Hello from Montana!

[WrinkleInTyme]

Hello everyone, and greetings from Bozeman, Montana!

My name is James Sonntag, I'm a 23yo Software Developer with a passion for the outdoors and a strong love and respect for all birds of prey.

I was first exposed to falconry by a neighbor of mine, when I was just a young boy living in Minnesota; and ever since going on a hunt with him and his partner(I think she was a Broad-winged Hawk), I have always dreamed of a life with one of these majestic creatures.

So now here I am. I've been reading-up on all things falconry (still need to order that CHC study guide), and hope to start making connections around my area. I'm not in a huge rush to get going, since it'll be a good year until I have a suitable place to house it; but I feel like now's the perfect time to prepare and socialize with the others.

The hardest part seems to be locating falconers in my area, so if anyone knows of a falconer in my area, or how to get in touch with the falconry club for Montana, I'd be very grateful!

Thanks for reading and I hope to be able to participate as much as possible!

[Dakota]

Welcome! You are in a great state to become a falconer!

[Tasha55403]

Hey James
You can contact Gerald Geiger at hilinepeales@hotmail.com, he's the MFA secretary, I believe. Who did you go out with in MN? I'm up by Great Falls now, but I spent the last 14 yrs as a falconer in MN

[WrinkleInTyme]

Thanks, Forrest! It's definitely been a great place to hunt, so I'm sure things are going to be even better when a hawk's involved. I bet SD is a blast as well!

Tasha, I just emailed Gerald and hopefully I'll hear from him soon! Unfortunately I can't recall the man's name, it's been a good 13 years since, and I have a terrible memory haha.

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

[JRedig]

Hi James,

I'm over the hill in Livingston, there's another falconer here too. We're moving down to Pray within the coming month. There are a few on your side of the hill too.

I'm from MN too, i'd be curious to know who you went out with there.

I'll shoot you a PM, we should grab a beer sometime.

[MyAbusa]

James,
Welcome to the group. I’m over in Helena but know several falconers in the Bozeman/Three Forks area & would be happy to give you their information. Drop me a note if you’re ever in the Helena area & we’ll go chase some critters come hunting season.

[WrinkleInTyme]

That's awesome! It's great to know there are plenty of falconers around!

I think I actually lucked out and spotted a falconer in Belgrade. He's got 2 full coops of pigeons and a beautiful hawk/falcon that's white and black spotted (somewhat like a snowy owl pattern).

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone, hopefully I'll be able to meet some of you at the next meetup.

[MyAbusa]

James,
I'm guessing that's Sam you’re talking about. Great guy & an extremely knowledgeable & talented falconer. Say hi for me & tell him I still want to see his UAV in action with his gyr.