2014 NAFA Meet Lubbock, TX

[frootdog]

As many of you have already heard the 2014 NAFA meet will be in Lubbock, TX from November 23-28. I am chairing the meet. I will have more details VERY soon, but for now I would like to say I am open for suggestions, questions, or any feedback you may have. I have not been on NAFEX in a while, but will check in on this thread and update it regularly. If anyone wants to get a hold of me directly my cell phone # is 817-528-9743 and my email address is frootdog@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from y'all.

[mcogar88]

All I can say is I'm looking forward to the meet. It will be my first NAFA meet and cant wait to get out there and chase some Jacks. =) I've been waiting for some information. Do you know if we will have to get a medical check/import permit?

[Jason123]

Looking forward to it. Best of luck putting it together.

[MrBill]

Krys,

I have not been to a NAFA meet in a while, but am looking forward to attending this one. I am hoping for a good number of jacks in the area this year. Good luck.

Bill Boni

[frootdog]

All I can say is I'm looking forward to the meet. It will be my first NAFA meet and cant wait to get out there and chase some Jacks. =) I've been waiting for some information. Do you know if we will have to get a medical check/import permit?

There is no import permit and no health certificate required. Texas is easy peasy to bring animals to.

[frootdog]

Krys,

I have not been to a NAFA meet in a while, but am looking forward to attending this one. I am hoping for a good number of jacks in the area this year. Good luck.

Bill Boni

Looking forward to seeing you there Bill. Early reports are that the jack population in Lubbock is doing quite well.

[broken feather]

Krys, what is available for longwings?

[kimmerar]

How is the starling and grackle population? As good as Amarillo?

[frootdog]

Krys, what is available for longwings?

Ducks, quail, some pheasant

[frootdog]

How is the starling and grackle population? As good as Amarillo?

As good if not better.

[broken feather]

Krys, Dove or snipe?

[frootdog]

Krys, Dove or snipe?

Dove yes but I will have to check to see if they will be in season at that time.

[forensics]

So nice to have it closer. Perhaps I can make this one.

[FredFogg]

Krys, does TX have good beer? :D

[Lowachi]

Shiner works Fred

[broken feather]

Krys, I looked up the season on doves and pheasants. they will be closed in Nov.frus) Fred, tequila!!!amennn

[FredFogg]

Fred, tequila!!!amennn

Wait! Is this meet in TX or Mexico? confusedd toungeout :D

[I don't know]

Krys, I looked up the season on doves and pheasants. they will be closed in Nov.frus) Fred, tequila!!!amennn

The dove laws don't matter as there are a ton of euro collard dove up there in the fields.
No season on euro collard.
As for the question about federally protects grackles, you do know they are a native bird right?
And you cannot legally hunt them.
In Texas also.
They do have a let it lay law now.
So if you kill something that shouldn't have been the bird may feed up on it but you cannot take it with you.


In Texas we are also allowed to take one out of season game bird a day for hawk feeding purposes.
I.E.
1 white wing can be taken, per hawk/falcon in possession, to feed your bird.
Or in east Texas they have a squirrel season and same rule applies there, 1 squirrel for one RT.
That being said.
All members of your hunting party must have a licenses.
Even if they are not a falconer and they are beating brush they must have a licenses.

Here is a link to Texas falconry laws.
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=31&pt=2&ch=65&sch=K&rl=Y

[FredFogg]

The dove laws don't matter as there are a ton of euro collard dove up there in the fields.
No season on euro collard.
As for the question about federally protects grackles, you do know they are a native bird right?
And you cannot legally hunt them.
In Texas also.
They do have a let it lay law now.
So if you kill something that shouldn't have been the bird may feed up on it but you cannot take it with you.


In Texas we are also allowed to take one out of season game bird a day for hawk feeding purposes.
I.E.
1 white wing can be taken, per hawk/falcon in possession, to feed your bird.
Or in east Texas they have a squirrel season and same rule applies there, 1 squirrel for one RT.
That being said.
All members of your hunting party must have a licenses.
Even if they are not a falconer and they are beating brush they must have a licenses.

Here is a link to Texas falconry laws.
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=31&pt=2&ch=65&sch=K&rl=Y

Nobody believes any of this because you didn't sign your post! toungeout :D

[Saluqi]

The 2014-2015 hunting seasons have not been posted for Texas yet. As for 2013-2014 dove season, the falconry season was Nov 9 - Dec 15, 2013 (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/outdoor-annual/2013-2014/animal_listing#dove).

[kimmerar]

The only reason I included grackles is because they were mixed in with the starlings years ago at the last Amarillo meet. Lets me know what I'm dealing with. My bird I have now won't touch them - she will pick the starlings out of the groups. First kestrel I have that won't take them. So no worries.

[broken feather]

Paul, I did know Tx. had a falconry season! thanks!!

[Yeomanfalconer]

There is no import permit and no health certificate required. Texas is easy peasy to bring animals to.
I like that, I guess there is something I like about Texas policy afterall.

[MrBill]

Kim,

You can hawk grackles legally in Oklahoma, and I believe you can do it in other states as well.

Bill Boni

[Eagle Owl]

If grackles are depredating, you can hunt them.
Yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, or Brewer's blackbirds and all grackles, cowbirds (does not include cattle egret), crows, or magpies may be controlled without a federal or state depredation permit when found committing or about to commit depredations on ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in numbers and in a manner that constitutes a health hazard or other nuisance.

[Eagle Owl]

In Texas we are also allowed to take one out of season game bird a day for hawk feeding purposes.
I.E.
1 white wing can be taken, per hawk/falcon in possession, to feed your bird.


That is not correct. You can take a game bird daily, does not include migratory birds (Migratory Game Birds: Includes all wild species of ducks, geese, coot, rail, gallinules, snipe, woodcock, doves (mourning, white-winged, white-tipped or white-fronted) and sandhill cranes. Does not include exotic collared-dove).

§65.276. Open Seasons and Bag Limits; Hunting.
(a) There shall be an open season during which game animals and
game birds except for migratory birds may be taken by means of falconry.
(1) Open season: September 1-August 31.
(2) Daily bag and possession limits:
(A) game animals: as specified for individual counties in Subchapter A of this chapter (relating to Statewide Hunting and Fishing
Proclamation);
(B) game birds other than migratory birds: one per day, either sex, per raptor, and the possession limit is two, either sex, per raptor; and
(C) migratory game birds: as provided by Subchapter N of this chapter (relating to Migratory Game Bird Proclamation).


Migratory bird regulations relating to falconry (Subchapter N) can be found here: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=31&pt=2&ch=65&sch=N&rl=Y

Falconry regulations can be found here: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=31&pt=2&ch=65&sch=K&rl=Y

[MrBill]

or when concentrated in numbers and in a manner that constitutes a health hazard or other nuisance.

I guess that's why folks here hawk them in parking lots. I don't know about the rest of the country, but we are inundated with them in central Oklahoma. If you stay in WalMart too long, you can be almost assured that you will have grackle shit on your car when you get to it. They have really adapted to humans, but I doubt "all" of these birds are getting sufficient food in these parking lots everyday. I guess their persistence is all about the power of partial reinforcement.

Bill Boni

[Eagle Owl]

Bill, the grackles are horrible here. That is why bird abatement people get paid lots of money to get rid of them. The river walk in San Antonio is just nasty from all the poop. I know they had abatement people working down there, not sure if they still are. Most of the grackles I have seen are pretty thin and they can't be healthy with all the crap they eat.

[Saluqi]

The 2014 NAFA Meet being held in Lubbock has an official Facebook page that people can check for the latest and greatest information.

You can find it here:

https://www.facebook.com/2014NAFAMeet

[MrBill]

Bill, the grackles are horrible here. That is why bird abatement people get paid lots of money to get rid of them. The river walk in San Antonio is just nasty from all the poop. I know they had abatement people working down there, not sure if they still are. Most of the grackles I have seen are pretty thin and they can't be healthy with all the crap they eat.

Too bad about the river walk. In years past I heard good things about it. And about their diet, I don't know what they eat in the wild, but I would imagine it is far removed from what they are eating in parking lots, etc.

Bill Boni

[MrBill]

The 2014 NAFA Meet being held in Lubbock has an official Facebook page that people can check for the latest and greatest information.

You can find it here:

https://www.facebook.com/2014NAFAMeet

Hey Krys,

I like that logo. Pretty cool! Hell, I am going to come just to get the meet pin.

Bill Boni

[frootdog]

Krys, does TX have good beer? :D

No. We have the BEST beer.beeer

[frootdog]

2014 NAFA Meet Lubbock, Texas
By Chair Krys Langevin & Co-Chair Brandi Nickerson

Once again NAFA returns to the wild, wild, west and the great state of Texas. However, this time around we are heading 90 minutes south of our traditional host city, to the heart of jack rabbit country – the great city of Lubbock. Time to dig out those thick, black glasses, skinny jeans, and sport the timeless bouffant hair-dos, we’re visiting the birth place of Buddy Holly!

This was not an easy decision or simply for the sake of change, it was made entirely with a mind on the availability of quarry. Reports from Amarillo indicate traditional game populations have been particularly hard hit by the ongoing drought that affects the Midwest. Reports from falconers and wildlife biologists suggest Lubbock game populations are in much better shape.

Plans are already in full swing. Hotel contracts are in the process of being singed. Dinner menu’s finalized. Raffles donations are being sought. Sponsorship for nightly hors d'oeuvres. And, the most important aspect of any meet – access to land and game – is moving forward in high gear. Lucky for us former SE NAFA director Michael Beran is leading the land acquisition efforts for the meet. Those familiar with Lubbock know it to be the home of Texas Tech University and lots of wide open space, negotiations are underway to gain access to large tracts of land owned by Texas Tech and the City of Lubbock.

The remaining information pertains to the meet hotel, regulations, weathering yard rules, raffle coordination, registration, and other important meet details. Also, something else I am very pleased to have been given permission to try, a Field Meet Facebook page and Twitter account. Please like and follow us on Facebook and later on Twitter, ask questions, make suggestions, or just say hi. Otherwise, if anyone needs to reach out to us in more traditional methods I can be reached at frootdog@yahoo.com or 817-528-9743 and Brandi can be reached at brandi7777@yahoo.com or 940-507-0333.

2014 Annual NAFA Field Meet
Dates: November 23-28, 2014
Hotel: To Be Published


Meet Details: For the most current meet information please refer to http://www.n-a-f-a.com/Meets.htm or the NAFA field meet Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/2014NAFAMeet

Cancellation Policy: Full amount of the registration fee will be refunded if written cancellation notice is received no later than November 2nd. After this date, refunds will not be possible. (Written notification must be via email to brandi7777@yahoo.com or USPS to 7828 Hood St., Fort Worth, TX 76135.).

Reservations: As is customary, the Meet Hotel will start accepting reservations on May 1st, 2014. Make your reservations early! At this time we have not negotiated preferred rates at any overflow hotels. We will revisit this if there is a need. To make reservations please call (To Be Published) or make reservations online at a special NAFA attendees only page setup by the Meet Hotel for our group. Go to: (To Be Published)

Thanksgiving Dinner: There will be a Thanksgiving dinner provided by the hotel. This is something they already do every year and it is far cheaper than any “private” event we could hope to organize. The cost is $14.95 per person and there is no need to RSVP therefore it is not included in the preregistration forms.

Hunting Information: Visiting and hunting in Texas is simple. No import permits or health certificates are required for your hunting partners. All you will need is an out of state hunting permit; $48 for a 5 day permit or $315 for the whole year – available at any location that sells hunting licenses. Endorsements or stamps you may need depend on your target quarry – Upland Game ($7) and Migratory Bird ($7). (Don’t forget a Federal Duck Stamp if you don’t already have yours.)

Non-Resident Trapping: For those interested in trapping while attending the NAFA meet, there are occasionally Harris’s Hawks found in and around Lubbock. A two hour drive south to the Midland/Odessa area will yield larger populations for those who may be interested in trapping or watching Harris’s in their natural element. Prairie falcons and Merlins are also be found in and around Lubbock. The permit application can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/permits/land/wildlife/falconry/ . The fee is $378. Please give Texas Parks and Wildlife plenty of advanced notice if you intend to go trapping so they can issue you the appropriate permit.

Weathering Yard: The first call I made as meet chair was to Rich Borquist, to make sure he and his team would again handle this very important responsibility. Rich and his team are ultimately responsible for the safely of all our birds while in the yard. Rich, Brandon Borquist, and Mario Nickerson will again be handling weathering yard duties. If you have any questions Rich can be reached at lowachi@hotmail.com or 309-369-4293. Mario can be reached at dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775.

Please remember, the Yard Warden has final authority on everything as it relates to the weathering yard. The yard rules are as follows
1. No tid-bitting or feeding is allowed in or near the weathering yard.
2. Perches should not be taller than the height of the bird
3. Birds need to be tied short, i.e. fit within a 4' X 4' (16sq. ft.) area.
4. No dogs allowed in the weathering yard (or at the gate entry area.)
5. No Loitering in the yard (please keep story telling in the yard to a minimum)
6. No photography inside the yard. (There are exceptions, and may require an escort. Please inquire at the gate).
7. All transmitters must be turned off in the yard. (We will periodically sweep the yard and turn off any we find)
8. The Yard Warden has final authority.

From Rich: To add the above, because this is not a covered yard, nor is your bird the only bird there, the following rules have been added:
a) No "fishing tackle" (coastal locks, etc.) allowed past micro sized raptors.
b) No threaded links, spring clips, split rings allowed.
c) Portable perches must be anchored.
d) Take-apart perches: birds must be tied to the spike/anchored to the spot.

These add-ons have all come about due to incidents in the past. Though none of them caused a death or permanent loss, their failures did result in escapes and/or an injury to other's birds and have been banned from the NAFA weathering yard. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask me (Rich) or my crew. We try our best to check every bird's gear as they come into the yard the first time. We will be checking gear every day, throughout the day while your birds are in our care.

Please remember, the wardens have the final say.

Last year NAFA enacted a system of fines and rental fees and those are as follows…
Equipment rental and late fees in the weathering yard:
• At the complete discretion of the Weathering Yard wardens…
• Perches may be rented for $10 the first day, $15 the second day with a two day maximum.
• Late fees for leaving your bird out past yard hours is $20 per occurrence.

Raffle Coordinator: I am pleased to announce that Michelle Anderson will be reprising her role as the NAFA Rafflemeister. Michelle can be reached at dragonflydreams888@hotmail.com or by phone at 651-245-7064. Raffles are held on various nights throughout the week with the prizes getting bigger and better as the week goes on culminating in the grand finale on Friday night. If you have ever wondered how you can help NAFA then here’s your chance. The income from the nightly raffles are key to NAFA’s finances, your raffle donations are imperative and much appreciated. Be creative, remember NAFA meets have become a family event, there are plenty of spouses and kids attending and participating in the nightly raffles, so the items do not always have to be falconry related. If you would like to donate please drop Michelle a line and ask her what she needs or what you can bring. If you can’t make it to the meet and would like to make a donation we can help figure out a way to get your donation to the meet.

Registration Coordinator: For some reason being meet co-chair was not enough and Brandi has volunteered to be the registration coordinator again. Brandi can be reached at brandi7777@yahoo.com or 940-507-0333. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the week to check in and pick up preregistration packets or to register onsite. Those dates and times will be announced online at a later date.

Vendor Coordinator: Along with helping in the weathering yard, Mario Nickerson will be coordinating vending this year. His contact info is dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775. The Hotel has 15,000-square-foot meeting space, which features a 7,000-square-foot conference center as its centerpiece. That means there is a lot of room for evening meetings followed by nightly vending. If you are a falconry equipment vendor this is an opportunity to meet and hawk your wares to a collective audience of falconers. To make things easier on vendors we have reserved a block of first floor rooms, close to the vending area, just for vendors. To ensure you are assigned one of these rooms please contact Mario no later than October 1st. This is a first come first serve opportunity for a first floor room. Vending will be open Monday through Thursday with a special vendor raffle and meet and greet on Monday night.

Falconry Concierge (formerly Foreign Liaison): Peter Nolan has become the mainstay when it comes to arranging outings for our visiting guests. We are adding a special section to the new NAFA Field Meet Facebook page for visiting guests to sign up well in advance to ensure we can better arrange to get you out in the field. If you have any questions or special requests Peter can be reached at pnolanponds@gmail.com or 970-388-1667. Peter can arrange hawking parties for just about anyone, foreign guests, locals, and or anyone that wants to just go see something different flown on game. Trapping excursions are also popular activities for guests visiting from places where that don’t have the same luxuries and privileges we are lucky to have here in the US.

Peter is one of a kind, with his Aussie accent (making him hard to understand at times), incredible personality, he is very approachable, hard to miss, and always smiling, he is the perfect person for the position. If you want to take someone out hawking or want to arrange seeing some hawking that is not available in your area give Peter a shout.


Spouse/Family Activities Coordinator: Larissa Nicolle will be leading the charge on this one. Lubbock and the surrounding area have several good choices for family activities such as the Buddy Holly Center, Legacy Play Village, Mackenzie Park and Prairie Dog Town, and the Science Spectrum, a hands-on, interactive science center. If there is interest again, a trip up to Palo Duro Canyon might also be in the offering. It is still very early and still in the planning stages, we will keep everyone updated. If you have any questions or special requests Larissa can be reached at lalamaz@hotmail.com or 214-288-0653.

Last but not least…. ‘There will be Blood III’………..
Blood Drive: Ron Clarke is again organizing the 3rd annual NAFA blood drive. Details are still being worked out on this one so stay tuned for more updates on “There will be blood 3”. If you have any questions, Ron can be reached at director_at_large_2@n-a-f-a.com or 907-723-6840.

I hope you are all making plans to attend another great Texas NAFA Field Meet. If you have any questions or suggestions I’d love to hear them. Hope to see you all in Lubbock!

[frootdog]

Before everyone starts trying to make hotel reservations..........

We are in the final stages of getting a contract done so the special rates are not yet available and if you call the hotel will likely NOT know what you are talking about. Rest assured this hotel has far more than enough rooms to host even the largest of NAFA meets so there is no rush.:D

[FredFogg]

Krys, I will try and get all the above information on the Meet page tomorrow evening. Have to hit the sack now as I have to be at work at 5:30 in the morning. frus) Please send me the list of items and prices as soon as you have them so I can start working on the Online Meet Registration.

[MrBill]

Krys,

This sounds great. And Mario and Brandi--you two are a glutton for punishment. Geez!

Bill Boni

[Tiercel78]

Like mentioned earlier there are tons of collared doves here. That's what I plan on focusing on with the little hybrid I've been flying here in Lubbock. Hopefully we get water this year cause this past season hasn't been as good as the season before. We get ducks and quite a few but the playas are hurting for water and the ducks where hanging out in town. The quail, cottontail, and pheasant took a good hit this year. Still got good numbers on jacks though.

[cwd56]

Looking forward to seeing you, there Bill. Early reports are that the jack population in Lubbock is doing quite well.

Not real sure where you've got this information Krys, but due to the lack of rain jack numbers are down pretty bad. I am leaving Lubbock as I type this and we went out and kicked around a few spots that used to have good jack numbers and I kicked up one jack over a couple if hours. Did not look for pheasant, but from asking several gun hunters I know, they were almost nonexistent this season due to the drought. I'm not wanting to rain on anyone's parade, but if we don't get some moisture, it's not going to improve. Also, all the duck ponds I looked at were dry or just about there. We were supposed to get some rain today, but I believe most of it was north around Amarillo, go figure lol. IF we can get some moisture, I could see it improving some, but as is, I'm not very optimistic on numbers. I will be kicking around a few other spots soon and will see how it looks.

[MrBill]

Not real sure where you've got this information Krys, but due to the lack of rain jack numbers are down pretty bad. I am leaving Lubbock as I type this and we went out and kicked around a few spots that used to have good jack numbers and I kicked up one jack over a couple if hours. Did not look for pheasant, but from asking several gun hunters I know, they were almost nonexistent this season due to the drought. I'm not wanting to rain on anyone's parade, but if we don't get some moisture, it's not going to improve. Also, all the duck ponds I looked at were dry or just about there. We were supposed to get some rain today, but I believe most of it was north around Amarillo, go figure lol. IF we can get some moisture, I could see it improving some, but as is, I'm not very optimistic on numbers. I will be kicking around a few other spots soon and will see how it looks.

This sounds very much like the situation in Amarillo, I am told, except it is even worse. I am hopeful that Lubbock has a wet spring and continued moisture, particularly for Krys's sake, as I have learned from my own experience chairing one of these meets that all can go wrong (including the meet hotel going BK a week before our arrival), but if there is plenty of game, everyone is happy. Hang in there, Krys. All's well that ends well.

Bill Boni

[broken feather]

chris, look at the dove population please!

[PeteJ]

chris, look at the dove population please!
The main doves that will be there then Russell will be primarily migrants that will add in to the locals. So what you'd see there now is nothing compared to what can be there by that part of November.

[cwd56]

chris, look at the dove population please!

Dove are plentiful.

[broken feather]

Chris, how about access or avaibility to hunting land for longwings?

[cwd56]

Chris, how about access or avaibility to hunting land for longwings?

This will depend on rainfall. Most small tanks were dry this season and the ducks were in the waste in town. If we get rain, there are water holes all over that will hold ducks. Pheasant numbers are down as well, but if you get north of town and find some CRP near some grain or oat, I'd bet you'll find a few slips.

[Tiercel78]

I haven't had much issue asking land owners for permission. The only time I think you would run into big issues is during goose/pheasant gun season but it's later in the year.

[frootdog]

As far as the game numbers go I have done my due diligence. I have spoken with land owners, game wardens, and other falconers. The conclusion was and is that despite lower than desired numbers in the Texas panhandle. Lubbock is in MUCH better shape than Amarillo is.

[frootdog]

Here is a question I asked on the NAFA Meet Facebook page. There were very few replies. From that I can gather that people either don't care period OR would rather NOT have a speaker at the banquet, as a majority of the few responses were for the band. Thoughts?

What would YOU rather have at the banquet? A keynote speaker or a band or individual falconers having open mic time to describe a good flight or good NAFA meet experience

[Lowachi]

speaker presentation. not much into bands while I eat and I hear most of the good stories at the yard;).

[JRedig]

I Vote for speaker.

[COMEAUX]

BAND! any word on the meet hotel?

[MrBill]

Here is a question I asked on the NAFA Meet Facebook page. There were very few replies. From that I can gather that people either don't care period OR would rather NOT have a speaker at the banquet, as a majority of the few responses were for the band. Thoughts?

What would YOU rather have at the banquet? A keynote speaker or a band or individual falconers having open mic time to describe a good flight or good NAFA meet experience

I have never heard of anyone complaining over the years about having a guest speaker at the NAFA meet; and the one's I have heard were worth listening to. Why not have both, with the band commencing after the banquet?

Bill Boni

[Dirthawking]

BAND! any word on the meet hotel?

May 1st.

[COMEAUX]

May 1st.

Hotel Info Please!

[ukroper]

BAND..The did a hell of a job in Co last year..Hey its Tx right?..buck the trends..Lets go home with a BANG..rather than a whimper!!!!!!

[frootdog]

Hotel Info Please!

Hotel info will be released tomorrow. May 1st. NAFA has the info and as soon as it goes out to the members then it will be posted here and on FB. Have no fear though the hotel has plenty of rooms for everyone.

[Dirthawking]

Hotel Info Please!


Vendor Coordinator: Along with helping in the weathering yard, Mario Nickerson will be coordinating vending this year. His contact info is dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775. The Hotel has 15,000-square-foot meeting space, which features a 7,000-square-foot conference center as its centerpiece. That means there is a lot of room for evening meetings followed by nightly vending. If you are a falconry equipment vendor this is an opportunity to meet and hawk your wares to a collective audience of falconers. To make things easier on vendors we have reserved a block of first floor rooms, close to the vending area, just for vendors. To ensure you are assigned one of these rooms please contact Mario no later than October 1st. This is a first come first serve opportunity for a first floor room. Vending will be open Monday through Thursday with a special vendor raffle and meet and greet on Monday night.



Just to drive this point home for everybody that wants to be a vendor this year! :D

[FredFogg]

Hotel info will be released tomorrow. May 1st. NAFA has the info and as soon as it goes out to the members then it will be posted here and on FB. Have no fear though the hotel has plenty of rooms for everyone.

No it won't, I haven't got the info, it wasn't attached to the email and I responded back and you haven't answered me. I have to get up at 4:15 to get ready for work, so no, it won't be ready tomorrow!

[frootdog]

No it won't, I haven't got the info, it wasn't attached to the email and I responded back and you haven't answered me. I have to get up at 4:15 to get ready for work, so no, it won't be ready tomorrow!

I didn't say the website would be ready tomorrow. I said the hotel info would be released. And YES it will.

[Jason123]

Any relief from the drought so far this spring?

[cwd56]

Any relief from the drought so far this spring?

We've got a little rain, but if it'll keep coming a little at a time, I'll take it!

[FredFogg]

I didn't say the website would be ready tomorrow. I said the hotel info would be released. And YES it will.

Oops, sorry!

Folks, the meet info on the website (with hotel info) from Krys will be available this evening when I get home from work. The online registration will be available in a day or so as I need to make sure it is working properly.

Thank you for your patience!

[falcon56]

I read the April HC available on the NAFA web site two days ago, it has the hotel info.

[COMEAUX]

Vendor Coordinator: Along with helping in the weathering yard, Mario Nickerson will be coordinating vending this year. His contact info is dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775. The Hotel has 15,000-square-foot meeting space, which features a 7,000-square-foot conference center as its centerpiece. That means there is a lot of room for evening meetings followed by nightly vending. If you are a falconry equipment vendor this is an opportunity to meet and hawk your wares to a collective audience of falconers. To make things easier on vendors we have reserved a block of first floor rooms, close to the vending area, just for vendors. To ensure you are assigned one of these rooms please contact Mario no later than October 1st. This is a first come first serve opportunity for a first floor room. Vending will be open Monday through Thursday with a special vendor raffle and meet and greet on Monday night.



Just to drive this point home for everybody that wants to be a vendor this year! :D

clappclappclappclappclapp GOOD JOB MARIO! thumbsuppbeeer

[frootdog]

2014 NAFA Meet Lubbock, Texas

By Chair Krys Langevin & Co-Chair Brandi Nickerson

Once again NAFA returns to the wild, wild, west and the great state of Texas. However, this time around we are heading 90 minutes south of our traditional host city, to the heart of jack rabbit country – the great city of Lubbock. Time to dig out those thick, black glasses, skinny jeans, and sport the timeless bouffant hair-dos, we’re visiting the birth place of Buddy Holly!
This was not an easy decision or simply for the sake of change, it was made entirely with a mind on the availability of quarry. Reports from Amarillo indicate traditional game populations have been particularly hard hit by the ongoing drought that affects the Midwest. Reports from falconers and wildlife biologists suggest Lubbock game populations are in much better shape.
Plans are already in full swing. Hotel contracts are signed, dinner menus are being finalized, raffles donations are being sought, sponsorship for nightly hors d'oeuvres, and the most important aspect of any Meet – access to land and game – is moving forward in high gear. Lucky for us former SE NAFA Director Michael Beran is leading the land acquisition efforts for the Meet. Those familiar with Lubbock know it to be the home of Texas Tech University and lots of wide open space, negotiations are underway to gain access to large tracts of land owned by Texas Tech and the City of Lubbock.

The remaining information pertains to the meet hotel, regulations, weathering yard rules, raffle coordination, registration, and other important meet details. Also, something else I am very pleased to have been given permission to try, a Field Meet Facebook page and Twitter account. Please like and follow us on Facebook and later on Twitter, ask questions, make suggestions, or just say hi. Otherwise, if anyone needs to reach out to us in more traditional methods I can be reached at frootdog@yahoo.com or 817-528-9743 and Brandi can be reached at brandi7777@yahoo.com or 940-507-0333.

2014 Annual NAFA Field Meet
Dates: November 23-28, 2014
Hotel: MCM Eleganté Hotel and Suites
801 Ave Q
Lubbock, Texas 79401
http://mcmelegantelubbock.com
Room rates: $79/night/room or $139/night/suite.
(Price includes breakfast for up to 4 people per day per room.)
Meet Details: For the most current Meet information please refer to
http://www.n-a-f-a.com/Meets.htm or the NAFA Field Meet Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/2014NAFAMeet

Cancellation Policy: Full amount of the registration fee will be refunded if written cancellation notice is received no later than November 2nd. After this date, refunds will not be possible. (Written notification must be via email to brandi7777@yahoo.com or USPS to 7828 Hood St., Fort Worth, TX 76135.).

Reservations: As is customary, MCM Elegante will start accepting reservations on May 1st, 2014. Make your reservations early! At this time we have not negotiated preferred rates at any overflow hotels. We will revisit this if there is a need. To make reservations please call 806-763-1200 or make reservations online at a special NAFA attendees only page setup by the MCM Elegante for our group. Go to: http://www.reseze.net/cassets/mkt/mcmelegante/landing_pages/MCM_Elegante_Lubbock_Texas_NAFA_Meet.html

Thanksgiving Dinner: There will be a Thanksgiving dinner provided by the hotel. This is something they already do every year and it is far cheaper than any “private” event we could hope to organize. The cost is $14.95 per person and there is no need to RSVP therefore it is not included on the preregistration form.

Hunting Information: Visiting and hunting in Texas is simple. No import permits or health certificates are required for your hunting partners. All you will need is an out of state hunting permit; $48 for a 5 day permit or $315 for the whole year – available at any location that sells hunting licenses. Endorsements or stamps you may need depend on your target quarry – Upland Game ($7) and Migratory Bird ($7). (Don’t forget a Federal Duck Stamp if you don’t already have yours.)

Non-Resident Trapping: For those interested in trapping while attending the NAFA meet, there are occasionally Harris’s hawks found in and around Lubbock. A two hour drive south to the Midland/Odessa area will yield larger populations for those who may be interested in trapping or watching Harris’s in their natural element. Prairie falcons and merlins are also found in and around Lubbock. The permit application can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/permits/land/wildlife/falconry/ . The fee is $378. Please give Texas Parks and Wildlife plenty of advanced notice if you intend to go trapping so they can issue you the appropriate permit.

Weathering Yard: The first call I made as Meet Chair was to Rich Borquist to make sure he and his team would again handle this very important responsibility. Rich and his team are ultimately responsible for the safely of all our birds while in the yard. Rich, Brandon Borquist, and Mario Nickerson will again be handling weathering yard duties. If you have any questions Rich can be reached at lowachi@hotmail.com or 309-369-4293. Mario can be reached at dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775.
Please remember, the Yard Warden has final authority on everything as it relates to the weathering yard. The yard rules are as follows
No tid-bitting or feeding is allowed in or near the weathering yard. Perches should not be taller than the height of the bird Birds need to be tied short, i.e. fit within a 4' X 4' (16sq. ft.) area. No dogs allowed in the weathering yard (or at the gate entry area.) No Loitering in the yard (please keep story telling in the yard to a minimum) No photography inside the yard. (There are exceptions, and may require an escort. Please inquire at the gate).All transmitters must be turned off in the yard. (We will periodically sweep the yard and turn off any we find) The Yard Warden has final authority.
From Rich: To add the above, because this is not a covered yard, nor is your bird the only bird there, the following rules have been added:
a) No "fishing tackle" (coastal locks, etc.) allowed past micro sized raptors.
b) No threaded links, spring clips, split rings allowed.
c) Portable perches must be anchored.
d) Take-apart perches: birds must be tied to the spike/anchored to the spot.
These add-ons have all come about due to incidents in the past. Though none of them caused a death or permanent loss, their failures did result in escapes and/or an injury to other's birds and have been banned from the NAFA weathering yard. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask me (Rich) or my crew. We try our best to check every bird's gear as they come into the yard the first time. We will be checking gear every day, throughout the day while your birds are in our care.
Please remember, the wardens have the final say.
Last year NAFA enacted a system of fines and rental fees and those are as follows…

Equipment rental and late fees in the weathering yard:
At the complete discretion of the Weathering Yard Wardens… Perches may be rented for $10 the first day, $15 the second day with a two day maximum. Late fees for leaving your bird out past yard hours is $20 per occurrence.

Raffle Coordinator: I am pleased to announce that Michelle Anderson will be reprising her role as the NAFA Rafflemeister. Michelle can be reached at dragonflydreams888@hotmail.com or by phone at 651-245-7064. Raffles are held on various nights throughout the week with the prizes getting bigger and better as the week goes on culminating in the grand finale on Friday night. If you have ever wondered how you can help NAFA then here’s your chance. The income from the nightly raffles are key to NAFA’s finances, your raffle donations are imperative and much appreciated. Be creative. Remember, NAFA Meets have become a family event and there are plenty of spouses and kids attending and participating in the nightly raffles, so the items do not always have to be falconry related. If you would like to donate, please drop Michelle a line and ask her what she needs or what you can bring. If you can’t make it to the meet and would like to make a donation, we can help figure out a way to get your donation to the Meet.

Registration Coordinator: For some reason being Meet Co-Chair was not enough and Brandi has volunteered to be the registration coordinator again. Brandi can be reached at brandi7777@yahoo.com or 940-507-0333. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the week to check in and pick up preregistration packets or to register onsite. Those dates and times will be announced online at a later date.

Vendor Coordinator: Along with helping in the weathering yard, Mario Nickerson will be coordinating vending this year. His contact info is dirthawking@yahoo.com or 817-751-5775. The MCM Elegante has 15,000-square-foot meeting space, which features a 7,000-square-foot conference center as its centerpiece. That means there is a lot of room for evening meetings followed by nightly vending. If you are a falconry equipment vendor this is an opportunity to meet and hawk your wares to a collective audience of falconers. To make things easier on vendors we have reserved a block of first floor rooms, close to the vending are, just for vendors. To ensure you are assigned one of these rooms please contact Mario no later than October 1st. This is a first come first serve opportunity for a first floor room. Vending will be open Monday through Thursday with a special vendor raffle and meet and greet on Monday night.

Falconry Concierge (formerly Foreign Liaison): Peter Nolan has become the mainstay when it comes to arranging outings for our visiting guests. We are adding a special section to the new NAFA Field Meet Facebook page for visiting guests to sign up well in advance to ensure we can better arrange to get you out in the field. If you have any questions or special requests Peter can be reached at pnolanponds@gmail.com or 970-388-1667. Peter can arrange hawking parties for just about anyone, foreign guests, locals, and or anyone that wants to just go see something different flown on game. Trapping excursions are also popular activities for guests visiting from places where that don’t have the same luxuries and privileges we are lucky to have here in the US.
Peter is one of a kind, with his Aussie accent (making him hard to understand at times), incredible personality, he is very approachable, hard to miss, and always smiling; he is the perfect person for the position. If you want to take someone out hawking or want to arrange seeing some hawking that is not available in your area give Peter a shout.

Spouse/Family Activities Coordinator: Larissa Nicolle will be leading the charge on this one. Lubbock and the surrounding area have several good choices for family activities such as the Buddy Holly Center, Legacy Play Village, Mackenzie Park and Prairie Dog Town, and the Science Spectrum, a hands-on, interactive science center. If there is interest again, a trip up to Palo Duro Canyon might also be in the offering. It is still very early and still in the planning stages, we will keep everyone updated. If you have any questions or special requests Larissa can be reached at lalamaz@hotmail.com or 214-288-0653.

Last but not least…. ‘There will be Blood III’………..
Blood Drive: Ron Clarke is again organizing the 3rd annual NAFA blood drive. Details are still being worked out on this one, so stay tuned for more updates on “There will be blood 3”. If you have any questions, Ron can be reached at director_at_large_2@n-a-f-a.com or 907-723-6840.
I hope you are all making plans to attend another great Texas NAFA Field Meet. If you have any questions or suggestions I’d love to hear them. Hope to see you all in Lubbock!



Hope to see you all in Lubbock!

Bob

[FredFogg]

Who is Bob? LOL

[cwd56]

Non-Resident Trapping: For those interested in trapping while attending the NAFA meet, there are occasionally Harris’s hawks found in and around Lubbock. A two hour drive south to the Midland/Odessa area will yield larger populations for those who may be interested in trapping or watching Harris’s in their natural element. Prairie falcons and merlins are also found in and around Lubbock.

There is one known family of HH's around Lubbock, but not a single one of them were spotted this past season. I hope they just moved and are doing well. As far as Midland/Odessa, there are HH's but finding them is a trick in itself sometimes. I've had times where I would see 4-5 in a day for 2 weeks and then go almost a month without finding them, and then see them again. Not sure where they go or if they just get into an area I can't get to them. For those that do wish to trap around Lubbock, there are plenty of prairies normally, RT's, and ferruginous are in pretty good numbers as well. Lot's of open farm roads and county roads to cruise. If you head south and start getting more into the oilfield area's, be careful. You may drive into an open cattle guard just to find it locked on your way back out and find out it's a private lease road, even though they are not always clearly marked.

[Eagle Owl]

For those making hotel reservations using the online system, the system automatically put you in a double room. If you prefer a king bed or a suite, when you get to the screen below, click on the change request button and you can then make changes.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/brandi7777/Hotel.jpg

[NMHighPlains]

What would YOU rather have at the banquet? A keynote speaker or a band or individual falconers having open mic time to describe a good flight or good NAFA meet experience


I like:

1) keynote speaker

2) individuals

.
.
.
.

3) band

Bands are noisy and hard to talk over. Save the band for a normal night. And if you do have a band, my suggestion is to put them over "here" and the vendors over "there" so that we don't have to try to have conversations over the band. I played at the Kearney meet when the country band couldn't make it and I was separated from the main crowd- I like that 'cause people who want to listen/dance/whatever can do that and people who don't, don't have to. As a player, then I know that the people sitting there in front of me _want_ to be there and I interact better with them. But that's me and I ain't no rock 'n roll star.

But I don't care a whole lot one way or the other. Half the fun is to see what kind of surprise you've planned. It's boring when everything goes the way I want it to go.

[NMHighPlains]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/brandi7777/Hotel.jpg


"North American Falconer's Ass"? Is that a body part or are ya'll calling my squier names?

[FredFogg]

Online Registration for the meet is now available. Click here! (http://www.n-a-f-a.com/members/omr.htm)

If you have any problems, please contact me or Brandi.

[Eagle Owl]

"North American Falconer's Ass"? Is that a body part or are ya'll calling my squier names?

clapp clapp clapp clapp clapp

That is funny!!!! I didn't notice that.

[Eagle Owl]

Online Registration for the meet is now available. Click here! (http://www.n-a-f-a.com/members/omr.htm)

If you have any problems, please contact me or Brandi.

You rock, Fred! peacee

[ukroper]

speaker presentation. not much into bands while I eat and I hear most of the good stories at the yard;).

What the hell difference does it make to you??..Yall are 3 parts pissed anyway getting ready to talk!!!!lollolololll...peaceepeaceepeacee

[cwd56]

Wanted to let folks know we are getting some much needed rain, let's hope it continues through the summer.

[Tiercel78]

One news guy said we have hit are yearly average already....however I'm not sure about that. Amarillo looked like it got more.

[Tiercel78]

To date for the year rain in inches 6.04 which 5.14 for this month in Lubbock

[Jason123]

To date for the year rain in inches 6.04 which 5.14 for this month in Lubbock

peacee now who wants to take me out so I can see one of those pointy winged things smack a duck.

[Tiercel78]

Hopefully we keep getting rain throughout the summer and early fall. :)

[Jason123]

What is the likelihood of running into a venomous snake around Lubbock? I imagine there will be some people that will want to use my dog to flush ducks off water so I was wondering about her getting bit. I've never encountered poisonous snakes with her before. Anyone have contact info of a vet I could get her to fast just in case she does get bit? Just thinking ahead, Thanks.

[cwd56]

What is the likelihood of running into a venomous snake around Lubbock? I imagine there will be some people that will want to use my dog to flush ducks off water so I was wondering about her getting bit. I've never encountered poisonous snakes with her before. Anyone have contact info of a vet I could get her to fast just in case she does get bit? Just thinking ahead, Thanks.

Lubbock in November, virtually no chance. I saw one rattlesnake in 5+ years of living there, and that was in high thick brush in a canyon.

[MrBill]

I drove through Amarillo (90 miles north of Lubbock) on 4th of July weekend and the vegetation was nice and green and it stayed that way all the way to ABQ. They had obviously been getting a good deal of rain in that area. Hopefully, it has extended to Lubbock as well, and continues.

Bill Boni

[ukroper]

Any news ???peacee

[Saluqi]

Any news ???peacee

What kind of news? It been raining this summer, so grass should be good and things that eat it should be around, as well as ponds and things that like to eat and swim in them, is that what you were asking?

[cwd56]

What kind of news? It been raining this summer, so grass should be good and things that eat it should be around, as well as ponds and things that like to eat and swim in them, is that what you were asking?

Longwingers should be advised that Lubbock does not have a lot of ponds. We should be able to get some lined up with a small drive though, half hour or so to some much better areas for that.

[JRedig]

Longwingers should be advised that Lubbock does not have a lot of ponds. We should be able to get some lined up with a small drive though, half hour or so to some much better areas for that.

30 minutes to better area's sounds dreamy! lol I'm used to 300 mile days to not find a flight...

[ukroper]

What kind of news? It been raining this summer, so grass should be good and things that eat it should be around, as well as ponds and things that like to eat and swim in them, is that what you were asking?


Yes,thanks..wanted to know how things were shaping up..hard to judge from 4000 miles away..:D:D

Damn,they were right...They said that since you gotta a bit of power you had turnt mean!!!!..I said .."NO..NEVER..!!" They said: "Don't ask,..he will shout.."...:eek:toungeout

[ukroper]

(Really,..what I really wanted to know was the price of Jack and Stella Artoise locally!!thumbsuppthumbsuppthumbsuppthumbsupp

[Tasha55403]

(Really,..what I really wanted to know was the price of Jack and Stella Artoise locally!!thumbsuppthumbsuppthumbsuppthumbsupp

Whatever it costs, it can't be as much as having to cross state lines to get it, lol ;)

[Eagle Owl]

Things are shaping up nicely. We are getting the Meet swag ordered, raffle items are coming in, getting some land for hunting. It is gonna be a great Meet with some neat surprises!

[Shehawker]

Is there much of an eastern coops population around Lubbock or within a few hours drive? Thinking about it..

[mainefalconer]

Is there much of an eastern coops population around Lubbock or within a few hours drive? Thinking about it..


Come on Missy.... take a crazy road trip up here to stay at my place for a while and we will get the necessary permits in hand, and send you home with one!! How long has it been since you took a road trip to New England?! We've got a guest room with your name on it, and I catch piles of Cooper's hawks at my trapping station. :D

The doors are open....
Otherwise, I'll see you in Lubbock.
Looking forward to it.
It has been too long.
I'm eager to see everybody there. Can't wait!

[cwd56]

Is there much of an eastern coops population around Lubbock or within a few hours drive? Thinking about it..

No, it's going to be western birds.

[Shehawker]

Come on Missy.... take a crazy road trip up here to stay at my place for a while and we will get the necessary permits in hand, and send you home with one!! How long has it been since you took a road trip to New England?! We've got a guest room with your name on it, and I catch piles of Cooper's hawks at my trapping station. :D

The doors are open....
Otherwise, I'll see you in Lubbock.
Looking forward to it.
It has been too long.
I'm eager to see everybody there. Can't wait!

Never actually, I might have to take you up on that for an coop eyas in the spring. For now maybe I've talked myself in to trying a western passage. That and the fall/winter trip plans are already taking up days off but I'll be there in Lubbock, can't wait to see everyone too!

[mainefalconer]

Never actually, I might have to take you up on that for an coop eyas in the spring. For now maybe I've talked myself in to trying a western passage. That and the fall/winter trip plans are already taking up days off but I'll be there in Lubbock, can't wait to see everyone too!


Well,... when the time is right, come on out and stay for a while. You'll love the coast of Maine. (and we'll pull a fuzzy white Cooper's for you)

[JRedig]

Never actually, I might have to take you up on that for an coop eyas in the spring. For now maybe I've talked myself in to trying a western passage. That and the fall/winter trip plans are already taking up days off but I'll be there in Lubbock, can't wait to see everyone too!

Why the concern about eastern vs western? Catch a coops and go hawking missy!!;):)

[goshawkr]

I don't wanna detract from the focus on this years meet in TX, which I will sadly miss, but I am curious when the meet is scheduled to cycle back to Utah. I was in Vernal for a funeral a few weeks ago and was absolutely astounded at the number of Cottontail I saw. Saw a fair number of quail running around as well.

[Shehawker]

Shhhh Geoff that was my secret...

Few more jacks around too but it has been mostly a CT explosion. Lots of water these past few months so the game birds seem to be doing well.

They were good last year even with 1 ft of snow that seemed to stick around forever and are everywhere this year, I hope they don't crash for a few more seasons but they likely will, so that is something to keep in mind if they do rotate here.

[goshawkr]

Shhhh Geoff that was my secret...

Few more jacks around too but it has been mostly a CT explosion. Lots of water these past few months so the game birds seem to be doing well.

They were good last year even with 1 ft of snow that seemed to stick around forever and are everywhere this year, I hope they don't crash for a few more seasons but they likely will, so that is something to keep in mind if they do rotate here.

Well Missy, I think I'll just have to come for a family visit during the hawking season. :D

[Eagle Owl]

I don't wanna detract from the focus on this years meet in TX, which I will sadly miss, but I am curious when the meet is scheduled to cycle back to Utah. I was in Vernal for a funeral a few weeks ago and was absolutely astounded at the number of Cottontail I saw. Saw a fair number of quail running around as well.

It is my understanding that Utah and Colorado have been taken out of the rotation due to poor attendance and complains on the requirements for entering those states. But I would ask a NAFA Officer for a 100% correct answer.

[Ken S.]

It is my understanding that Utah and Colorado have been taken out of the rotation due to poor attendance and complains on the requirements for entering those states.

Bummer... I had a great time in both Utah and Colorado. Yes it's a pain to have to travel so far for us east-coast falconers, (and last time in Utah the game numbers were really low but the scenery was beautiful), but I'd still probably go again. I wonder if this adds more pressure and burden on the other states we go to that will then have to host the meet more often (eg - Nebraska, Texas, Kansas, etc.) or if it'll rotate more to some of the states we haven't been to in a long time (eg - South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, ...). Either way... next couple years look like fun --> Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma... see you there!

[goshawkr]

It is my understanding that Utah and Colorado have been taken out of the rotation due to poor attendance and complains on the requirements for entering those states. But I would ask a NAFA Officer for a 100% correct answer.

That's disappointing to hear. Any NAFA officers wana weigh in on that? Utah is very accomidating, requirements wise, for NAFA meets. There was a very low attendance at the last Vernal meet, but no obvious cause so I hope they didn't pull it from rotation. Actually, I know a lot of my Washington friends showed up early to get a head start on finding game, then decided to go hunting in Oregon where they could find high game numbers.

After the first NAFA meet was held in Vernal in '98 the response was so positive that everyone asked for the NAFA meet to stay in that city.

[mainefalconer]

Geoff,

You would have to check in with Sheldon Nicolle for the hard facts on this topic, but to my knowledge, NONE of the states have been completely ruled out. However,... Brandi is not incorrect in suggesting that Colorado may never see us there again. Vernal may be the most picturesque of our past meet locations, (I LOVED IT there) but it's a tough one for many members to get to. The Future Meets Committee is becoming more lithe and open-minded and I think you're going to see meets popping up in locations that we've never visited before.

Additionally, if the "Regional" meets that we've done for the last couple of years continue to be a hit, I think you'll see more and more field meets in all corners of the country (scratch that,..... "continent")

[defalconer1]

I made a promise to myself long ago that I would never attend another NAFA meet that required more of me to hunt w/ a raptor than to hunt w/ a firearm. Additional permits, fees, falconry licenses, health certificates, etc. would rule that state/meet out. Can't see enriching the coffers of a state that throws unnecessary hoops and hurdles in the way.........paul

[JRedig]

I made a promise to myself long ago that I would never attend another NAFA meet that required more of me to hunt w/ a raptor than to hunt w/ a firearm. Additional permits, fees, falconry licenses, health certificates, etc. would rule that state/meet out. Can't see enriching the coffers of a state that throws unnecessary hoops and hurdles in the way.........paul

That's sad and proof you haven't taken the time to understand things.

Do you use a dog with your firearm? If so, you need a health cert for that! Gun is not an equal comparison...

[Eagle Owl]

That's sad and proof you haven't taken the time to understand things.

Do you use a dog with your firearm? If so, you need a health cert for that! Gun is not an equal comparison...

I agree with Jeff. How can you compare a gun that you can take out of a case, hunt with it for a few hours and put it away again and not touch it for a year to hunting with a bird? Falconry in ANY state requires more than a gun hunter since you have to have a falconry permit to fly a bird. It is not the health certificates I find annoying, it is the required USDA certified health certificated I disagree with. But that is another thread....

[Eagle Owl]

I have emailed Sheldon for clarity on where Colorado and Utah stand in the future rotations. I'll post his response.

[Eagle Owl]

From Sheldon

Right now Kansas is next (2015) followed by Oklahoma (2016) and then Nebraska (2017). No official decision has been made regarding future meets in Utah and Colorado.

Sheldon and the Future Meets Committee do listen to members. So if you feel strongly one way or another, let Sheldon know or post your comments here and I will pass them along. This is why it is important to fill out any surveys that NAFA sends out. The last survey that was sent, Sheldon went through and read every single comment that was made and presented the results to the board. Comments on the survey is why next years Meet is not over Thanksgiving. Even if you haven't been to a Meet or haven't been in a long time, your opinion matters. So next time a survey is sent out, be sure to fill it out! (Just my pitch for speaking up because NAFA is OUR club!)

[Corsair]

Since its founding in 1962 and to this very day, NAFA has remained all volunteer. The posse running the Lubbock meet and also planning future NAFA meets are doing an excellent job. I've been a member since 1967, and I've been to lots of memorable meets, many of which were well organized. The organization and communication around this year's Lubbock meet is as good or better than any I've experienced so far.

[Eagle Owl]

Since its founding in 1962 and to this very day, NAFA has remained all volunteer. The posse running the Lubbock meet and also planning future NAFA meets are doing an excellent job. I've been a member since 1967, and I've been to lots of memorable meets, many of which were well organized. The organization and communication around this year's Lubbock meet is as good or better than any I've experienced so far.

Thank you for your kind comments, Doug. I have to say that planning a Meet is a LOT of work. This is my second Meet running registration and first Meet to Co-Chair.

As with any organization there will be ups and downs, but the current board members have been great to work with. Bob and Scott have gone out of their way to make sure I have what I need as Membership Secretary and check in with me often to see if there is anything I need help with and just to make sure things are OK. The other board members have been pleasant to work with and egos are not an issue. It is so nice working with these people and I am proud to be a NAFA member!

[FredFogg]

Has anyone checked the game situation in Lubbock? And I don't mean how it was the last time someone hunted there, I mean actually walked out into the fields recently and what they saw, particularly jacks?

[PeteJ]

Has anyone checked the game situation in Lubbock? And I don't mean how it was the last time someone hunted there, I mean actually walked out into the fields recently and what they saw, particularly jacks?

I'm hoping they all have their water wings on about now.

[MrBill]

I'm hoping they all have their water wings on about now.

That's for sure, Pete. They are going to get hammered with rain, if they are not already. But, I imagine those folks are welcoming this rain with open arms, and it will fill the ponds up :)

Bill Boni

[colelkhunter]

Rain down there, as I understand it, is a double edged sword. Too little and the vegetation suffers and game pops are down. Too much and it kills the rabbits. That little sweet spot of just enough is where it needs to be. Although too much rain has little effect on the migratory birds. More ponds, more birds. We usually hunt Lubbock in January and honestly I don't think you can affect the jack population there very much. There always seem to be good numbers.

[ukroper]

Next years meet not over thanksgiving?...is it earlier or later?..does anyone know..if its later,thats me done!!!!...

[Lowachi]

Next years meet not over thanksgiving?...is it earlier or later?..does anyone know..if its later,thats me done!!!!...


earlier, by a week I believe

[FredFogg]

Next years meet not over thanksgiving?...is it earlier or later?..does anyone know..if its later,thats me done!!!!...

November 8-13

[Peregrine At Heart]

I have never took part in a meet in Utah before. Number one reason: distance. I live in Nebraska, which I know cannot really compare to living on the east coast with distance, but I absolutely refuse to fly anywhere so I limit what meets I attend by the hours it takes for me to drive there. Texas would be the next farthest away from me, but I went to the NAFA meet in Amarillo back in 2008 and loved it!! I have everything set up to go to Lubbock this year, although it is almost a 13 hr drive for me. I've been to Alamosa, CO, Dodge City, KS, and (of course) Kearney, NE's meets. I'm hesitantly planning on taking my bird this year, which while be a first for me at a NAFA meet. I couldn't make Alamosa last year due to complications in obtaining child care. I hope to see a lot of people at Lubbock...I'm getting more excited as the time grows closer!! :)

[Eagle Owl]

Good news everyone...Mario and I were in Lubbock for a couple of days and it is looking GREAT as far as game numbers. They have had a good amount of rain and the playas are full and some overflowing. One Texas Parks and Wildlife employee said that the rabbits were crazy this year. So things are looking good as far as numbers.

[Ken S.]

I'm just starting to make my plans to attend the meet, looks like it's going to be a good one! Is everyone staying at the meet hotel?

[FredFogg]

I'm just starting to make my plans to attend the meet, looks like it's going to be a good one! Is everyone staying at the meet hotel?

Ken, my understanding and Brandi can confirm this is the meet hotel is big enough to hold all falconers that want to stay there. So hopefully, we all will be under the same roof. I think this year is going to be a lot of fun. I started a new job at the beginning of the year and only have 5 days of vacation this year and I am using it all to go, so it better be good! LOL peacee

[Ken S.]

I made my reservation, but learned that on Saturday there is something else going on and they couldn't get me a double room for that night... I'll have to move to a different room for that one night, and then move back. Not the end of the world... but figured I'd mention it here in case anyone didn't make their reservation you might want to get it done ASAP.

[mcogar88]

I have RSVP'd for the meet, and reserved the hotel. Is there any way I can purchase my hunting license for Texas in advance? Just to take care of all the loose ends so all I have to bring is gas, and spending money. =)

[black42]

I believe you can purchase the hunting license from the texas parks and wildlife. online
Tpwd.state.tx.us

or
Order by phone: Call toll free (800) 895-4248, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm central time.

[xjturnerx]

Area looked pretty green when I rode through last week. It was looking good from Amarillo all the way to Abilene. Even saw a few ducks

[FredFogg]

I have RSVP'd for the meet, and reserved the hotel. Is there any way I can purchase my hunting license for Texas in advance? Just to take care of all the loose ends so all I have to bring is gas, and spending money. =)

You can just go to Wally World and purchase a non-resident hunting license, that is what I did last year and the previous years I hunted in TX. Of course, that is if there is one in Lubbock.

[DLemieux]

Will the TPWD have a representative there during registration to purchase licenses from? I could be wrong but hasn't this been the case with past meets?

[cwd56]

You can just go to Wally World and purchase a non-resident hunting license, that is what I did last year and the previous years I hunted in TX. Of course, that is if there is one in Lubbock.

There is one right by the meet hotel.

[Hughmetcalfe]

I have never took part in a meet in Utah before. Number one reason: distance. I live in Nebraska, which I know cannot really compare to living on the east coast with distance, but I absolutely refuse to fly anywhere so I limit what meets I attend by the hours it takes for me to drive there. Texas would be the next farthest away from me, but I went to the NAFA meet in Amarillo back in 2008 and loved it!! I have everything set up to go to Lubbock this year, although it is almost a 13 hr drive for me. I've been to Alamosa, CO, Dodge City, KS, and (of course) Kearney, NE's meets. I'm hesitantly planning on taking my bird this year, which while be a first for me at a NAFA meet. I couldn't make Alamosa last year due to complications in obtaining child care. I hope to see a lot of people at Lubbock...I'm getting more excited as the time grows closer!! :)

At least you don't live in central Canada - it's a bit of a hike from here, too! http://www.nafex.net//images/icons/icon7.gif

[Leather]

Is there going to be a NAFEX party this year? Was curiousconfusedd- did not see anything posted.
Thanks

[Dirthawking]

Brandi and I were out in Lubbock working on a few things a couple weeks ago. LOTS of water. Everything is very green. Talked with a few locals and the reports are coming in of way to many rabbits.
The hotel is 6 stories and can accomodate all of us if need be.
There is a Walmart across the street from the meet hotel. Hunting licenses can be purchased there easy enough.
OH, did I happen to mention how much water they have gotten? Reports are it is the most rainfall they have seen in over 10 years! Bring on the ducks!

[Red-tail71]

Brandi and I were out in Lubbock working on a few things a couple weeks ago. LOTS of water. Everything is very green. Talked with a few locals and the reports are coming in of way to many rabbits.
The hotel is 6 stories and can accomodate all of us if need be.
There is a Walmart across the street from the meet hotel. Hunting licenses can be purchased there easy enough.
OH, did I happen to mention how much water they have gotten? Reports are it is the most rainfall they have seen in over 10 years! Bring on the ducks!

SWEET!peacee

[Chris L.]

Is there going to be a NAFEX party this year? Was curiousconfusedd- did not see anything posted.
Thanks



Hi Eric,

heck yeah there is going to be one, I gotta keep up the tradition beeer

I am working out some details and will be posting soon about it. I think I will have it right across the street from the hotel so it will be easy to get to. More to follow

[Leather]

Hey Chris
Cool, yeah we “all” had a blast at the one Nebraska for sure- I thinkconfusedd we did anyway -lol
seeya

[Lowachi]

Hi Eric,

heck yeah there is going to be one, I gotta keep up the tradition beeer

I am working out some details and will be posting soon about it. I think I will have it right across the street from the hotel so it will be easy to get to. More to follow
stumbling distance is good... miss ya bro.

[cwd56]

I scoped Lubbock out the other day myself. Went by some fields I used to hunt and just poked around some. Everything is still very green right now and looking better than I've seen in several years. Hopefully this will lead to both jacks and CT numbers being up. I live about an hour away and I know our numbers are up on both and quail. There are not a bunch of stock tanks in the Lubbock area, for the most part it is cotton country and they have no need for them. However, there are a lot of flooded fields right now, especially corners. So if they keep holding some water, there is some real potential for ducks being all over.

[FredFogg]

There has been some confusion over the cut off date for pre-registration so it has been extended until midnight on Novermber 4th. Go to the Meet page (http://n-a-f-a.com/Meets.htm) to find the link to register online. Pre-registration will be removed at midnight on November 4th so get it done folks!!!

[raptrlvr]

Drove through Lubbock on Tuesday. It was raining with lots of water standing in the fields and small rain ponds throughout the city. I was hoping to get a chance to walk a couple of fields to see what I could kick up, but, it rained all morning. We did stop for breakfast in downtown area and saw a couple of mallards come flying in, landing next to the shopping center in one of the rain ponds. Temps were in the 40 to 45 degree around 11 am.

[dirtwinger]

I am ready and so is the team.
http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss99/dirtwinger/DSC_05382_zpse279af60.jpg (http://s565.photobucket.com/user/dirtwinger/media/DSC_05382_zpse279af60.jpg.html)

[Chris L.]

Hey Chris
Cool, yeah we “all” had a blast at the one Nebraska for sure- I thinkconfusedd we did anyway -lol
seeya


peacee It should be a blast this year too. I look forward to seeing you there.


stumbling distance is good... miss ya bro.

It will be great to see you and the family again Rich, Its always nice to catch up and sip on some of that fine Tennessee iced tea ;)

[Tiercel78]

I'm not flying this year due to new job. More than likely ill be working during the meet. However I do live in lubbock and I will be happy to share what I know. So far I've have seen some duck on playas early in the morning and later in afternoon near town. The Canadians just started showing up in any numbers and with the big cold front that is hitting us this week..... starting tonight I'm assuming we should be getting more waterfowl in shortly. The playas are still pretty full lots of mud water ankle to knee deep so waders might be something good to pack. I haven't had time to really walk the fields but i have seen decent numbers of jacks and bunnies in certain areas. Might get a chance to do some looking this week. However we have tons of collard dove and good amount of morning dove. I haven't seen any pheasant this year but the only good areas i have seen them in the past is northeast of lubbock in the surrounding towns. Due to my job I spend lot of time in the oil fields west of lubbock. IMO Hobbs NM is pretty game rich as far as quail rabbit and jacks this year if there are those people up for the drive.

[raptrlvr]

If I go, I'll be passing through that part of New Mexico on my way to the meet. Trying to get my passage female immature HH on game this week, but, so far the winds have been to strong and the jacks know to turn into the wind. She makes great chases, but, this is her 4th time out and so far the winds are winning the battle. Try again tomorrow.

[Chris L.]

I have made a thread for the 6th annual NAFEX dinner if anyone would like to come. It is open to all members of NAFEX and their families. It's a great time and we have some great door prizes. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at NAFA

Here is the thread for the NAFEX dinner http://www.nafex.net/showthread.php?t=21455

[FredFogg]

Will I need chaps in Lubbock?

[cwd56]

Will I need chaps in Lubbock?

In some places yes, but they are few and far between. We have what I call "cat claws" that can sure go through jeans, and some cactus. Mesquite isn't too bad.

[Tiercel78]

I wear chaps and i live in lubbock. I find it more enjoyable not having to pay as much attention crashing through the brush chasing game. Cat claws suck!!!!

[FredFogg]

Look out Texas, we are on our way! :eek:

[raptrlvr]

Arrived at the MCM Elegante Hotel this evening. Looks like they are prepared for us with extra freezers in several different locations. The room itself is big and very nice. Temps are not cold at all. Walmart is about 3 blocks away from the hotel.