DestinationSomewhere.com

Okay, the sport of kings (in my mind) is definitely polo. But others might say that it's horse racing or something else. Well in my opinion, the only other contender is falconry. Essentially, falconry is the sport of using birds of prey to hunt down game. It's a sport that's been going on for thousands of years, and usually among the nobility (due to the rarity and cost of the birds, the time it took to train them, etc.). More and more resorts are offering a falconry experience, so read on to learn all about them!

Bovey Castle in Devon, England offers morning walks with Bovey's staff falconer. Guests are allowed to accompany him on the morning, nature walk or attend a more traditional hunt.

In Scotland, the Gleneagles Resort offers falconry lessons and experiences for all levels. "Equipped with Barbour jacket and falconer's glove, you will be guided in the art of handling and flying Harris hawks. Once you have grasped the basics you will then be able to test your new found skills in the field.

At Gleneagles, professional falconers provide instruction to meet every level of experience and involvement. Basic techniques are taught during introductory falconry lessons and skills can be developed further during sessions when guests can fly birds of prey at game, on sporting ground adjoining the Gleneagles estate."

photo via the Gleneagles site

One of the resorts in the US which offers falconry, has been around since 1766, is The Homestead, in Hot Springs Virginia. Guests can "learn about this unique form of hunting with trained birds of prey, including falcons, hawks and owls, at The Homestead's Mews. Beginner and intermediate lessons are available. At the conclusion of the lesson, the guest is given the opportunity to be photographed with the bird."

Just across the border from The Homestead, in West Virginia, is The Greenbrier. During each lesson (beginning $85 adults/$65 children, and intermediate $99 for adults and $80 for children), you will learn the history of the sport of kings and interact with their trained hawks and falcons.

Established in 1769 in Manchester Village, Vermont, is The Equinox. "At The British School of Falconry, the first school of its kind in the United States, you’ll learn how to handle and fly a hawk. As a participant, you’ll get to practice your newfound skills in the hunting field, working in harmony with a specially trained dog."

Rates range from $55 for a half hour beginner lesson to $350 for a half day of hunting. They also offer more comprehensive programs where you can progress to more advanced techniques.

Another comprehensive program, although it is one where you never handle the birds, is The Falconry Experience in Fairfield, California. It offers a three day apprentice experience, a 3-4 hour hunter's experience (where you tag along with a master falconer) and an educational experience, that visits classrooms.

It should be noted that falconry isn't for everyone, and especially children need to be told or reminded about how the food chain works. Still, for those who want to experience it, it is indeed a most magnificent experience.

For additional reading, I offer up this book:

Falconry Basics: A Handbook for Beginners