Michigan Hawking Club 2016 Winter Newsletter by Chris Martello

MHC Newsletter 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2015-‐2016 Michigan Hawking Club Officers and Committee Heads .............................. 3 A Letter from The President ........................................................................................ 4 Business Meeting Minutes from 2015 .......................................................................... 6 Outdoorama 2016 ..................................................................................................... 12 Falconry Vendors ....................................................................................................... 13 Michigan Hawking Club On Social Media! .................................................................. 14 SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE 2000 SEASON ................................................................ 18 Picture Gallery ........................................................................................................... 20 West Side Field Meet December 7th, 2015 ................................................................. 21 2015 State of Michigan Raptor Take Count ................................................................ 23 Falconry Humor ......................................................................................................... 24 North American Falconry Association – N.A.F.A ......................................................... 24 MHC Application / Renewal ....................................................................................... 25 Editors Final Throes ................................................................................................... 26 • Cover Photo of Red-‐Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamacensis) “Cedar with Prize” by Christopher Martello

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MHC Newsletter 2016

2015-‐2016 Michigan Hawking Club Officers and Committee Heads President:

Secretary: Treasurer: Legislative Coordinator: Public Relations Coordinator: Newsletter Editor:

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Jeff Alkire 7370 Durand Rd. New Lothrop, MI 48460 (810) 638-‐7779 Christopher Martello 880 Indian Lake Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 845-‐8167 Gregg Agoston 22449 Moorgate St Novi, MI 48374 (248) 449-‐4842 Dave Hogan 4830 Bluebush Monroe, MI 48163 (734) 241-‐8458 Michael Azzopardi 10419 Baraga St. Taylor, MI 48180 Christopher Martello 880 Indian Lake Road Lake Orion, MI 48362

MHC Newsletter 2016

A Letter from The President Hello friends and members of the MHC, I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. By the end of December, it was feeling like we might roll right into spring, but January finally brought some of the cold we expect from a Michigan winter. And now it’s raining again…go figure. Some recent conversations got me thinking about an idea that is often foreign in the world in which we live today. We are taught to think critically and make judgments, but how Pictured, left to right: Troy Peters, M icha Babcock, Jeff Alkire, and M ichael Yachcik. many of us master how to be a critical thinker without being critical? Those who choose to be measured in judgment, or give the benefit of doubt to others are often thought to be naive, foolish, or weak. A study, which was conducted with married couples, amplified this idea for me. In the study, couples were separated and privately questioned. The results showed that 95% of participants questioned said they “absolutely” cared about the best interest of their spouse, but only 50% believed that their significant other had the same feelings toward them. Obviously the numbers don’t work out. This study shines light on how we are prone to be sure of ourselves, while being dismissive of the intentions and actions of others. Understandably people, who invest in and are passionate about endeavors such as falconry, are prone to having strong feelings and opinions. How we channel and act on such thoughts is important. Passing judgment and proclaiming our conclusions can come too easily sometimes. In turn I believe choosing to extend “grace” to others takes us on a higher road, and often provides opportunity for a better outcome. I have also been thinking about my life in the years since becoming a falconer. During that time I have learned new ways to look at the world around me. I have done and experienced things, which never crossed my mind as possible previously. I have gained the love and friendship of some of the dearest people in my life. I have enjoyed the highest highs, and suffered the lowest lows. It is indisputable that I am a different person today, as it should be. Some of you will read this as veterans with many more years of experience, and a much greater long view than mine. Some are early in their falconry journey and are in a state

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MHC Newsletter 2016

of wide-‐eyed wonder. Wherever you are, I submit that your relationship with the birds, the traditions, and the passion will impact your life like few things can. I encourage us all to be present in the moments, embrace both the good and bad, and learn the lessons falconry will teach. I trust that such lessons will grow us into not just being better falconers, but better people. I would like to close by saying thank you to the members that continue to give of their time and talents to keep this club going. Your contributions are the reason we can enjoy and share the fellowship of falconry with each other and others here in Michigan. We appreciate, and are indebted to you for your contributions. Be good to each other, and happy hawking! Respectfully Yours,

Jeffrey K. Alkire President Michigan Hawking Club

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Business Meeting Minutes from 2015

Business Meeting Minutes for April 12th, 2015 10:00AM Pre-‐Meeting: -‐ Breakfast Donuts -‐ Sign-‐in Sheet

1. Call to Order – The Meeting was called to order by Jeff Alkire at 10:16 AM 2. Reading of minutes of last meeting a. Christopher Martello read the business meeting minutes from 2014. b. There was a motion to accept the minutes by Michael Yachick. i. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. ii. All in favor, none opposed. iii. The motion was carried. The Minutes from 2014 are accepted. 3. Officers Reports a. Treasurer’s Report – Gregg Agoston i. Gregg passed out the treasurer report. This will be posted on the website. 1. General Fund explanation. 2. Field Meet expenses discussion. 3. Legislative Fund explanation. a. The checking account gets a $15.00 charge each month. This should not be charged to the account because we are a non-‐ profit organization. Sue and Gregg to address this with the bank. 4. There was some discussion about the cost of the location of the Winter Field Meet. DeWitt community center, $850. ii. There was a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report by Kory Koch 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan 2. All in favor none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. b. Secretary’s Report – Christopher Martello i. Chris’s report on membership. ii. There was a motion to accept the secretary report by JT Warner 1. The Motion was seconded by Michael Yachick 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. c. President’s Report – Jeff Alkire i. Overview about Club activities as an organization doing pretty well. Jeff Spoke about: 1. Educational events and participation by the club. 2. Nesting boxes and other conservation activities. 3. MUCC activity and affiliation. Attendance at leadership training, activities. 4. NRC discussions and cooperation about Falconry regulations. 5. Some discussion ensued on the Kestrel Boxes that our club produces. a. Brian Parkhurst and Deb Olsen volunteers to become more involved in our Kestrel Box Program.

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MHC Newsletter 2016 ii. There was a motion to accept the President’s report by Kory Koch. 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. The President’s report is accepted. 4. Committee Reports a. Legislative and Regulative Report i. Dave Hogan spoke about Falconry Regulations. ii. There was contributing remarks by Jeff Alkire about the falconry regulations process. iii. There was a motion to accept the legislative report by Kory Koch 1. The Motion was seconded by JT Warner. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. b. Public Relations i. Kory takes many phone calls from young people interested in Falconry. ii. Kory and Chris to work on additional information for the usual inquiries about falconry. iii. There was a motion to accept the report by Sue R 1. The Motion was seconded by Michael Y. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. c. Legislative Committee (as previously discussed) i. There was a motion to accept the report by Kory Koch. 1. The Motion was seconded by Michael Yachick 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. d. Ad-‐Hoc Merchandise Committee i. Chris gave an update on the state of Merchandise and club swag. ii. There was a motion to accept by Kory Koch. 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. e. Ad-‐Hoc Research Grant Committee i. No recent discussions on the grants and funds and where funds. ii. Previous funds were donated to an Osprey research project involving satellite transmitters. iii. We have also donated money to band birds. iv. There was a motion to accept by JT Warner 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. 5. Old Business a. Club Newsletters i. The club contributed content to the newsletter. The newsletter was a great publication. ii. Ed Taylor commented about a lost article that did not get published. iii. Jeff Alkire indicates that the article will be found and put into the regular editing process. b. Spring & Fall Tidbits i. Jeff would like to see some hard dates for delivery / creation of the Tidbits. st 1. Spring Tidbits: June 1 2. Fall TidBits: December 1st

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MHC Newsletter 2016

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ii. Christopher Martello to setup communication reminders for TidBit’s. iii. Volunteers for this year’s newsletters and TidBits: 1. Micah Babcock to do Spring 2. Michael Yachick to do the Fall. th Apprentice Workshop – ( June 20 , 2015; Troy Nature Center ) i. Venue is moved this year to a location that can hold us for the day. ii. Attendance will be at a cost of $10 per person [Not for presenters] iii. Christopher Martello will update conference materials as necessary iv. There will be a larger cap on attendance numbers. [Limited to 50 attendances just to be safe.] Summer Picnic – (July 25, 2015) [Central Location concept] i. Many thanks to Larry and Leslie Franzell for hosting the picnic in the past years. ii. There was some discussion about moving the location to a central (Michigan) location. iii. It can also alternate from west side to east side from year to year. iv. It was suggested to use “Hawk Island Park” in Lansing as a central location. 1. Debbie Gaskins to investigate into the date and shelter reservation for the date. 2. There is a parking fee for entry into the county park. Field Meets th i. West-‐Side Field Meet (December 5 , 2015) 1. Typically a Hunter’s Meet; Chris Wysocki will continue to host the Early Dec. Field Meet. th ii. Annual Winter Field Meet (February 6 , 2016) 1. The field meet coordinator position is vacant. The club needs a new coordinator. 2. JT Warner volunteered to be the Winter Field Meet Coordinator. a. JT indicated that he would search for new coordinators. 3. The Club would like to recognize and thank all the folks, especially the ladies in the kitchen who maintained the food and kitchen throughout the day. THANK YOU. 4. The Club needs to respond to businesses that have donated items for the field meet. a. Thank you cards and newsletters. b. Jeff to get some Letterhead and small thank you notes for the club to send out. c. Chris to get a list of vendors to send them a newsletter that displays their ad. d. Everet Horton to be able to write and send thank you notes for this year. e. Chris to publish winter newsletter online to be able to send. Website and Social Media i. Christopher Martello gave an overview for our Website status, Facebook group, and twitter channel. ii. The Website domain registration has been extended for another 3 years. MUCC Club Affiliation i. Christopher Martello gave an overview about our membership status with the MUCC. ii. Our attendance at District #7 meetings has been a positive experience for our club. iii. The club is looking for a volunteer to cover these meetings in the future. 1. Gregg Agoston will coordinate attendance.

MHC Newsletter 2016 2. Larry Franzell, Danielle Durham, Michael Azzopardi volunteered. h. 2014 Take Report i. Jeff Alkire discussed the take report. ii. The DNR is not interested in increasing the numbers unless the club membership is able to fill the permits. [There was a break for Lunch at 12:32 PM and the meeting resumed at 1:15 PM ] i. Club Educational Events i. HawkFest – (Sept 19-‐20, 2015) 1. Coordinated by Dave Hogan. Dave continues to coordinate. ii. Cranefest –(Oct 10-‐11, 2015) 1. Coordinated by Dave Hogan. Dave continues to coordinate. iii. Hunting Time Expo –(Jan 29-‐31, 2016) 1. Chris Wyscoki continues to coordinate this event. (Grand Rapids Area) 2. It’s the largest Hunting Show in the Midwest. 3. Chris W. needs additional visual aids for the show, as our presentation materials are out-‐dated. If you have good pictures, please send them to Chris W. iv. MUCC Outdoorama – (Feb 25-‐28, 2016) 1. Coordinated by Dave Hogan. Dave continues to coordinate. v. Replacement event for Woods-‐n-‐Water (Sept 11-‐12-‐13, 2015) 1. Woods n water has in the past been non-‐responsive. 2. We are going to have a wait-‐n-‐see about this coming fall. Position of our booth is a concern in making the best use of our club membership time. 3. Michael Yachick will coordinate this event if they approach us for this coming fall. vi. New event opportunities 1. Hunting Time Expo at Birch Run is in January. Michael Yachick will coordinate for this event j. Donations i. NAFA 1. There was some discussion about the benefit of NAFA to the MHC and a brief history of Falconry in the US and NAFA by Everet Horton. 2. There was a motion to maintain our membership $100 by Christopher Martello a. The Motion was seconded by Larry Franzel. b. All in favor, none opposed. c. The motion was carried. ii. Peregrine Fund 1. There was a motion to send $100 to the Peregrine Fund by Kory Koch a. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. b. There was some lively additional discussion about the value of the Peregrine Fund. c. Some opposition was presented to the group. d. The Motion was amended by $300 by Everet Horton. e. The motion to amend was seconded by Sue Ryan. f. All in favor, none opposed. g. The motion was carried. iii. Research Grants and other Donations

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MHC Newsletter 2016 1. As per the lively discussion from the previous item, a lengthy discussion elaborated on our donations to other groups friendly to Michigan Falconry. 2. There was a motion to set the Amount of Special Donation Funds of up to, not to exceed 12% of the General Fund balance as of the day of the business meeting. Peregrine Fund Donations would come out of this amount. The remainder of the funds will be allocated by the committee of Grants and Donations, as proposed by Sue Ryan. a. The Motion was seconded by Michael Yachick. b. Discussion. i. Everet Horton had a great idea to provide food and resources to local Michigan resources. c. All in favor, none opposed. d. The motion was carried. 3. Membership of the Grants and Donations Committee consists of: Dave Hogan, Jeff Alkire, James Manley, and Craig Perdue. k. Falconry Regulations in Michigan i. Jeff Alkire covered this in his president’s update. ii. See Chapter 10, of the Michigan Falconry Regulations à http://www.michigan.gov/documents/ChapterX_128648_7.pdf l. Field Meet Paraphernalia – Field Meet Auction Items i. This was lightly discussed during the Field Meet Discussion. ii. The idea of a 50/50 raffle at the field meet. iii. There was an additional idea of a numbered drawing for a large item. iv. If you have additional ideas, please present it to club leadership. m. Communication Protocol; Educational Events and Coordinators i. This is a communication protocol for educational events that the Club Attends. ii. There should be a code of conduct for our events. iii. This would improve upon safety of the events. [as a ‘code of conduct’ ] a reminder presented to each attendee. iv. There was a motion to form a committee by Jeff, Chris, Karen Y to make up a code-‐of-‐conduct by Sue Ryan. 1. The Motion was seconded by Michael Yachick. 2. Discussion: Chris Wysocki: Laws for public display of raptors by apprentices without sponsor is now legal. 3. All in favor, none opposed. 4. The motion was carried. 6. New Business a. Apprentice Coordinator – Jeff Alkire i. There is a position of an apprentice coordinator in other clubs. ii. This process currently occurs naturally, through current club events and functions. iii. There was additional lively discussion about the process in it’s current form. Kory Koch likes this. [thumbs up] iv. Discussion Ended b. Display Items for Educational Events i. Previous discussion as provided for new visual aids for Chris Wysocki and Hunting Time Expo West. c. Abatement Permits by the FED / DNR i. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/01/2015-‐07387/migratory-‐ bird-‐permits-‐abatement-‐permit-‐regulations

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MHC Newsletter 2016 ii. Out for 90 public comment. 7. Election of Officers a. Public Relations position, appointment / volunteer i. Kory Koch has filled this post and is ready to pass the position to the next person. ii. Michael Azzopardi will test the waters by helping Kory with public relations. b. President i. Jeff Alkire continues to volunteer as President. ii. There was a motion by Michael Yachick to nominate Jeff Alkire as continuing president. 1. The Motion was seconded by Everet Horton. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. Jeff Alkire is president. c. Treasurer i. Gregg Agoston will continue to volunteer for Treasurer. ii. There was a motion to nominate Gregg Agoston as continuing president by Michael Yachick. 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. Gregg Agoston is Treasurer for 2015 d. Secretary i. Christopher Martello will continue to volunteer as Secretary. ii. There was a motion to nominate Christopher Martello as continuing secretary by Larry Franzell. 1. The Motion was seconded by Sue Ryan. 2. All in favor, none opposed. 3. The motion was carried. Christopher Martello is Secretary for 2015. 8. The meeting is closed and dismissed at 3:19 pm

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Outdoorama 2016

Thursday February 25th through Sunday February 28th 2016 Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi Michigan

The Michigan Hawking Club will host a booth to educate the public about raptors and falconry at the Outdoorama event in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace and Expo Center. The Club always welcomes volunteers to take shifts at the booth. Mark Tomich is the event coordinator and you may contact him (or sign up at the field meet) to volunteer. You do not need to have a bird to bring, just a willingness to put some time into help. It’s also a good opportunity for apprentices and aspiring falconers to gain some insights and participate in the tradition of club sponsored public service.

This event is one of the most widely attended outdoor vendor events and it also helps the club meet it’s commitment to provide raptor education as part of the club’s charter. It is also a fun time and a good way to get to know other club members, explore Outdoorama and share your expertise with others. It is not the purpose of the booth to recruit for new club members, but to educate folks about raptors and the sport of falconry. In order to plan space, accommodate birds, equipment, arrange for badges, and assure full coverage, please sign up in advance with Mark Tomich. Contact Mark Tomich @ (734) 671-‐0628 mwtomich@yahoo.com

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Falconry Vendors These vendors have supported the Michigan Hawking Club by contributing goods and/or services for our auctions. They only ask in return that we consider them when ordering new products recommending sources to others. If you don’t see their ad in this issue, it’s because advertising materials were not available. Please do not overlook their generosity, so please, do purchase from these vendors whenever possible. Many thanks to them!

Western Sporting Goods

Hancock House Publishing

www.westernsporting.com (800) FLY-‐HAWK

www.hancockhouse.com (800) 938-‐1114

www.northwoodsfalconry.com (800) 446-‐5080

Karl Shank (765) 789-‐4356

Mike’s Falconry Supplies

Cheri Heimbach (570) 966-‐9539

Northwoods Ltd.

www.mikesfalconry.com (888) 663-‐5601

Accipitrine Behavioral Problems Mike McDermott (573) 754 6162

Christensens Golden Quail

Old Fashion Bells

Baywings Falconry

Eagle Wing Publishing William Oaks (608) 378-‐5554

Pineo Falconry

http://www.pineofalconry.com/ (509-‐624-‐3427)

Lance Christensen (712) 933-‐2677

Rob Palmer Photography

www.rodentpro.com (812) 867-‐7598

Boyd’s Bird Company

http://www.merlin-‐systems.com/ (866-‐742-‐8475)

Chris Boyd (509) 332-‐3109

Marshall Radio Telemetry

RodentPro.com

Hawk House Art

Jeff Alkire (810) 869-‐2320

Harry McElroy

www.deserthawking.com http://michiganhawkingclub.org

http://www.falconphotos.com/ (303-‐888-‐5264)

Merlin Systems Inc.

https://marshallradio.com/ (801-‐936-‐9000)

Communications Specialists http://www.com-‐spec.com/ (800-‐854-‐0547)

MHC Newsletter 2016

Bullet Jess Systems http://www.bulletjesses.com/ (858-‐592-‐9471)

Mike Dupuy Hawk Food www.mikedupuyhawkfood.com/ (570-‐837-‐1551)

Larry Counce

http://councebells.com (662-‐890-‐2103)

Anthony Galvan -‐ Raptor Greeting Cards 252 Old Ranch Dr. Goleta Ca 93117-‐ 1024

Merlin Systems

www.merlin-‐systems.com (208-‐362-‐2254)

Michigan Hawking Club On Social Media!

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MichHawkingClub and use the hashtag #Falconry Be sure to ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Michigan Hawking Club under “Groups”

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Northwoods Falconry America’s Finest Falconry Outfitter Since 1984

Northw oods Falconry was born from a deep-running passion for falconry, raptors and the humans who relentlessly pursue it. We have been in business for 29 years and serve the falconry community and raptor enthusiast with integrity and honesty. We do this by providing quality equipment and supplies in a timely fashion. W e guarantee your

satisfaction on each and every item !

Northwoods Falconry P.O. Box 874

Rainier WA 98576 Phone: (360) 446-3212 Toll Free: 1-800-446-5080 Fax: 1-360-446-1270 E-mail: sales@northwoodsfalconry.com www.northwoodsfalconry.com

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MHC Newsletter 2016

SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE 2000 SEASON BY JOHN SHUELL As our editor is short on articles for this newsletter I will attempt to recap this years hunting season. From the feed back I have received most of us have at least finished the season with our birds and ourselves more or less intact. For some of us, and I won’t mention any names, that is quit a feat. This year we have a number of new members and apprentices. As the secretary of the MHC I want to wish you all welcome and express to you how lucky you are to have this club and it’s members to assist you with you Falconry experience. There is a wealth of knowledge in these club members and they are willing to share it with you, so do not feel intimidated or embarrassed to ask for help.

This is a more or less true story as to what transpired at this site. Last year while on a vacation in one of the lower states, our motor home had mechanical difficulties and we limped into a small town named Squirrellsburg. The town appeared deserted as we pulled into a RV repair facility. No traffic lights were working, although there were cars parked in driveways and along the street. As we got out of the vehicle we heard gunfire and screams from behind the garage. The front door flew open and an old guy in coveralls holding an old shotgun yelled at us to get inside the building fast. We complied and ran inside as fast as we could. We just got the door shut as we heard what sounded like a million little feet running across the roof of the building and an ungodly noise that sounded vaguely familiar but so loud I could not figure where I had heard it before. As we looked out the window the hood of our motor home turned into a brownish red furry ball. Then as fast as they had come they were gone. There were bits of wire and insulation lying on the ground under the motor of my vehicle. We were stunned. To make a long story short I will relay the facts as they were told to me later that day by the local sheriff and 2 State Highway Patrol Officers. It seems that once upon a time the inhabitants of the town began to feed and name the cute little squirrels that lived in the town. About fifty years ago there were a couple rowdy teenagers that shot the Mayor’s favorite squirrel right off of the Mayor’s squirrel feeder. The story goes that the Mayor was so upset he made it illegal to harvest or harass the squirrels in any way. The townsfolk that wanted to be on the Mayors http://michiganhawkingclub.com

MHC Newsletter 2016

good side actually started to breed the squirrels and set up huge feeding depots around town. With the feed plots in place the wild squirrels migrated to the edge of town and began to reproduce with the townies. All seemed to go along as usual until last year when 2 things happened. The new mayor, a distant relative of the first squirrel loving mayor, in an attempt to outdo his distant relative, passed a new law. The new law was a ban on any pets that would harm any squirrels and that included a 5 mile safe zone around the town. Those laws in conjunction with 3 mild winters and a bumper crop of acorns produced a breeding season of unprecedented proportion. The squirrels multiplied at an alarming rate and everything came to a head as a million squirrels prepared to build their nests and went on a mission to find copper wire to imbed in their nests. The squirrels stripped the wire from vehicles, phone lines and electrical lines to embed in their nests. Squirrels fell in flames from the electrical transformers they shorted out. Their burning bodies igniting buildings and crops in the fields. The people could not call, drive or get out of town. In their fervor to nest and breed they had become very aggressive toward humans. As they had lived with people and had been protected, they had no fear of humans at all. I saw some of the human remains, it was horrible. A few brave people on foot ran for help but they have never been heard from again. The State Police had arrived in town 3 days earlier and were now without a vehicle, radio, or ammo. I won’t bore you with the details of the bloodbath that followed or of Sadie’s largest daily headcount of the year, but it was truly a sight that the townsfolk will pass down to their descendants. As we drove out of town after the ceremony in which they renamed the town (see above photo), we could hear the band playing and the children singing the Sadieville anthem. Now I know some will not believe me, but the next time you go south on I-‐75 keep an eye out and you will see the Sadieville signs. I am not sure if the townsfolk will share their story with strangers. The national animal rights groups have suppressed the story in fear of hunting organizations using it as an excuse to do away with hunting restrictions. I have heard rumors that an investigative team from one of the larger cable movie channels has been snooping around the area and are searching for a large caches of small animal carcasses. One of their reporters has confirmed rumors that a large fishing lure corporation is no longer willing to pay for squirrel tails. In a following newsletter I may publish some of the photos that were taken during those days as Sadie and I fought our way through the woods to bring back military and medical aid to the survivors of the town. Although I do not use a head count to determine if I had a successful hunting season, I have had to rent space this year in a wing of a meat processing plant in Detroit. I also understand that a large breakfast food chain will be offering an alternative type of sausage with its egg and hash brown breakfast special. I have been sworn to secrecy by several branches of federal and local wildlife regulatory agencies but my attorneys are appealing those gag orders. As soon as we find a judge that is sympathetic to our cause I will be willing to discuss details with any of you that are curious as to how we survived. Until next time, Happy Hawking.

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Picture Gallery Chris W and Chris M at Hunting Time Expo 2016

The Weathering Yard at the Falconry Workshop, S pring, 2015

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MHC Newsletter 2016

West Side Field Meet December 7th, 2015 By Lisa Clements The West-Side Field Meet was held on December 5, 2015. Christopher Wysocki does a great job each year organizing this event which is held at the Boy Scouts of America Camp and HQ in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Boy Scouts in attendance usually get a great hawk talk from a panel of falconers as well as experiencing a hunt right outside the headquarters building. It’s always a great experience for the Boy Scouts. My first hunting trip outside with hawks was very much a pleasant one. I enjoyed getting to meet a few of the falconers in Michigan and watch them hunt, as I have only been fortunate enough to volunteer in a show at the Renaissance Festival this past year with birds of prey. The falconer I worked with explained that you really don't know falconry until you actually go out and watch a hawk or falcon hunt. I didn't understand what he meant until I had the chance to go out and watch a hawk stare at us until we yelled, "Ho ho ho!" to alert them of a rabbit’s presence. It was incredibly enjoyable, and even more so when one of the hawks did indeed get the quarry that so many were beating bushes to find. I appreciate the lessons I learned out in the field with experienced falconers and apprentices alike, and I will be more prepared for my next time out on a hunt. I really do appreciate the friendliness and family atmosphere that I received when I met falconers. Thank you for having these meets, it made me feel like my dream was closer to a reality than ever before.

Ed Taylor with his Goshawk

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Learning Falconry crafts and leash braiding.

Chris Wysocki with his passage Red-‐Tail, Frank.

MHC Newsletter 2016

Gregg Agoston attempts to trade after a successful catch.

Tim Muhich with his passage Red-‐Tail

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Christopher Martello and Cedar after a hunt.

MHC Newsletter 2016

2015 State of Michigan Raptor Take Count General Capture Permits

Available

Red Tailed Hawk Coopers Hawk Sharpshinned Hawk American Kestrel Rough Legged Hawk TOTAL

Non-Resident

Limited Capture Permits

Trapped Raptor Capture Permits Issued 31

10 5 10 80 37 Available Trapped Included above 10 1 60

Total

Avail.

Issued

Filled

Northern Goshawk

Great Horned Owl

Peregrine

Snowy Owl

TOTAL

1 nonresident issued

****ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE****

Michigan Hawking Club Members collaborate at the annual business meeting for promotion of club activities, review policies, p lan events, d evelop budgets, elect officers, adopt s trategies for legal issues, discuss n ew ventures, and tend to the business of managing the club for its members. If you have not previously attended a business meeting (The S econd S unday in April, Annually), please consider doing so! Your contribution to the dynamic team of club members for the management of the club is critical to our success! You must b e a member of the Michigan Hawking Club in good standing with current dues paid to attend the annual business meeting. 2016 Business Meeting to b e held on Sunday, April 10th 2016 at 10:00 AM a t the Michigan United Conservation Clubs Headquarters, 2101 Wood Street, P.O. Box 30235, Lansing, MI 48909

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MHC Newsletter 2016

Falconry Humor

North American Falconry Association – N.A.F.A The Michigan Hawking Club is an affiliate of the North American Falconry Association, which comprises of falconers from across the country and international borders. A membership to NAFA provides you with the latest information on the status of falconry in our country as well as three national publications over the course of the year. The articles and perspectives are invaluable insight into our sport and the Michigan Hawking Club encourages your participation. A current NAFA application can be found on their website at the following address:

http://www.n-‐a-‐f-‐a.com/

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MHC Newsletter 2016

MHC Application / Renewal

Your MHC membership renewal is due by January 1st of each year. Renewals on or after February 14th will pay an additional $10.00 late fee. If you are not renewed by the day of the Business Meeting, you will be dropped from the membership. It is best to keep your membership current via the club website. Please be sure to renew in a timely fashion to ensure continued benefits of membership. We value your membership and hope that you will renew promptly. Please check one box below:

❑ New Member -‐ $20.00 ❑ 1 year renewal-‐ $20.00 * ❑ 2 year-‐ $40.00 ❑ 3 year-‐ $60.00 Please make checks payable to “Michigan Hawking Club”, mail this form and renewal dues to:

Christopher Martello Secretary, Michigan Hawking Club 880 Indian Lake Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 248-‐845-‐8167 Date:_____/____/________ Renewing for year:_________ thru _________ Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________ State:________________________ Zip Code:______________________________ Home Phone:______________________ Work Phone:____________________________ Cell Phone:________________________ Fax:___________________________________ Primary E-‐mail:___________________________________________________________

❑ Check this box to be signed up for MHC e-‐mail updates

❑ None ❑ Apprentice ❑ General ❑ Master Michigan Falconry Permit: NAFA Member: ❑ Yes ❑ No If you would like a NAFA application, check here: ❑ Are you interested in talking to groups in your area about Falconry? Are you interested in helping at MHC educational Events?

❑Yes ❑ No ❑Yes ❑ No ❑Yes ❑ No

Are you interested in helping at the annual MHC Field Meet? * Registration is also available on the Michigan Hawking Club Website at http://michiganhawkingclub.org

http://michiganhawkingclub.com

MHC Newsletter 2016

Editors Final Throes By Christopher Martello

In keeping with the tradition of our club motto, “Falconry, Education, and Conservation,” I found myself doing more falconry presentations or ‘Hawk Talks’ to large groups this year. It was an ‘Educational Year’ for me, you might say. Most events were at the request of other outdoor clubs, some for the Cub Scouts, and other types just because of the opportunity presented itself. The ability to share the sport of falconry with others provides an educational experience that most people remember for a long time. As a falconer and a teacher, I get personal satisfaction educating others about the sport of falconry and sharing my passion. The contributions from our club membership isn’t always measureable in time or dollars, but it can be measured in the positive interactions that we have as educators of the sport of falconry to other people interested in wildlife and falconry. As falconers, we Chris and Cedar giving Hawk Talks at HawkFest each serve as an ambassador to others when we educate people on 2016. Photo Credit to Krystal Hoag. proper techniques and practices used in falconry. These educational sessions we provide to others serve to leave a positive and lasting impression about raptors and the sport of falconry when given with the passion and knowledge that many of our club members share. I highly recommend sharing your passion with others when you have an opportunity; you may just open up the passion for falconry in someone else. In attending some of the other Conservation Club meetings, a particular pattern started emerging as I traveled around. The existing hunting clubs and conservation organizations in our state are experiencing dwindling membership numbers due to a large age-‐gap. The ‘old-‐guard’ isn’t going to be around forever, and it’s important for those leaders to grow new leaders from the younger membership to ensure the continuity and longevity of the club. Many of the Conservation Clubs in Michigan have to work differently in order to gain new membership from the younger generation. While the Michigan Hawking Club isn’t very large, our membership continues to remain steady with a good influx of quality falconers who take great pride in our sport. It is great to see so many apprentices and new club members participate in our events over the past year and provide their time and effort. The contributions of time and effort to ensure that club events continue to run smoothly is appreciated by everyone. I thank you for your continued contributions of time and effort to the Michigan Hawking Club. This has been another great year of falconry events by our membership and look forward to the next year together. Respectfully yours in Falconry, Christopher Martello Newsletter Editor and Secretary Michigan Hawking Club http://michiganhawkingclub.com