Falconry Clubs & Organizations Near You
Looking for falconry near you? Joining a local falconry club is one of the best decisions you’ll make. Clubs connect you with experienced falconers, potential sponsors, hunting land, and a community that understands the commitment this sport demands.
Whether you’re searching for “falconry near me” or trying to connect with falconers in your state, this directory covers every U.S. state club, regional hawking association, and national organization. Most state clubs welcome guests at meetings and field meets — even if you’re not yet licensed.
If your state doesn’t have a dedicated club listed below, contact NAFA for referrals, or check with your state wildlife agency. Many states have informal groups or regional clubs that cover multiple states.
Falconry has always been a community-driven pursuit. Throughout its four-thousand-year history, knowledge has passed from experienced falconers to apprentices through direct mentorship. Clubs formalize this tradition by creating structured environments where aspiring and veteran falconers gather regularly. Attending meetings, field meets, and conservation events immerses you in practical wisdom that no book or website can fully replicate. The relationships you build within a club often define your entire falconry journey, from finding your first sponsor to accessing prime hunting grounds for decades to come.
This directory covers every level of falconry organization available to you. Start with national bodies like NAFA and the IAF, which provide journals, annual meets, and legislative advocacy that protects the sport nationwide. Then explore your state or regional club, where you will find local sponsors, shared hunting land, and hands-on learning opportunities at field meets. Conservation organizations like The Peregrine Fund and the Raptor Research Foundation round out the picture, connecting falconers to the broader mission of raptor preservation and scientific research that sustains our sport for future generations.
Why Join a Falconry Club?
Find a Sponsor
Club meetings are the #1 way aspiring falconers connect with potential sponsors.
Access Hunting Land
Many clubs maintain relationships with landowners and share access to prime hawking fields.
Learn from Experience
Field meets, presentations, and one-on-one mentoring from falconers with decades of experience.
Protect the Sport
Clubs advocate for falconry rights, fight harmful legislation, and fund conservation efforts.
National & International Organizations
North American Falconers Association (NAFA)
The largest falconry organization in North America. Annual meet, journal publication, legislative advocacy, and the primary hub connecting falconers nationwide.
Visit website →International Association for Falconry (IAF)
Global organization representing falconers in over 100 countries. Works with UNESCO to preserve falconry as intangible cultural heritage.
Visit website →The Peregrine Fund
Conservation organization dedicated to birds of prey. Responsible for the recovery of the Peregrine Falcon from near-extinction. Education programs and raptor research.
Visit website →The Raptor Research Foundation
Scientific organization advancing the study and conservation of raptors. Publishes the Journal of Raptor Research.
Visit website →State Falconry Clubs
Find your state’s falconry club below. If no club URL is listed, check with NAFA or your state wildlife agency for current club information.
Western States
Southern States
Southeastern States
Midwestern States
Northeastern States
Tips for Your First Club Meeting
- • Show up prepared. Read about falconry basics before attending. You don’t need to know everything, but showing initiative matters.
- • Be honest about your experience. Everyone started as a beginner. The community respects humility over bravado.
- • Listen more than you talk. Especially at your first few meetings. You’ll learn more by absorbing than by asking rapid-fire questions.
- • Offer to help. Volunteer at club events, field meets, and conservation projects. Actions speak louder than enthusiasm.
- • Don’t ask for a sponsor immediately. Build relationships first. Let potential sponsors get to know you over time.
learnResources.clubs.editorialIntroTitle
Falconry clubs are the living heart of the falconry community, providing the mentorship networks, field meet opportunities, and regulatory advocacy that sustain the sport. Joining a club is not optional for serious aspiring falconers. It is the single most important step you can take after deciding to pursue falconry. Clubs connect you with experienced practitioners who can answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and potentially serve as your sponsor. They also organize field meets where you can observe trained birds in action, attend educational seminars, and participate in the social traditions that have bound falconers together for centuries.
learnResources.clubs.howToChooseTitle
Start with your state falconry club, which is the organization most directly relevant to your regulations, hunting terrain, and local falconry community. Most state clubs welcome prospective falconers to attend meetings as guests before joining. If your state has multiple clubs, attend meetings of each to find the best fit for your personality and goals. Additionally, consider joining the North American Falconers Association, which provides national-level advocacy, an excellent journal, and access to the annual meet that draws falconers from across the continent. Regional clubs can also be valuable if your state club is geographically distant. The modest annual dues for club membership are among the best investments you can make in your falconry education.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re just curious about falconry or ready to find a sponsor, connecting with your local club is the essential first step.