Falconry in Ohio

The Ohio Falconry Association (OFA) is the leading organization representing the majority of licensed falconers in the State of Ohio. Over the years, the OFA has worked closely with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to ensure the responsible and ethical practice of falconry.

Hunting in Ohio

Falconry in Ohio often involves hunting small game species, with most falconers targeting rabbits and squirrels. Some also pursue legal game birds such as pheasants, quail, and ducks. Like all other hunters in Ohio, falconers must adhere to the state’s hunting regulations, which include:

  • Obtaining proper hunting licenses.
  • Following legal bag limits.
  • Wearing required hunting attire.
  • Observing seasonal restrictions.

Ohio Hawks 

More than half of Ohio falconers use Red-tailed Hawks for their hunts. These hawks are typically immature passage birds, trapped during migration under federal and state permits.

Other raptors commonly used in Ohio falconry include:

  • Harris’ Hawks (the second most popular choice).
  • Hybrid Falcons.
  • Goshawks.
  • American Kestrels.
  • Cooper’s Hawks.

While some of these birds are obtained through in-state trapping, many falconers acquire their hawks via out-of-state trapping or through licensed commercial breeders.

Hunting Statistics

Data collected by the Ohio Division of Wildlife in 2000 provides insight into falconry activity in Ohio:

  • Licensed Falconers: There were 58 licensed falconers in the state. However, not all possessed a hawk at any given time.
  • Average Hunting Trips: Between 1991 and 2000, each active falconer averaged approximately 30 hunting trips per season.
  • Hawk Care: On average, 33 hawks were in the care of falconers each year, and about 27 falconers actively hunted.
  • Hunting Efficiency:
    • Rabbits: The most efficiently hunted prey, with 0.34 rabbits taken per trip, and a statewide annual average of 275 rabbits harvested.
    • Squirrels: Gray and fox squirrels were the second most commonly hunted, with 0.017 and 0.013 taken per trip, respectively. Statewide averages were 13 gray squirrels and 12 fox squirrels per year.
    • Other Game: Harvest numbers for other species were significantly lower.

These statistics reflect the minimal impact of falconry on Ohio’s wildlife populations.

Hunting Impact

Due to the relatively low number of licensed falconers and the moderate hunting efficiency of their hawks, falconry has no significant impact on the natural populations of legal game species across the state.

Falconry Emphasis

Unlike other forms of hunting, falconry focuses less on the quantity of game taken and more on the quality of the experience. Falconers prioritize:

  • Spending time in the field with their hawks.
  • Maintaining their hawks’ physical condition and hunting skills.
  • Providing their hawks with as many opportunities as possible to engage in the hunt.

The primary emphasis in falconry is fostering a deep, mutually beneficial relationship between falconer and raptor, rather than maximizing harvest numbers.