A FALCONRY MANUAL: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TRAINING HAWKS AND FALCONS. By Frank L. Beebe.

(1984) 2017 reprint. 8vo paperback (140 x 216mm). Pp197 + 3pp ads. B/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography.

This book began life as two separate publications; North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks, F.L. Beebe and H.M Webster, privately published by Webster in Denver, Colorado, 1960, and Hawks, Falcons and Falconry, Hancock House, 1976. "This year (1983) may be looked upon as a legal watershed in North American falconry. Legal private ownership [of certain classes of raptor] has finally been given recognition in the United States. Prior to 1983 ...all the raptorial birds ...kept in the United States were retained under a system ...so complex as to be inexplicable and legally hazardous to a novice." This book was prepared for the benefit of the amateur falconer, newly empowered to own and keep birds of prey. The book "provides all the essential information to become a falconer. Drawing on nearly fifty years' experience as one of North America's most famed falconers, field researcher and pioneer falcon breeder, Beebe presents the essential biology and field behaviour to understand the hunting hawk and how to catch them. He guides us through the falcon and hawk training process so you can own a healthy, mutually rewarding field companion." Includes instructions and patterns for making your own falconry equipment.