The Hawk Board
Click here 
for HB documents of interest
Q 1 - How do I get started in falconry?
Q 2 - Does the Hawk Board represent everyone or only the clubs
Q 3 - How do I get on the Hawk Board
Q 4 - What does the Hawk Board do
Q 5 - It is just an old boys club
Q 6 - How is the Hawk Board funded
Q 7 - Can the Hawk Board help with a problem
Q 8 - How come I do not hear anything about the Hawk Board
Q 9 - I am a member of an affiliated club. How come I still do not know what the Hawk Board is doing
A 1 - This question is not as simple as it first seems. For an in depth answer read the Hawk Board Guidelines on keeping Birds of Prey which are on this website. This provides comprehensive advice for all newcomers to thie wonderful sport.
Return
A 2 - The HB represents all hawk and owl keepers in the UK
Return
A 3 - The HB Constitution is outlined elsewhere on this site. The Board consists mainly of 6 elected specialists and representatives from affiliated clubs. As the title implies, the specialists are expected to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the keeping of birds of prey. To become a member a person must stand for election at the tri-ennial election or become a club rep. The next election is in 2007. For more information contact the HB Co-ordinator.
Return
A 4 - The HB, as the recognised representative body for all hawk & owl keepers in the UK. It`s functions are to liaise closely with DEFRA in keeping a continuous watch on future legislation, both at home and in the EU, which might, either deliberately or inadvertently, adversely affect the keeping of birds of prey. It also advises on all aspects of birds of prey welfare, registration, licencing etc.
Return
A 5 - No, as can be seen from the answers to previous questions, the members give of their time and effort freely and unstintingly to ensure that falconry continues as a `living` field sport and does not become something you can only read about in the history books.
Return
A 6 - The HB is funded in three ways. Firstly from subscriptions paid by affiliated clubs, at present £5 per member. Secondly, from the CLA which pays the HB to arrange the flying and static displays at the main Game Fair each year. Thirdly, from donations, mainly raised by the Campaign for Falconry which was formed to assist in HB funding.
Return
A 7 - Yes, if you have a problem which comes into the Boards terms of reference you can write to the Co-ordinator who will then bring it to the attention of the Board.
Return
A 8 - One of the main problems the HB has always had is publicising what it is doing. In the last 12 months the HB has employed a Press Officer to gain more publicity for what the Board is doing for the people it represents. Articles are now appearing much more often in the sporting press, cage & aviary etc.
Return
A 9 - If you are a member of an affiliated club you should know exactly what is happening, not only at each and every Board meeting, but with working groups that are meeting to discuss various topics. This is the reason for every affiliated club having a representative. If the rep cannot attend meetings he is still sent full minutes of all meetings and a copy of the Co-ordinators 3 monthly report. These should be disseminated to club members at their own club meetings. If this is not being done then your rep is not doing his job and you should try to arrange for a replacement.
Return
Click the arrows to open up a printer friendly version of the following documents
- Hawk Board Policy on controls of wild raptors
- COMMENTS FROM THE HAWK BOARD onThe Review of the General Licences to Kill or Take certain species of birds under Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Return
