I’m going to repeat myself! Texas falconry couldn’t be better!  The new falconry regulations have been in effect since the beginning of June and none of it would have been possible without the leadership and involvement of the Falconry and Raptor Council and the great working relationship they have developed with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Over the last few years, our great relationship with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has become even better. From the small game department personnel all the way up to the TPWD Commissioners, falconry in Texas has benefitted from our active involvement and open communication with TPW and Austin.

Texas is also one of only six states utilizing the new USFWS electronic 3-186a’s system. There have been a few learning opportunities along the way and I expect it will take a while for falconers (both here in Texas and from across the nation) to grasp all the nuisances of the new system. For example, as long as a Texas falconer is taking a bird from the wild in Texas, or transferring, releasing, or purchasing a bird within the state (or to someone in another state that also utilizes the electronic 3-186a data base), Texas falconers will be able to use the electronic 3-186a system. Anything else will require a paper 3-186a.  Please bear in mind the six states who have adopted the new Federal falconry regulations no longer have a Federal permit number. They will only be able to provide their State falconry permit numbers going forward. 

The Texas Hawking Association has also received a lot of positive feedback concerning our new Falconry Permits Coordinator, Megan Russell, as well as her direct supervisor Karen Pianka. Both are doing a tremendously good job in taking over and learning the ropes on the fly--literally.  Further, the entire permitting group, along with the presiding Wildlife Director, have undergone changes in the recent months as well. If these first few months are any indication, we will continue to have a very good working relationship with TPWD well into the future.

Our election process is currently underway and in accordance with the THA’s Charter and By-Laws. This year members will be electing a new Director at Large and will be selecting a Secretary/Treasurer from a very capable group of individuals that consists of the current Secretary/Treasurer and someone who served in the past.  Inside this issue you will find bios for each of the candidates who have accepted nominations from their peers.

Please take the time to read each of the bios and send in your ballot (inserted in this OTW) right away. As always, your Officers encourage the members to make their voices heard, and voting is an excellent way of accomplishing this. Please do not hesitate- turn in your ballots today. When there are so few of us, each vote does count. Please keep in mind that only regular members (Texas permitted falconers) can participate in the election process.

Members will notice that current Director at Large Robert Benson has chosen not to run again.  Robert will continue to serve until the newly elected Officer takes over on November 1st. Robert has done and continues to serve THA members excellently by bringing his perspective to the board.  I have personally enjoyed working with Robert on the board and look forward to joining him in the field this next season.

The membership did an excellent job and nominated a diverse and capable group of falconers for the positions of Director at Large and Secretary/Treasurer. Each individual brings with them a strong desire to serve THA as they have for many years in other capacities. The membership will have a few tough decisions to make when voting. Your THA Officers want to thank all of the nominees to stepping up to the plate for this election process and volunteering to serve.

For all you THA associate members out there who were recently permitted, please make sure you update your membership information on the THA website or by notifying THA Secretary/Treasurer Jim Coody today. By doing this  (providing your State falconry permit number) your THA membership changes from associate to regular, thereby allowing you the right to vote in this election. 

Please keep in mind that all Officers and other members who hold supporting positions with the association are volunteering their time to better the THA. Without these members volunteering and dedicating so much of their time, THA would not be the great association it is. Each member is important and has the opportunity to contribute in many various ways—just ask us how. Won’t you please take the time to help your club out?

By the time you receive this OTW, the second year of the passage peregrine take will have started. Many questions abound not only here in the state, but across the nation at the time of writing this report.  According to the migratory flyway council, Texas will receive ten

permits again this year. The ratio is again 60% resident to 40% non-resident. The applications and lottery process for the PPT will have been completed, with the trapping season running September 20th through October 20th. Good luck to those of you who were fortunate enough to draw a permit. Please take some time to take plenty of photos and jot down your experiences. It’s always great to read other’s perspectives on trapping these remarkable falcons.

Jimmy Walker recently informed the Officers that he and his wife Karen will again hold a trapping mini-meet in Amarillo the last weekend of October. This will mark the third annual trapping mini-meet. If you are a falconer and you’re interested in attending this great event, please make sure you contact Jimmy as soon as possible. The Walker’s are great hosts and are willing to open their home to THA members, but space is limited, so don’t hesitate to jump on this great opportunity. Over the last couple of years there have been plenty of Red-tail hawks, Prairie falcons, and even some Merlins trapped.  The Saturday night meal at the Carroll’s is well worth the trip alone.

Before we realize it, the hawking season will be upon us once again. Planning is already underway for THA’s 30th Annual Field Meet to be held in Abilene the weekend of January 14-17, 2011. We will be having a few exceptional falconers speaking this year, both Friday and Saturday evening. I will let Sheldon expand on the meet preparations in his report. It is already shaping up to be another great THA Field Meet; we hope to see many of you there.

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