The Ohio School of Falconry, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers hands-on falconry experiences and raptor education across central Ohio. The school runs programs at Camp Mary Orton (Columbus), the Izaak Walton League (Medina), and Camp Kern (Oregonia). Participants encounter trained hawks, falcons, and owls in sessions designed for photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts.
Offerings include introductory courses (Falconry 101), intermediate walks with hawks (Falconry 201), owl-focused encounters (Falconry 301), and a dedicated photography day (Falconry 501) led by Master Falconer Joe Dorrian. Sessions vary from about 1.5 hours to 3 hours, giving guests hands-on time with birds in perched and free-flight settings.
Instruction emphasizes raptor behavior, handling fundamentals, and the ecological role of birds of prey. The Ohio School of Falconry integrates conservation education into each experience, explaining species significance and habitat needs. Programs include opportunities to photograph raptors, learn to call a hawk to a glove or lure, and handle select owl species such as barn owls and larger Eurasian owls where available.
Safety protocols and experienced handlers are present during every session. Equipment and handling techniques follow established falconry practices. The school serves participants aged nine and up for specific programs and tailors content to skill level and interest. As a regional provider of falconry experiences, The Ohio School of Falconry focuses on education, ethical raptor interactions, and memorable field-based experiences across central Ohio venues. Programs accommodate photographers and families while highlighting raptor conservation, bird identification, seasonal behavior, and ethical wildlife observation practices across all sites and outreach.