subskill of a falconer. - Would it be worth it invest the time and money to become licensed falconer, only to then do abatement jobs on the side, next to your main job/income? Sorry the many questions! I’m just hoping..

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

@ThatSocratesguy hear in uk abatement often means other pest control work too such as pigeon proofing buildings with nets and spikes , clearing away detritus from gull nests etc etc ; and no licence needed here to be a falconer , so here it can and is a full time job. In the us to becomes a licenced falconer takes a lit longer and costs more , I would first look into pest control as a whole for a career and add bird abatement to that once up and running maybe ?

[@JamiesRaptors]

Straight to the point dave 🤣

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Hehe

[@johnwilkes7190]

One of, if not the best, break downs of working, not just with BOP, but with most things in the "Animal World". Speaking as someone, the wrong side of fifty, who has worked in gamekeeping, as a professional hunting guide and as a mounted police officer and who was stupid enough for twenty years to run an invasive animal control business, you hit the nail on the head. But it's been a great lifestyle. Been all over the world doing it . But you don't make a fortune. People always used to say to me "oh it would be great to go hunting every day and get paid for it " my response " yes it would be ". Best take away is the last bit (35.15 onwards) you reap what you sow. Good Job Dave. (Bunking off to go fishing🤣man after my own heart)

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Hehe; I have an image of you running down the road jumping up and down on cane toads now…

[@cubsotics2940]

I know it will vary with different breeds do hawks and falcons but how much money should I have before starting falconry hopefully I can get a job this year as I’m turning 17 need to get driving first and then I’ll focus on the falconry

[@falconry.davesharpenatureboy]

Just look into all the stuff you’ll need and tot it up; the good thing is most of the stuff will last almost a lifetime