Falconry is an ancient art of hunting that uses birds of prey. It is based on a sensitive approach in which the wild animal comes to understand that cooperating with humans is beneficial.

It is a hunting method that was discovered by people in Central Asia about 5,000 years ago. The inhabitants of the inhospitable plains discovered that birds of prey could be tamed and trained, and that they be used for obtaining prey—that is, meat—much more effectively than the weapons of the time, such as bows and spears.

Later, falconry spread to Europe and the Arab states, and from the early Middle Ages onward, it experienced a tremendous boom. During this “golden age” of falconry, however, only the ruling class—the nobility and monarchs—were permitted to use this method of hunting. Ordinary people were forbidden from practicing it under threat of severe punishment. The earliest evidence of falconry in our region dates back to the Great Moravian Empire and later to the Přemysl era.

With the invention of firearms, which were far more effective than birds of prey, falconry gradually lost its privileged status and nearly disappeared by the 19th century (with the exception of Arab countries and, in Europe, Great Britain).

At the beginning of the 20th century, falconry began to revive, and falconry organizations started to emerge in many countries around the world. The Falconers’ Club of the Bohemian-Moravian Hunting Association (hereinafter “ČMMJ”) was founded in 1967, the same year that a law was passed permitting hunting with trained birds of prey.

Since then, the Czech club has continued to grow; it currently has over 600 members and, relative to Czechia's population, ranks among the largest in the world, which attests not only to the high popularity of Czech falconry but also to the high standard of the tradition.

What significance does this ancient tradition hold in modern society? Above all, it is a valuable part of history and culture that remains alive today thanks to the passion of people around the world.

The significance of falconry today is also confirmed by a milestone from 2010, when the Czech Republic and 10 other countries succeeded in having falconry inscribed on the UNESCO list as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Other countries joined later.

Modern falconry

Modern falconry is, of course, no longer a means of livelihood or a pastime for the elite. Instead of kings and nobles, it serves ordinary citizens—for example, at airports, where birds of prey are used to scare away other birds, thereby providing biological protection for these areas.

The way birds of prey and falcons (which, genetically speaking, belong to a different family than birds of prey) are handled has also changed—falconers may acquire them only under conditions that comply with strict nature conservation laws. That is why there are many breeders among falconers who raise birds of prey, falcons, and owls. These birds are then used in falconry in accordance with the law.

In addition, many falconers are involved in conservation projects for endangered species or strive to pass on their knowledge and experience through public education, explaining the important role that birds of prey play in nature.

The best thing to do is to visit the ČMMJ Falconers’ Club website, find the local chapter closest to you, and contact its chairman.

He or she will refer you to an experienced falconer who will explain everything and help you consider whether the so-called falconry apprenticeship is truly right for you.

How to become a falconer?

The apprenticeship is a process that takes at least a year and requires a great deal of time and energy—under the guidance of a falconry mentor, you must acquire a large amount of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

To begin falconry training, you must have previously passed the hunting exam, be a regular member of the ČMMJ, and be of legal age.

Successfully passing the falconry exams and becoming a member of the falconry club is then—ideally—the beginning of a long journey filled with further learning and experiences.