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The Falconry Experience

Falconry, the craft of hunting wild game with trained birds of prey, probably originated some 4,000 years ago in Central Asia where it was a practical means of putting meat on the table.

Today, falconry is still practiced worldwide and has been recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind. 

Here in the U.S. about 4,000 licensed falconers practice the most heavily regulated field sport in the nation. Aspiring falconers must pass a written test, build facilities according to federal and state specifications, and serve a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed General- or Master-class falconer. 

More lifestyle than hobby, falconry requires a level of commitment that few are willing or able to provide. Fortunately, those who yearn for a hands-on experience with birds of prey can become “falconer for a day” by attending The Falconry Experience by ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA. 

Directed by Master Falconer, Jack Hubley, The Falconry Experience includes a lesson in raptor natural history and the origins of this ancient hunting craft, flight demonstrations, and the opportunity for guests to call a hawk to their gloved hand. 

Group Falconry Experience

Year-round: Saturday and Sunday

May: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Summer Season:  6 days a week (every day but Tuesdays)

Fall Season: Saturday, Sunday and most Fridays

Daily: 12/26 – 12/31 

Maximum registration for Group Falconry Experience: 10

Start time: 10 a.m.

Cost: $120 for adults; $80 for children 12 and under; infants to age 2, no charge.

Private Falconry Experience

Identical to group program, but limited to your group only

  • Identical to group program, but limited to your group only

  • Available Labor Day to Memorial Day

  • Scheduled by appointment

  • Weekend or weekday

  • Minimum attendance: 2

COST: $200 per person

Hawk Walk

A walk around the Hotel Hershey grounds with a hawk following through the trees.

  • Limited to your group only

  • Available Nov. 15 – Apr. 15

  • Scheduled by appointment

  • Weekend or weekday

  • Maximum attendance 4, minimum 2

Cost: $200 per person

All guests in any of our programs have the opportunity to call a hawk to their gloved hand.

  • Guests typically have more opportunities to interact with the hawk in the Private Falconry Experience and Hawk Walk due to the smaller group size.

  • Attendance is considered participation and payment is required, whether or not the guest chooses to call a hawk to his or her gloved hand.

  • Children and falconry: There is no minimum age for participation. The Falconry Experience has hosted many 3- and 4-year-olds who have called a hawk to their gloved hand; it’s all about attitude, not age. However, it is important for parents to impress upon their children that these are wild animals, and this is not a petting zoo.

  • A calm, quiet and non-aggressive demeanor is required when handling our hawks. 

  • All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Allow 2 hours for any of our programs.

  • Weather is a consideration. Steady rain, high winds (15-20 mph), extreme cold (teens and below), and deep snow will require cancellation. In consideration of travel schedules, we try to inform our guests of cancellations the day prior to the scheduled event.

  • In the event of cancellation, fees will be refunded. 

To schedule your Falconry Experience:

Go to the ZooAmerica website and click on Behind the Scenes Tours at the top of the homepage.

To schedule your Private Falconry Experience, Hawk Walk, or for general information, contact:

Jack Hubley 

Eaglehunter0122@gmail.com

717-575-0948