Winter Newsletter 2018
Table of Contents 2017-2018 Club Officers and Committee Heads
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A Letter from the President
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Additional News Updates
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Michigan Hawking Club on Social Media
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Business Meeting Minutes
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Treasurer's Report as of 12/31/2017
14
OutdoorRama 2018
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Vendor Advertisements
16
Upper Peninsula Hawking Spring 2017
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Picture Gallery
28
The Bane of Birds
29
Falconry Humor / Cartoons
33
North American Falconry Association - NAFA
33
Birch Run Hunting & Fishing Expo
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2017 Raptor Count
34
MHC Application / Renewal
35
Editors Final Throes
36
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Cover Photo “Cedar’s Squirrel” taken by Christopher Martello
http://michiganhawkingclub.org
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Winter Newsletter 2018
2017-2018 Club Officers and Committee Heads President:
Jeff Alkire 7370 Durand Rd. New Lothrop, MI 48460 (810) 638-7779
Secretary:
Christopher Martello 1100 Miller Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 845-8167
Treasurer:
Gregg Agoston 22449 Moorgate St Novi, MI 48374 (248) 449-4842
Legislative Coordinator:
Dave Hogan 4830 Bluebush Monroe, MI 48163 (734) 241-8458
Public Relations Coordinator:
Michael Azzopardi 10419 Baraga St. Taylor, MI 48180
Newsletter Editor:
Christopher Martello 1100 Miller Road Lake Orion, MI 48362
http://michiganhawkingclub.org
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Winter Newsletter 2018
A Letter from the President
Jeff Alkire with passage Redtail hawk “Jess” (Photo courtesy of Rae-Jean Erickson)
Greetings MHC members and friends, Hopefully this letter finds everyone well in the early part of 2018. I’m enjoying a little heat wave at the time of this writing. It’s January and there has been over a fifty-degree swing in temperature in less than a week. Got to love “Pure Michigan”! I would like to start with an update on our Michigan falconry regulations. The current structure allows for review and adjustments to take place every three years and it’s that time once again. We discussed the current regulations at our business meeting last April and have been working with the DNR since on adjustments the membership had suggested. On 1/11/18 our Legislative Liaison Dave Hogan, and myself spoke to the Natural Resources Commission supporting the proposed changes as submitted by the DNR. The recommended changes are as follows… • • • •
Apprentices will be allowed to participate in educational events utilizing their birds as long as they are under the direct supervision of a General or Master level falconer. Falconers relocating to Michigan will have forty-five days to apply for their State falconry permit. A falconer with the appropriate permits will be able to receive assistance from another individual in the take of a wild raptor. The wildlife permit specialist will have the authority to deem falconry housing facilities acceptable.
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Winter Newsletter 2018
• •
Falconers changing where their raptors are housed will have five days to notify the wildlife permit specialist. The application date for special take permits will change from January fifteenth of the permit year to December first preceding the permit year.
Barring any unexpected events, the NRC will vote on, and hopefully ratify, the revisions at their February 8, 2018 meeting. I would also like to take a moment to thank Casey Reitz for her efforts in this process. In addition to her responsibilities as Permit Specialist for the Michigan DNR, she has been assigned the duties of being the falconry point person for the department. This was her first go at our regulatory review process and we look forward to enjoying a continued good working relationship with her. The MHC maintains both a website forum and a Facebook page. The Forum is reserved for members only, whereas the Facebook page is open to members and general public alike. Over the years activity on the forum has become almost non-existent with almost all activity currently taking place on Facebook. In light of this efforts have been made to improve the Clubs presence on Facebook. Additional administrators have been added, rules of participation have been updated, and efforts have been made to better utilize the platform in the sharing of information. I encourage our members to use this as a positive platform to share stories, exchange ideas, and to learn. I strongly believe in the benefit of discussing different points of view as part of the learning process and just as strongly believe that this can and must be done with civility and respect. I acknowledge that we live in a culture where crass discourse is often glorified, and name calling, belittling, and personal attacks seem acceptable if someone doesn’t see things our way. Unfortunately, in the past this behavior has been exhibited on our page. We cannot control the world around us but should strive to do what we can where we can. It is in this light that we will no longer tolerate disrespectful conduct on our pages, and anyone unable to follow these guidelines will be removed from the MHC Facebook group. Let’s all do our best to see that never needs to happen. The Club receives requests for birds of prey programs on a regular basis. As a result, Club leadership and members often find themselves in the position of trying to fulfill these requests while staying within our legal and resource limits. In order to not become program “brokers”, the decision was made at last year’s business meeting to compile a list of all credentialed raptor educators in Michigan. This list of individuals and organizations has been compiled and added to the Club website. I highly recommend the use of this resource by both our membership and general public. In addition, we will be working in the near future on updating both our list for veterinarians and rehabilitators who specialize in birds of prey. I am cautiously optimistic in making the following announcement. In the spring we will be working to relocating Merlins from Piping Plover nesting grounds at selected State Park sites. It has been several years since Michigan Falconers have been utilized in the non-lethal trapping of Merlins with the goal of protecting both the depredating falcons and the small number of breeding Plovers which still exist in our State. Although our membership has been ready to help, delays through chain of command, calls for mobilization, and the issuance of appropriate permits have left our willing volunteers unable to assist. Often the responsible agencies opted to employ lethal methods in lieu of utilizing live trapping methods. On occasions when our volunteers were notified, it was many times too late for us to get to site and have a positive impact. A more proactive approach will be tested this year which will have live trapping commence based on the historical dates which Merlins return to the Plovers nesting grounds. This will hopefully prove to be a simpler and more effective approach to the problem. I will share the details as they develop and will be looking for volunteers in the next few months. I have been given assurances by the DNR, State Parks, and USFWS that everything will be in place to insure this takes place in 2018. As I said before “cautiously optimistic”! http://michiganhawkingclub.org
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This fall will bring another first in Michigan Falconry as we will have five permits available for the take of wild peregrines. It is my hope that with this additional take more falconers will pursue the opportunity to fly these fantastic birds. I will close with the following thoughts. The North American Falconers Association (NAFA) had the theme of “Respect the Game� for its annual field meet in November, and I think it’s an idea worth expounding on. There are many integral pieces in the puzzle of falconry, and the game species hunted is an important one. Here you find a balance where both parts are equally important. Some predators, some prey, dependent on the other, and all playing their roll as part of the natural order. Be mindful that something dies so our birds can live. Be mindful that life is fragile and that it is much easier to take life than it is to give and preserve it. Appreciate the skills and abilities of not only the predator but the prey that is pursued. Respect others, respect the birds, and respect the game. Respectfully yours, Jeff Alkire President, Michigan Hawking Club
Additional News Updates Kestrel Nest Boxes For years the MHC has made and donated kestrel nesting boxes for placement around the State. An estimate puts the number of donated boxes to date at close to 400. Way to go MHC! Normally the Club pays for materials and volunteers build the boxes. This year I would like to say a special thank you to Club member Kyle Trisch who not only gave of his skills and time, but also acquired and donated all the material for a total of 28 boxes! The majority of these boxes will be utilized by the DNR around the State at land management sites. This MHC program is one example where we put our money where our mouth is concerning conservation work. Anyone wanting to make boxes for themselves can find plans posted on the MHC website. Depredating Raptors at Detroit Metro Airport There have been off and on discussions over the past several years concerning problem raptors at Detroit Metro Airport and how they are dealt with. Current protocol includes the trapping and relocating of birds, with repeat offenders being euthanized. What we are trying to achieve is a new system that would give falconers opportunity to take possession and fly these birds in lieu of the current protocol. Keep an eye out for updates as these discussions continue and more details become available. The Sponsor and Apprentice Done Right One of the goals of our Club is to help develop better falconers. One way we work to that end is by encouraging strong relationships and interaction between apprentices and their sponsors. When executed properly this time honored method of mentor and apprentice has proven to be highly effective in the sharing of knowledge and development of skills. Another is the development of the regulatory Falconry Sponsorship Agreement. If you are currently a falconry sponsor or apprentice in Michigan you have signed this agreement outlining the responsibilities of both parties. Take a minute and read through the agreement document once again. http://michiganhawkingclub.org
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Winter Newsletter 2018 Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife
FALCONRY SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT Required under authority of Part 401 , 1994 of Act 451, as amended.
SPONSOR AGREEMENT
I,
to sponsor the individual named below and to abide by the following: Print Sponsors Name
1. I live within a reasonable distance from my apprentice, which facilitates and aids in the below said duties. 2. I will actively participate in the training of my apprentice to include, but not limited to the capture, manning, training and hunting of my apprentice’s bird. 3. I have discussed, with my apprentice, the State and Federal falconry regulations and the proper sponsor/apprentice procedures. 4. I will write a letter of withdrawal to the Michigan DNR, Wildlife Division, Permit Specialist if circumstances arise which prohibit me from furthering my sponsorship requirements. 5. I will attempt to give reasonable notice to my apprentice, for the purpose of him or her locating another sponsor, if I decide to withdraw. 6. After 24 months of active participation with a falconry bird, I will assess my apprentice’s falconry skills and either write a letter to the Michigan DNR, Wildlife Division, Permit Specialist recommending advancement to the General Falconry class, or notify my apprentice of his or her weaknesses and what improvements should be made. When such improvements have been made I will immediately submit a letter to the Michigan DNR, Wildlife Division, Permit Specialist recommending the advancement to the class of General Falconer.
APPRENTICE AGREEMENT
I,
hereby agree to apprentice under the individual named below and to abide by the following: Print Apprentices Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
I will maintain reasonable contact with my sponsor so that he or she may assess the need to be present during the training of my bird to include, but not limited to the equipment and mew, capture, manning, weight control, hunting, and the health and condition of my bird. I have discussed the State and Federal falconry regulations with my sponsor and understand that before I can become eligible for General Falconry status: a) I must acquire a freshly trapped regulatory approved raptor from the wild. b) I must have a bird for a total of at least 24 months. c) Any time without a bird does not count toward the 24 month accrual. d) Any time without a sponsor does not count toward the 24 month accrual. e) I must participate in the sport of falconry during the 24 month time period. I understand that I must have a sponsor the entire time I hold an apprentice permit. If however, my sponsor withdraws, I will promptly find another sponsor. At no time will I trap a bird without a current Falconry Sponsorship Agreement (PR2645) on file with the Michigan DNR, Wildlife Division, Permit Specialist. After 24 months of apprenticeship and active participation in the sport of falconry, I understand that my sponsor will make an honest and reasonable judgment of my basic falconry skills and either deny or recommend advancement to the class of General Falconer.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS: (NOTE:
The reverse of this document may also be used. Initial all addendums.)
Sponsor Name & Address (Please Print)
Sponsor Signature
Permit # & State
Date
Apprentice Name & Address (Please Print)
Apprentice Signature
Permit # & State
Date
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If you are a sponsor, ask yourself if you are fulfilling your pledge? ”I will actively participate in the training of my apprentice to include, but not limited to the capture, manning, training and hunting of my apprentice’s bird”. If you are an apprentice are you holding up your end of the deal? “I will maintain reasonable contact with my sponsor so that he or she may assess the need to be present during the training of my bird to include, but not limited to the equipment and mew, capture, manning, weight control, hunting, and the health and condition of my bird”. Do you feel your sponsor/apprentice is upholding the agreement? My hope is that all participants can honestly answer yes to these questions. If you answered no, then it is your responsibility to initiate needed conversations and take the necessary corrective actions. A good sponsor/apprentice relationship requires work on behalf of both parties. Work that both have previously agreed to. It is said that “anything worth doing is worth doing right”. For the sake of the birds, ourselves, and falconry, let’s make sure we are doing this right.
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”
****ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE**** Michigan Hawking Club Members collaborate at the annual business meeting for promotion of club activities, review policies, plan events, develop budgets, elect officers, adopt strategies for legal issues, discuss new ventures, and tend to the business of managing the club for its members. If you have not previously attended a business meeting (The Second Sunday 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!
Sunday, April 8th 2018 at 10:00 AM You must be a member of the Michigan Hawking Club in good standing with current dues paid to attend the annual business meeting. The 2018 Business Meeting to be held on Sunday, April 8th 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Michigan United Conservation Clubs Headquarters, 2101 Wood Street, P.O. Box 30235, Lansing, MI 48909
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Winter Newsletter 2018
Business Meeting Minutes Business Meeting Minutes for April 9th, 2017 10:00AM Pre-Meeting: Breakfast Donuts Sign-in Sheet Falconry Regulations and business meeting minutes
1. 2.
3.
4.
Call to Order 10:10 am a. Preamble by Jeff Alkire, President. b. Personal Introductions of members in attendance. ( 31 members in attendance) Reading of minutes of the 2016 business meeting by Club Secretary, Christopher Martello. a. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. b. Jeff Alkire seconded the motion. c. The motion was approved. The minutes were accepted. Officers Reports a. Treasurer’s Report i. Gregg Agoston was absent. The Treasurers report was read (from email) by Christopher Martello. ii. The full detailed report will be posted to the MHC Website after the meeting (it was posted). iii. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. iv. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. v. The motion to accept the treasurer’s report was approved. The report is accepted. b. Secretary’s Report i. Membership numbers was reported by Christopher Martello ii. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. iii. Troy Peters seconded the motion. iv. The motion to accept the secretary’s report was approved. The report is accepted. c. President’s Report i. Jeff Alkire provided an update on the state of the club, the events of the past year were fairly status quo for operations of the club. There has been a change in the representative from the DNR. The falconry test was updated and implemented. There was a procedural change with the application process for the limited take permits. ii. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. iii. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. iv. The motion to accept the president’s report was approved. The report is accepted. Committee Reports a. Legislative and Regulative Report i. Dave Hogan provided an update to the club membership. Falconry regulations will change next year. The Club is in discussions with the DNR for regulation changes for next year. Dave discussed the 2016 capture report. Dave requested that the club membership should refrain from contacting the permit specialist directly for things. Please contact a club officer for specific requests. ii. The regulations for duck season is changing. In addition to the regular gun hunting season, Falconers are allowed January 1-15, 2018, and February 19 to March 10, 2018. iii. Ed Taylor commented on the licensing differences between states. Can the small game license be included in your Falconry license? We can put the question to the DNR. iv. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. v. Dannielle Durham seconded the motion. vi. The motion to accept the report was approved. The report is accepted. b. Public Relations i. Michael Azzopardi provided a report on the state of public relations. Big question from folks is about what books. Mike also gets calls on coordinating hawk talks. There was some positive general feedback on hawk talks that the club provides.
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5.
ii. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. iii. Mary-Margaret Ferraro seconded the motion. iv. The motion to accept the public relations report was approved. The report is accepted. c. Ad-Hoc Merchandise Committee i. Patrick Durham reported. Square Store dot com has setup an online store for club merchandise. We have had one sale. More messaging might be required for distribution. ii. It is suggested to have a “Sale” of existing things to clear out merchandise. iii. It was suggested to have a link / button for our merchandise on the store. iv. Patrick continues to maintain the online store and inventory. v. Mike Azzopardi has other states willing to swap merchandise for club swag for the next field meet. Mike to coordinate with Patrick. vi. There is a motion to update the merchandise in the inventory. vii. There was discussion. The club is also willing to replenish the merchandise stock. There is also a suggestion to update the logo and designs. Suggest also ability to update the designs / prints / colors. There is additional discussion on updating the ‘café-press’ service that provides design, costs. viii. The motion is tabled until new business. ix. There was a motion to accept the merchandise report by Christopher Martello. x. James Warner seconded the motion. xi. The motion to accept the Merchandise Committee report was approved. The report is accepted. d. Ad-Hoc Research Grant Committee i. Jeff Alkire provided an update to the group. Last year the club donated hawk food provisions to a rehabber on the west side of the state. The rehabber sent a thank-you to the club membership. ii. There was a motion to accept by James Warner. iii. Dave Hogan seconded the motion. iv. The motion to accept the committee report was approved. The report is accepted. Old Business a. Club Newsletter i. Christopher Martello provided an update on the club newsletter. Cost, distribution, electronic, sent to vendors, sent to NAFA. ii. There was discussion about cutting down on the printing costs by distributing the Meeting Minutes differently. iii. Christopher Martello continues to be the editor for the newsletter. iv. Discussion end. b. Spring & Fall Tidbits i. Sue Ryan volunteers for Fall Tidbits. November 1st ii. Lisa Clements volunteers for Spring tidbits. June 1st c. Apprentice Workshop – (Saturday June 17th ; Troy Nature Center ) i. James Warner is coordinating this year’s event with the presenters and logistics. ii. $10 dollar per person for attendees for the facility use. ($30 for registrations) iii. Presenters should contact James W / Danielle D for presentation opportunities. d.
Summer Picnic – (July 29, 2017) [Potter Park Zoo] i. The potter park zoo venue was well received last summer. ii. Folks appreciated the facilities and central location. iii. Cost for the shelter is $200, which covers chairs / tables / BBQ, bathrooms, etc. iv. Debbie Gaskins is willing to help coordinate again at the Potter Park zoo.
[Break for lunch at 12:00 noon; The meeting resumed at 12:53 pm ] e.
Field Meets i. West-Side Field Meet (December 2nd, 2017) 1. Currently on hold (venue discussions). Will find out at the end of September.
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f.
g. h. i.
j.
2. Strictly a hunting meet. Good Meet for folks who like to hunt. Lots of game. ii. Annual Winter Field Meet (February 3rd, 2018) 1. James Warner provided a 2016 field meet recap. Meet weather was good this year, contributed to higher level of attendance (~ 100). 2. James W looked into rules and regs around 50/50 raffles. More details to come at a future date. 3. Field meet hunting spots. There was discussion that it would be good to have secured spots with documented permissions. 4. Auction was very successful this year with items. 5. Lots of volunteer work including the kitchen. [THANK YOU!!!] 6. Suggestions for additional day of field meet, guest speakers. There was some discussion around current field meet schedules, busy hunting, dinner schedules, the auction. 7. Chamber of commerce contacts: ability to get donations, community support for the events. James W will investigate additional developments. 8. James W will continue to serve as coordinator for the 2018 field meet. 9. Debbie Gaskins made some comments about the logistics of the field meet. The preparation time the day before the field meet really helped out. There was LOTS of help in the kitchen and made for successful food preparations. Debbie suggests additional roaster pans for success. a. There was a motion to provide club assistance to Debbie Gaskins for equipment by Dave Hogan. i. Equipment to run the field meet efficiently, not to exceed $200. b. Everet Horton seconded the motion. c. The motion was approved. Website and Social Media i. Domain Name Renewal for the website is coming up this year in October. This will be a three year renewal cost to the club for about $100. ii. Facebook Group is gaining visits and discussion posts on Facebook. iii. There was a request to update website content with current and relevant information (study guides, test, meets, etc.) MUCC Club Affiliation i. Participation Levels for the MHC at MUCC District Meetings ii. Future attendance and ownership. 2016 Take Report i. As previously reported by Dave Hogan during the regulation report. Club Educational Events i. HawkFest – (September 16-17, 2017) 1. Coordinators : Dave Hogan & Mark Tomich ii. Cranefest – (October 7-8 or 14-15) 1. Coordinators: James Warner (changed to Troy Peters) iii. Hunting Time Expo – (Jan 27-28, 2018) 1. Coordinator: Chris Wysocki iv. MUCC Outdoorama – (Feb 22-23-24-25) 1. Coordinator: Mark Tomich v. Birch Run Hunting & Fishing Exp (???) 1. Coordinator: Michah Babcock vi. Single event Hawk Talks 1. There was some discussion around additional club sponsored events, vs. small individually requested hawk talks. Additional hawk talk requests are increasing. 2. There was additional discussion about the liability situation that may arise from individuals vs. club sponsored events. 3. The Club will compose a list of licensed raptor educators and funnel requests for events to the list of educators and post it on the website. Donations
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k.
6.
12% of the General Fund ($7410.57 as of March 31, 2017) is $889 for donations i. NAFA 1. Maintain Membership a. There was a motion to maintain our membership with NAFA for $100 by Sue Ryan. b. Dave Hogan seconded the motion. c. The motion was approved. 2. Additional $ 100 for NAFA a. There was a motion to Donation to UNESCO / NAFA $100 by Everet Horton. b. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. c. The motion was approved. ii. Peregrine Fund 1. There was a motion to donate $300 to the Peregrine Fund by Dave Hogan. 2. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. 3. There was discussion to adjust the amount of the donation. 4. The motion was approved with one dissenting vote. iii. Peregrine Flight School 1. There was a motion to donate the remainder of allocated donation funds of $389 in quail by Michael Yachcik, from Lance Christensen to Dave Hogan for his efforts with the peregrine flight school. 2. Ed Taylor seconded the motion. 3. The motion was approved with applause. l. Field Meet Review – Field Meet Auction Items i. There was a suggestion to contact NAFA for donations. Some discussion followed. ii. Mike Azzopardi will contact additional vendors for donations for the meets. Mike also sent “Thank You’s” to the vendors that supported our Club Events. iii. Vendors contacted Mike directly and thanked him for the placement into the newsletter. m. New Falconry Test Update i. Covered previously in update from Jeff Alkire. ii. There was a suggestion to create a study guide. The study materials for the test is covered by existing materials. n. Kestrel Boxes / Kestrel Fund i. Jeff Alkire discussed how Kestrel Boxes have previously been used. The DNR has used the stockpile of boxes and will continue to use what boxes the club builds. 1. There was a motion to have the club fund the construction of 25 kestrel boxes and donate the boxes to the DNR for their research by Dave Hogan. 2. There was some additional discussion by club membership. 3. Christopher Martello seconded the motion. 4. The motion to build Kestrel boxes was approved. ii. Kyle Trisch volunteered to build the kestrel boxes. New Business a. Educational Events and Coordinator Position – [NEW!] i. As a result of discussion: is this necessary? There was additional lengthy discussion. ii. Definition revision for an additional support person to assist coordinate materials, chairs iii. Educational Events that are club sponsored events still coordinated by current team members. iv. One-off hawk talks provided on an individual basis. v. Hawk Club Events requested of the club will be funneled to educational raptor rehabbers (list to be created). 1. There was a proposal to adopt the position by Sue Ryan 2. [Jeff Alkire] seconded the motion. 3. The motion was approved. 4. Details to be discussed; pamphlets, chairs, pictures, schedules. vi. Tom Grant Volunteers to try the position 1. There was a motion to nominate Tom Grant by Dave Hogan.
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2. Mark Tomich seconded the motion. 3. The motion was approved for Tom Grant as appointment / volunteer to the position. [There was a quick break for about 5 mins] b. Falconry Regulations in Michigan i. Renewal Year 2017 – Preface 1. 2nd cycle of major renewal of regulations. 2. Club Membership should review the regulations and suggest adjustments. a. Suggestion to remove the Snowy Owl from the take by Craig Perdue. There was lively discussion that ensued. b. The falconry regulations were read through by sections and comments were submitted. c. Jeff Alkire maintains a list of suggestions and questions. The final list will be published. ii. Apprentices and ‘Made Birds’ (Red-Tails) 1. Some lively discussion ensued presenting both sides of the argument pro and con points. 2. The club does not recommend transfers to Apprentices as their sole Raptor experience. 3. The club would recommend leaving the language in the falconry regulations as is. iii. Apprentices at educational events 1. The DNR will include language for the regs to allow apprentices to perform educational events with the presence of a General or Master falconer. iv. Update on Peregrine Take in Michigan (5 permits) – as previously discussed through NAFA emails and updates to NAFA members. c. d. 7.
8.
Healthcare Workshop request from Rehabilitators (suggestion / request) France Krawcke i. Is the club interested in learning from France about basic medical rehab techniques? [YES] ii. Would be paid event, open to general membership. Most likely a half-day session. Any additional New business?
Election of Officers a. President i. There was a motion to nominate Jeff Alkire by Dave Hogan. ii. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. iii. The motion was approved. Jeff Alkire continues as club president. iv. Applause b.
Treasurer i. There was a motion to nominate Gregg Agoston by Dave Hogan. ii. Sue Ryan seconded the motion. iii. The motion was approved. Gregg Agoston continues as Treasurer.
c.
Secretary i. There was a motion to nominate Christopher Martello by Dave Hogan. ii. Debbie Gaskins seconded the motion. iii. The motion was approved. Christopher Martello continues as Secretary.
Dismissal and Closure a. There was a motion to dismiss the meeting by Christopher Martello. b. James Warner seconded the motion. c. All in favor none opposed. d. The motion is carried. The meeting is closed and dismissed at 4:36 pm.
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Treasurer's Report as of 12/31/2017 Treasurer's comments: This is a summary report. Please see full report on line at Michiganhawkingclub.com.
2017 General Fund Summary thru Feb
Beginning Balance Total Revenue Total Expenses Ending Balance
$5,470.02 $7,768.00 ($7,199.29) $6,038.73
2017 Legislative Fund Summary thru Feb
Beginning Balance Total Revenue Total Expenses
$5,376.27 $$-
Ending Balance
$5,376.27 $11,415.00
Note Check 1434 $660.00 payment for 2018 Room Rental Dewitt Community for Winter Meet
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OutdoorRama 2018
Thursday March 1st through Sunday March 4th 2018 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 its 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. 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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Vendor Advertisements 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
Marshall Radio Telemetry
www.westernsporting.com (800) FLY-HAWK
https://marshallradio.com/ (801-936-9000)
Northwoods Ltd.
Hawk House Art
www.northwoodsfalconry.com (800) 446-5080
Mike’s Falconry Supplies
Jeff Alkire (810) 869-2320
Pineo Falconry
www.mikesfalconry.com (888) 663-5601
http://www.pineofalconry.com/ (509-624-3427)
Craig Leash
Communications Specialists
http://www.craigleash.com/
http://www.com-spec.com/ (800-854-0547)
Merlin Systems Inc. http://www.merlin-systems.com/ (866-742-8475)
Bullet Jess Systems
Rob Palmer Photography http://www.falconphotos.com/ (303-888-5264)
http://www.bulletjesses.com/ (858-592-9471)
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Winter Newsletter 2018
Upper Peninsula Hawking Spring 2017 March 2-5, 2017 Hawking trip to the UP with Mary Margaret, by Nick Aldrich
As my first season of hawking comes to an end, I got the crazy idea that hawking snowshoe hares in the UP would be a fun way to end the season. I was able to convince Mary Margaret that this was a good idea too. We stayed at a friend's cabin south of Munising. Off we went on a Thursday afternoon with 2 birds, 1 pesky beagle pup and a truckload of gear. The trip north was good all the way to the Mackinac Bridge, but as soon as we turned west on Highway 2 the snow began. We made the next 150 mile drive in white out to light snow and road conditions ranging from wet to ice and covered in snow. We finally made it to the access road to the cabin at 9pm. We found a river flowing across the road!!! Not wanting to get stuck or wash away, we opted to stay elsewhere for the night. The next morning, we ventured back to the road to find that we could get down the road and traveled as far as we could go. This still left us a mile from the cabin! 2 trips later we packed in our gear, birds and a dog named Copper. Snowshoes were required to traverse the frozen, snow covered bogs to get to the tree island with the cabin. MM took Dipper for a short hunt while I readied the cabin for our stay. A fire in the wood stove and coffee was needed to shake off the cold. A pile of wood was split and hauled inside. Coffee was brewed, and dinner was started. We ate very well, since I am a gourmet camp chef. đ&#x;˜œ Saturday morning, we took Alice out to hunt snowshoes after a big breakfast. She followed well for a time. We moved through the thick cover where the hares reside, following tracks and checking good hiding spots. As we came to the end of our circle through the bog, I discovered Alice was nowhere to be found. Repeated attempts to call her to the lure and a search of the area brought us no sign of her. We went back to the cabin for a warm up and http://www.michiganhawkingclub.org
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some moral support. Losing a bird is not a good feeling. Mary Margaret devised a plan to find her. I would go back to our hunting area and look for her in the trees since she would be fat and happy, perched in a tree if she made a kill we didn't know about. Mary Margaret made a trek in the direction the wind was blowing. While I retraced our steps a white snowshoe hare broke from cover, I gave the game call in hopes that she would be near and swoop in for the kill. No such luck as I watched it bound away. After a time searching I hear a call across the bog!! “I FOUND HER!!” The best words I could have heard!! We met half way across the bog with Alice contently perched on Mary Margaret’s glove. What a relief!! Unfortunately, by this time the day was fading and the wind was blowing too strong to hunt Mary Margaret’s RedTail, Dipper. I felt bad that the search for Alice took up the entire day and will always be grateful to Mary Margaret for finding her and having the level head to make a plan to find her. Saturday evening brought us a mac & cheese dinner and relaxing in the warm glow of the wood stove. Miles of trekking thru frozen, snow covered bog will wear you out!! Sunday morning brought with it the dread of having to leave the quiet and peace of the north woods to return to the real world of jobs and responsibility. We packed out the first load of gear and Alice to the truck in melting snow and softening bog. We made one last hunt attempting to get a snowshoe hare for Dipper and #10 for the season. We found none, only a rapidly softening bog and melting snow. We made a final check and headed to the truck with final gear and Dipper. We left the peace of the north till next year. We will return to the cedar bogs and pine woods in search of the snowshoe hares. It was a excellent way to end the season. There is not much better in life than a good friend, your dog and a couple red tail hawks. -Yours in Falconry, Nick Aldrich http://www.michiganhawkingclub.org
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Falconry Land Access Etiquette (or Lack of It) By Dean P. Keddy-Hector Forward submitted by Michael G. Yachcik
I was fortunate this past November to go to the NAFA meet in Nebraska. We had a wonderful time and were able to experience a wide variety of birds flying and catching game. While there and during the nightly vender meetings I came upon the Texas Hawking Association’s table. They publish a quarterly newsletter and past copies were available to take. I did so and have been enjoying reading the four I picked up. In the Spring 2017 newsletter, there is an article by Dean P. Keddy-Hector entitled “Land Access Etiquette” that I liked. Although it is mostly about hunting in Texas with long wings, which is a fun thing to read about in itself, some of the issues he has faced about losing hunting spots apply to us here in Michigan. I hope you enjoy the article that Dean has given permission to reprint. I’ll share my thoughts & comments at the end of the article.
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Often who “owns” a hawking spot falls into a gray area. For example, when at our field meet someone may discover a spot while driving around that was not on the list of hunting spots that the “home” falconer said were theirs. Or when a falconer moves into a new area and starts hawking spots that look good to him or her. These issues could hopefully be worked out with dialogue, goodwill, and a common ethic if they came up as problems. In my opinion, problems arise when it is known that a fellow falconer claims particular spots because they have permission and/or a history of hunting these spots. Years ago, an apprentice of mine took a falconer who flew a Goshawk to one of my regularly hunted fields. When he told me about this I was a bit troubled (you that know me can assume I used the language you know I do when angry!!!!!). So knowing what a Gos could do to a Red Tail I told him he needed to get back with that falconer and let him know that he cannot hunt that field. When he did so the falconer told him “I’ll hunt any damn place I want to.” Needless to say I never went back. Sadly, that falconer had a leadership position in the club at that time. I continue to hear stories and comments from other falconers about other’s hawkers showing poor form by hunting spots that other falconers have found and been hunting for years. I heard that this is one of the reasons we did not have a West Side field meet this year. So, is it legal to take other falconer’s hawking spots? Is there a law against it? These are the tougher questions to answer. There is no law about this kind of thing. But, just because it is legal does not mean it is the right thing to do. This asks us to make a moral and ethical decision. What is the right thing to do? I have fields that I share with other falconers because I chose to tell them about them, or we found them together. We don’t over hunt them because we are in communication with each other as to when one or the other will be heading there (sometimes we meet up and go together). I had a fellow falconer move into an area that I had a number of spots. Since he lived there and it was now quite a distance from me, I “gave” him all the spots (it was a blast hearing his hunting stories when I knew just where he was and the perches his bird had taken). I gave up spots I thought were mine when other falconers had told me that they hunt those spots. This is often after being at a field meet or meeting other falconers in an in between area to fly together. So I guess I’m saying don’t be like Fester in this article. Even if it’s legal to do and you’ll get away with it, still do the right thing. •
Article from NAFA 2017 reprinted with permission from Dean P. Keddy-Hector
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Picture Gallery
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The Bane of Birds An Experience with Aspergillosis By Kelly Haughn Even the mere mention of “Asper” will send shivers down most falconer’s spines. It is not a disease taken lightly, and for good reason. Aspergillosis may be one of the most harrowing diagnosis a captive bird can receive. My experience: It wasn’t an obvious sign that Astra, my Red-Tailed Hawk was in distress; it was subtle. On one particular outing, I invited a couple friends to assist in pushing game. Astra wasn’t following particularly well and I assumed it was the new company that she was not accustomed to. There was no game to be found so I called it quits and offered her the lure. She was slow to respond, even though she was at her typical hunting weight. On our next hunt, she still was not following well and I started becoming concerned. I had dropped her another 15 grams from our previous hunt to see if that would increase her motivation to follow. I pulled her down and noticed she didn’t have much of an appetite as she picked at the lure. As a precaution I scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Kimberlee Buck, an avian specialist in Frankenmuth to assess Astra’s condition. VD Radiograph of Astra at Frankenmuth-Birch Two days after our hunt, I was in Dr. Bucks office with a poor Run Veterinary Hospital. prognosis. During her physical exam, Dr. Buck noticed raspy sounds to Astra’s breathing and suggested we take a couple x-rays and perform bloodwork. Radiology revealed a very opaque and cloudy lung field, indicative of fluid or pus in her lungs and air sacs. Bloodwork came back with an extraordinarily high count of heterophils, a type of white blood cell. Astra had most likely been infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. The course of treatment was an antifungal, Voriconazole, twice daily. Suggestions from other falconers included treatment with a nebulizer, humidifier and crushed pine needles steeped in warm water to act as a bronchodilator and inhalant antifungal. The steeped pine needles where to be changed every couple of hours. I contacted Dr. Buck and she agreed with these treatment aids. Even with intensive treatment and medication, Astra declined quickly. By the second day she had lost all appetite and developed sour crop from an inability to put up a casting. Her breathing became visibly labored. After flushing her crop to remove the spoiled casting, I began tube feeding her a meat slurry mixture with glucose and her antifungals. By the third day she was very weak and didn’t resist my efforts to medicate her. By day four she lost balance on her perch and became hypothermic. Her eyes were unfocused and half closed. She struggled to breath and she displayed signs of cyanosis; her tongue was blue from lack of oxygen. I felt completely hopeless watching my bird drown in a sea of air. I laid her laterally surrounded by towels and a hot water bottle to try and improve her temperature, though I knew my efforts were in vain. I awoke the next morning to a dead bird. http://www.michiganhawkingclub.org
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My hope here is to increase awareness of this horrible disease as to prevent as many of you from ever having to experience the heartache and pain of watching a bird suffer such a fate. So what causes asper? Aspergillus is a genus of fungi found throughout the world and can reside in any environment that contains organic matter and moisture. That is, Asper is everywhere, all the time. Infection occurs when the bird inhales airborne spores that become trapped in the mucosal lining of the lungs and air sacs. The fungal spores then penetrate the respiratory tissue, producing hyphae and fruiting bodies. This in turn creates plaques that can obstruct the passageways of the respiratory system. Aspergillosis is not a disease unique to the avian family. Though rare, it can also infect reptiles and mammals, including humans. What makes aspergillosis much more detrimental to birds is their unique and complex respiratory system, which allows the spores a much broader surface to infect. It is important to note that Aspergillosis is not contagious. Asper is divided into two forms: acute and chronic. In the acute form, an overwhelming amount of spores are inhaled, causing a rapid colonization of the lungs. The infection progresses quickly and the infected raptor usually succumbs within a week of exposure. In some reported cases, healthy raptors have died within 48 hours of exposure to moldy hay. The Chronic form of asper is most commonly observed and typically follows a stressful event or immunosuppression. The stress of trapping, manning and reduction of weight handicaps a young raptor’s immune system leaving them unable to combat even a small number of Aspergillus organisms. Though Aspergillus most commonly infects the lungs, many other organ systems may become infected, making it much more difficult to treat. Symptoms: In many cases of aspergillosis, clinical signs are not specific. Many of the symptoms include depression, weight loss, muscle wasting, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, dehydration, lethargy and sudden death. In cases with lung and air sac involvement, rapid and shallow breathing are some of the first signs coupled with exercise intolerance. In later stages, this develops to open mouth breathing or panting. Changes in the voice, an inability to vocalize or respiratory noises can also be noticed if lesions infect the airways. Occasionally, the shafts of pneumatic bones are involved and wing drooping can be observed. However, if main airways are not affected, respiratory symptoms may be completely absent.
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In cases of central nervous system involvement, seizures, paralysis, loss of equilibrium (Balance), Ataxia (incoordination), and head tilt are reported. Clinical signs depend of which form of aspergillosis the bird develops
Radiograph of a Normal bird on the left, Astra on the Right.
Notice the cloudy, opaque appearance of the chest cavity.
and which organs are involved. Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be difficult, as no single test provides certain results. Some Falconers request blood samples to be sent out for testing. These tests typically measure the amount of specific antibodies circulating in a raptor’s bloodstream. These are also known as ELISA tests or Titers. As Aspergillus is almost always in the environment, birds that have been exposed have already developed antibodies which leads to false positives results. On the other hand, an immunosuppressed bird with low antibody production will produce false negative results. As a rule, these tests alone are neither definitive nor reliable. Diagnosis typically relies on the accumulation of evidence from multiple tests. These may include evaluation of history and clinical presentation, hematology, serology, radiographs, endoscopy and culture of the fungus. Though Aspergillosis may present similar to pneumonia, birds are much more likely to develop respiratory fungal infections as opposed to respiratory bacterial infections. However, a secondary bacterial infection may result from the detrimental effects of Aspergillosis on the immune system. Treatment: With Aspergillosis, prevention is the best form of treatment as medical treatment of aspergillosis is challenging. Several factors account for minimal success. Many birds are diagnosed in the late stages of Asper when the fungus is no longer responsive to treatment. In best case scenarios, the most successful way to overcome asper is removal of granulomatous lesions followed by topical therapy and early, aggressive systemic antifungal therapy. Removal of lesions is done endoscopically and under anesthesia, but do to the difficulty of removal as well as the risks involved with surgical trauma and anesthesia, most patients only receive antifungal therapy. Nebulization provides topical therapy to fungal growths as well as nasal and air sac flushing. The medications most commonly used to treat fungal infections are Voriconazole, Itraconazole, and Amphotericin B. These medications are typically long term and may require administration of up to 6 months or more. Once cleared of infection, it may http://www.michiganhawkingclub.org
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take a bird years to recover from the effects of Asper. Lesions cause excessive scarring of the lungs, decreasing their respiratory efficiency and their flying ability. As the mortality rate for Asper is between 75-90%, even early detection and treatment may be ineffective for most individuals. Prevention: They say “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure�, and that certainly holds true for Asper. Since treatment is often unsuccessful once a bird is infected, prevention is the best way to ensure the health of a bird. Through proper management, reduction of stress, and in some cases, prophylactic treatment, a raptor and falconer may be spared from this horrid disease. Keeping a bird in a well ventilated enclosure with clean, dry bedding is essential. It is best to avoid substrates such as straw, pine shavings and wood chips, as these can become damp and encourage the growth of fungi. Weather can become a factor when long periods of rain or humidity are experienced. Awareness of immunosuppression due to prolonged use of drugs such as steroids and antibiotics is also a factor in preventing disease. Minimizing the stress of a newly acquired bird is important along with a slow rate of weight reduction. Some falconers opt for prophylactic treatment with Itraconazole, at a dose rate of 10mg/kg once a day for 10 days, given orally. This is especially useful with birds deemed to be at a high risk of developing Asper. Different species of raptors have varying levels of risk. High risk species include the Goshawk, Gyrfalcon, Snowy owl, Rough legged hawk, the immature Red-tailed hawk, and the Golden eagle. Species that are more resistant to Aspergillus infection are the Prairie falcon and the Harris hawk. Efforts by breeders have even taken place to decrease the risk of infection with Gyrfalcons by crossing them with Prairie falcons, creating hybrids that are more resistant to Aspergillus infections. I hope this has enlightened you and brought awareness to the detrimental effects of Aspergillosis in birds of prey. May you be prepared if you ever face this horrible disease, though I pray you never have to. Though it was a harrowing experience to watch Astra succumb to Asper, I value the knowledge it has brought me. It is my hope that this experience will assist me and my future falconry birds in years to come, and may it help me serve others who may have the unfortunate fate to experience Asper for themselves. I want to thank the falconry community for all their support, especially my sponsor, Christopher Martello who braved this battle with me. I also want to thank Sue Ryan for her help and advice, Lisa Clements for her support, and all the ladies on the Women Falconers Facebook page. Thank you for all the suggestions, support and love. And to Astra, thank you for the time you spent with me. Even though it was much too brief, you imparted me with an invaluable experience and a mountain of knowledge. Fly high big girl, may we meet again someday.
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Sources: Beernaert, L. A., Pasmans, F., Van Waeyenberghe, L., Haesebrouck, F., & Martel, A. (2010). Aspergillus infections in birds: a review. Avian Pathology, 39(5), 325-331. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03079457.2010.506210 Abundis-Santamaria, E., MVZ. (n.d.). Aspergillosis in birds of prey (R. A. Cervantes-Olivares Ph.D., Ed.). 1-31. Retrieved from http://old.aspergillus.org.uk/secure/veterinary/ASPERGILLOSIS.pdf Graczyk, T. K., Cranfield, M. R., & Klein, P. N. (1997). Value of antigen and antibody detection, and blood evaluation parameters in diagnosis of avian invasive aspergillosis. Mycopathologia, 140(3), 121-127. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1006805816537?LI=true. Long Beach Animal Hospital (n.d) Bird X-Rays. Retrieved from https://www.lbah.com/word/avian/bird-x-rays/
Falconry Humor / Cartoons
North American Falconry Association - NAFA 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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Birch Run Hunting & Fishing Expo Friday February 9 Saturday February 10 Sunday February 11
3pm to 8pm 10am to 7pm 10am to 4pm
Continuing our commitment to education, the MHC will be present at the Birch Run Hunting & Fishing Expo in 2018. To plan space, accommodate birds, equipment, arrange for badges, and assure full coverage, please sign up in advance with Jeff Alkire. Contact Jeff Alkire jalkire@michiganhawkingclub.com or call at +1 (810) 8692320.
2017 Raptor Count 2017 Falconry Trapping Permits
Issued
General Raptor Capture
Total
Filled 70 24 19 1
Red-Tailed Hawk Coopers Hawk
0 4 0
Sharpshinned Hawk American Kestrel Roughlegged Hawk
Issued
Limited Capture
Total
Filled 4
Northern Goshawk
0 0
Great Horned Owl
0 Issued
Peregrine
Total
Filled 0
Issued Snowy Owl
Total TOTAL
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0 Filled
1
0
75
24
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MHC Application / Renewal Your MHC membership renewal is due by January 1st of each year. Renewals on or after February 4th 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 - $30.00 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 1100 Miller 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 Michigan Falconry Permit: NAFA Member:
Yes
No
None
Apprentice
General
Master
If you would like a NAFA application, check here:
Are you interested in talking to groups in your area about Falconry?
Yes
No
Are you interested in helping at MHC educational Events?
Yes
No
Are you interested in helping at the annual MHC Field Meet?
Yes
No
* Registration is also available on the Michigan Hawking Club Website at http://michiganhawkingclub.org
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Editors Final Throes As I begin my 9th season of falconry in Michigan, this past year has proven to be the most challenging, and yet the most rewarding. I continue to hunt and train 'Sabre', my passage Peregrine falcon with limited success due to an experience with Asper late last year. With some luck, lots of patience, and proper care and husbandry, she has recovered well. We are looking forward to the next hunting season together. It was very difficult to watch my apprentice's Red-Tail, 'Astra', fall victim to Asper late last fall. I'd previously had good experiences with Red-Tails and was equally heartbroken to lose a bird to disease. These birds rarely show any attachment to their human counterparts, however we all know why we participate in this sport and make hunting partners from wild animals: Humans DO get attached, we love them and do our best to honor them. Training a hunting dog has been a wonderful experience this year, shaping her hunting excursions for both small game and falconry. 'Kida' has been a world of fun in the field and has been an invaluable addition to the team. These past couple months have been a culmination of trapping, training, and hunting with a hawk, a dog, and the most wonderful partner as my apprentice in Kelly Haughn. The team is strong, and I am very happy with their progress. With all of these challenges and experiences, patterns begin to emerge out of the trials and tribulations that falconry has the potential to bring us on every hunt. Each new experience, and the hunting excursions continue to bring knowledge and wisdom to use in future falconry adventures. Learning by doing; this style of learning by experience works with most people, as is supported by the apprentice program for Michigan Falconry. With the membership of the club at its peak of 170 members strong, the wealth of falconry knowledge in the State of Michigan continues to grow. The apprentice class this year shows promise to our future generation of falconers. The Sponsors, too, shall continue to grow as a coach and a leader as they impart their years of wisdom and experience to new falconers. The apprenticeship provides the sponsor with opportunity for learning by *teaching*, the role of being a coach in the sometimes scary and nervewracking adventure that falconry is. Everyone needs an experienced mentor to guide them through the rough spots. I would like to thank all the sponsors for taking apprentices under their wing this season to pass on the best practices to the next generation of falconers in the State of Michigan. The motto for the Michigan Hawking Club states: Falconry, Conservation, and Education. The club's affiliation with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs organization assists our efforts with the conservation attribute. The club's sponsorship of the Kestrel Boxes for the Michigan DNR is another contribution towards the efforts of raptor conservation in the state. Participating in conservation events and M.U.C.C. district meetings maintain our presence in the larger, statewide community. Be sure to take advantage of our membership affiliation with M.U.C.C. by logging on to their website for newsletters and information. Thank you for contributing your time and talents towards our organization and the M.U.C.C.; these social organizations for the conservation of our wildlife resources could not be successful without your membership contributions. Falconry has been a wonderful journey of wilderness observation and hunting adventures through these years for me. I look forward to the year to come and to the future of the sport in the great State of Michigan. Respectfully yours in Falconry,
Christopher Martello Newsletter Editor and Secretary, Michigan Hawking Club
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