What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 9 years old—children under 9 are not permitted to handle the hawk.

Yes; handlers typically allow photos during flights and landings but will advise when it’s safe to approach.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility note from the operator: No wheelchairs and no strollers allowed; plan accordingly if mobility assistance is required.

What happens in bad weather?

Handlers will adjust, delay, or reschedule flights for high winds, heavy rain, or unsafe conditions to protect birds and guests.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is required—this is an introductory lesson designed for beginners with full safety instruction.

Wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes; avoid bright dangling jewelry that could distract the bird.

Fly a Hawk: Introductory Falconry Session in Flemington, NJ | Workshop | Wildlife

Introductory Session, Flemington, NJ puts you behind the gauntlet of a trained hawk for a hands-on falconry lesson that lasts 45 to 60 minutes. The session is listed with a meeting point of Flemington, NJ and location records that reference Hawley, Pennsylvania; guests should confirm the exact meeting location when booking. Designed for ages nine and up, the program teaches how to fly a hawk to and from your gloved hand while introducing core falconry techniques and the traditions of this ancient sport of kings. It’s compact, active, and social—ideal for families, curious travelers, or anyone who wants to handle a raptor safely under expert supervision. At its heart the experience is about connection: you learn to read a bird's body language, call it to the glove, and reward it properly. Expect to spend time outdoors on open turf or a field edge where hawks have room to approach and land. The key features are the trained hawk, leather gauntlet, creance or free-flight exercises, and one-on-one coaching from your handler. You may encounter typical northeastern edge habitat—grassy openings, scattered trees, and nearby woodlands—where kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and other raptors are natural presences. This falconry session stands out locally because hands-on opportunities like it are uncommon in the region; few operators offer active flight time rather than static displays. For the local outdoor scene it adds a wildlife-nature element that complements hiking, birding, and river recreation in nearby areas. The session also carries a cultural thread: falconry dates back thousands of years across Eurasia and remains a living craft, passed to new students in short-format lessons like this one. Practically, wear closed shoes and long sleeves, and arrive ready to listen and participate. Sessions run about 45–60 minutes, with instruction paced for beginners. The experience is educational and engaging rather than an adrenaline rush—expect focused skill-building, safety briefings, and repeat flights if conditions allow. Whether you’re cataloging a new wildlife encounter or searching for a memorable family activity, this introductory falconry session delivers a direct, tactile lesson in raptor behavior and stewardship. Confirm meeting details, bring sensible clothing, and prepare to learn what it feels like when a hawk lands on your glove. Sessions suit ages nine and up and work well as gifts, school outings, or a unique stop on a weekend trip. Note the operator's accessibility guideline: No wheelchairs and no strollers allowed, so plan accordingly if you require mobility assistance. Book early in spring and fall when birds are active and winds are milder; operators will adjust or reschedule flights for high winds or heavy rain. The compact format fits outdoor plans, and guests leave with a clearer sense of raptor behavior and a photo of a glove landing.

About Masters Of The Skies

Masters Of The Skies operates professional falconry experiences in New Hope, Milford, and select resort locations. The company offers hands-on sessions that let participants fly hawks to a gloved hand, hold birds, and meet owls, including barn owl encounters featured in extended programs.

Programs include standard Falconry Experiences, Extended Falconry Experiences that run about 90 minutes, weekday summer sessions in Milford limited to eight participants, and multiple private options for families or groups. Extended sessions pair a hawk flight with a barn owl encounter; weekday sessions include free-flight with a Harris Hawk plus personal meet-and-greets with additional raptor species. Private and private-extended formats provide exclusive time with birds for small groups.

All sessions are open to participants aged nine and older; younger children may observe in some extended offerings without participating. The experiences combine practical handling, guided flight, and educational interpretation about raptor behavior and care. Sessions run at public meeting sites in New Hope and Milford and at occasional partner venues such as resort events.

Masters Of The Skies emphasizes safety and education through supervised, hands-on instruction and small-group formats. The company designs experiences to be approachable for first-time participants as well as rewarding for bird enthusiasts. Booking options include public dates, private bookings, and extended 90-minute encounters. Information about specific session lengths, age minimums, and group limits appears with each trip listing.

Instructors deliver step-by-step supervision during every flight and meet-and-greet, ensuring a safe, educational, and memorable raptor experience for participants and families, with all experience levels welcome.