Frequently Asked Questions
Please Read Carefully
Just to give you a heads up on things you might wonder about…Here are what people ask most.
Why does my class start at 9 AM?
Simple answer and it is the truth: The Hawks like it better. Learning about instinct, handling the falcon, then learning the natural histories of the raptors here puts the flying near the middle of the day. A later start time puts the flying in the hottest part of the day. Harris’s hawks might be desert birds, but even the ones in Arizona do not fly in the hottest time of the day if they can avoid it. So, simply, if we start at 9 AM, the hawks fly better.
What should I wear? Do I need protective clothing?
Please dress in layers. On our ridge, something on your arms will keep you comfortable, and you can take off layers as the day warms up. You do not need protective clothing. The raptors want to sit on the heavy leather glove we will provide. I ask, and this is important, that students taking the Walk with a Hawk on the Wild Side wear ankle protecting footgear…hiking boots or hiking sneakers…because the trail is on an incline. A slip on an acorn can cause an ankle to twist and ruin your day. For the other classes, you will be on lawn. Wear footgear that does not require you to watch your steps. I want you watching the HAWK! Sneakers work great for those classes.
What if rain is predicted for my chosen class date?
I watch the Weather Channel, the WMUR forecast, and use my weather sense of what happens here. If it is obvious that your day will be rained out, I will contact you the day before (with the BEST contact number you have given me- make sure your voicemail isn't full!) to reschedule you. Weather prediction is a dicey process, at best! But you will not lose your investment in the class.
What if I have to cancel?
I have no problem with re-booking you to another date as long as you give me notice. Be aware, however, if a change is phoned or emailed to me AFTER CLASS START, there will be an added $50 rebooking charge to get a new date.
When do gift certificates expire?
In 2020, I began setting an expiration date of ONE year from the date of issue marked on the certificate. I will honor the certificates issued before then, of course.
Can my dog (kitty, other pet) come with me to class?
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY PETS. I understand that if you are traveling with pets, you cannot leave them in a hotel room, but if that is the case, they must remain confined in your car and you will have the responsibility of moving your vehicle from time to time to keep it in the shade. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY YOU TAKE YOUR PET OUT OF THE CAR ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. If you need to walk your pet, I will direct you up the road where you may park and take your pet out.
Where are the HUNTS done? Will a bird or animal lose its life in the hunt?
Hunts are conducted in various locations based on game availability. There are some hunting rules and if you have signed up for the hunt, you will be advised of these at the time of booking. And, yes, if the raptor takes game… this will be small game such as cottontail rabbits and grey squirrel…the prey will give up its life. This is a normal and expected part of hunting, and, certainly, is exactly what happens when a wild raptor takes prey. We are never sure if game will be taken. Sometimes we have great chases to follow, but the prey eludes the hawk. This is all part of participating in a falconry hunt.
Things You Did Not Ask But Need to Know
THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED ANYWHERE ON THE PREMISES.
Disturbing class - or making things dangerous for our raptors, dogs, or other students - will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
Rules like these make everyone’s experience here a pleasure!
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