Do I need prior experience with birds to join?

No prior experience is needed; the instructors provide all the necessary training.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Typically recommended for ages 12 and up due to handling protocols and safety.

Are sessions held rain or shine?

Sessions proceed in light rain but may be rescheduled in severe weather for safety.

Can I take photos during the experience?

Photography is generally allowed but be respectful and avoid flash or sudden movements.

Is there parking available on-site?

Yes, the Izaak Walton League facility in Medina provides on-site parking for participants.

Are there opportunities to support raptor conservation beyond this experience?

Yes, the League offers information on ongoing conservation programs and ways to get involved.

Falconry Experience at Izaak Walton League in Medina

Located in Medina, Ohio, the Izaak Walton League offers a distinctive falconry experience that revives the ancient practice of hunting with trained birds of prey. This hands-on, 1.5 to 2-hour session introduces participants to the captivating world of falconry—a tradition stretching back thousands of years. Here, skilled instructors guide you through handling hawks, teaching key skills essential to the sport, and sharing the fascinating history behind falconry’s enduring allure.

The Medina area’s natural setting enhances this unique outdoor activity, providing a natural backdrop for engaging with raptors that embody both power and grace. The trained hawks you meet aren’t just part of the program—they’re ambassadors for raptor conservation, underscoring the Izaak Walton League’s commitment to protecting these vital birds in a changing environment. Participants gain a rare opportunity to connect with wildlife up close while supporting conservation efforts, a blend seldom found in urban or suburban adventure offerings.

Beyond skill-building, the experience weaves in stories tracing falconry’s cultural roots, from medieval hunting traditions to modern-day wildlife management. This blend of education and interaction makes the program ideal for those interested in wildlife, history, and outdoor skills—all within a comfortable, guided environment.

Whether you’re a local seeking a fresh way to engage with nature or passing through the Medina area near Columbus, this falconry introduction stands out as an immersive, enriching outdoor adventure. It’s an ideal choice for anyone eager to deepen their relationship with raptors or learn a historically significant outdoor pursuit that continues to thrive today.

About The Ohio School of Falconry

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.