How to Prepare: A suggestion is to get books about the bird you want to train, especially if it is recommended by your sponsor or a more experienced falconer. For training an American Kestrel the first book suggestion you will get from the majority of falconers is “American Kestrels in Modern Falconry” by Matthew Mullenix. You can purchase this book and others from Western Sporting Publications or other falconry book suppliers found on the links page.

Once you get the books read them, don’t just skim through it and think you understand it. After you read it once leave it on the shelf for a few weeks and then read it again. I can almost guarantee you will get something different each time you read it. Remember the test you will take to get a falconry permit is not just about kestrels but includes questions on all birds of prey, diseases, maintenance, equipment, identification, and other information. Here are some books that are suggested to help increase your knowledge and enable you to pass the test.

North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks, by Beebe & Webster
Apprentice Study Guide, California Hawking Club
Apprentice Manual, California Hawking Club
A Bond with the Wild, ed. Ken Filkens
The Falconer's Apprentice, by Oakes
The Redtailed Hawk, by McGranahan
Dont shoot the Dog, Karen Pryor

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