Meet hawks, falcons, and owls at guided sessions across Columbus, Medina, and Oregonia — from beginner introductions to specialty photography days.
Curated sessions for photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts — choose from introductory classes, hawk walks, owl encounters, and a dedicated photography day.
wildlife-nature · Columbus
Spend a unique day photographing hawks, falcons, and owls with Master Falconer Joe Dorrian at Camp Mary Orton. Perfect for photographers seeking up-close raptor action in Ohio.
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.
“Every outing is organized with local river knowledge, basic safety instruction, and equipment checks before departure.”
Central Ohio program sites
Hawks, falcons, and owls featured
Short, guided field experiences
From intro to advanced photography
Open the individual experience guide to confirm current availability, pricing, policies, conditions, and inclusions before booking.
The operator provides clear meeting points, departure times, and destination coordinates for all outings.
Personal flotation devices, emergency protocols, equipment checks, and paddling orientations are provided before departure.
Recommended layering, water shoes, sunscreen, and dry bags are detailed in each experience guide.
Guides share rich knowledge of regional flora, fauna, scenic landmarks, and river navigation.
A glimpse into the experiences, natural landscapes, and adventures waiting on your next trip.
Images supplied on the current The Ohio School of Falconry listing.
The Ohio School of Falconry offers a variety of guided outdoor excursions, scenic routes, rentals, and custom itineraries tailored for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
Yes. Most trips feature comprehensive safety orientations, equipment fittings, and calm routes suited for first-time adventurers. Check the details on individual experience guides for specific age and skill requirements.
Standard safety equipment (such as certified life vests and essential gear) is supplied for each booking. Detailed checklists regarding weather-appropriate attire and personal items are provided prior to departure.
Book an Introduction to Falconry, Walk with Hawks, Owl Encounter, or the Feather 'n Fur Photography Day — limited spots at Camp Mary Orton, Izaak Walton League, and Camp Kern.
wildlife-nature · Medina
Meet majestic owls up close in Medina, Ohio, with the Izaak Walton League’s unique Owl Encounter. Learn falconry secrets and experience silent flight firsthand.
wildlife-nature · Columbus
Step into the world of owls with this hands-on falconry experience at Camp Mary Orton in Columbus. Get close to Henson and Quinny and discover the vital role of these fascinating raptors.
wildlife-nature · Medina
Experience the thrill of falconry at the Izaak Walton League in Medina, Ohio. Learn hawk-handling skills and enjoy hands-on time with these magnificent birds in a beautiful woodland setting.
wildlife-nature · Medina
Learn the ancient art of falconry at Medina’s Izaak Walton League. Engage with trained hawks, gain hands-on skills, and support raptor conservation in just two hours.
wildlife-nature · Oregonia
Discover the hands-on thrill of flying hawks at Camp Kern near Columbus, Ohio. Engage with birds-of-prey and learn falconry traditions in a stunning natural setting.
wildlife-nature · Columbus
Discover the thrill of flying hawks firsthand in central Ohio with the Walk with Hawks falconry program. Learn to fly magnificent raptors and engage with a centuries-old tradition close to Columbus.
others · Oregonia
Step into the world of birds of prey with The Ohio School of Falconry at Camp Kern. This hands-on 1.5 to 2-hour session offers a stirring mix of sport, science, and conservation education for adventurers aged 9 and up.
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