Can an Apprentice falconer hack raptors?

An apprentice falconer is not permitted to hack raptors. Hacking, which involves releasing a bird of prey to learn to hunt and survive in the wild and then retrieving it later, requires a certain level of skill, experience, and responsibility to ensure the bird’s safety and successful integration into the wild.

Regulations are in place to protect both the birds and their environments, recognizing that more experienced falconers have the necessary knowledge to undertake this activity while ensuring ethical practices are followed. As an apprentice falconer, the focus is primarily on learning the foundational skills and responsibilities required in falconry, which includes tightly managing birds under their care rather than having them engage freely in the wilderness. This limitation is designed to ensure that novice falconers do not inadvertently harm the birds or disrupt local ecosystems while still developing their skills under closer supervision.