On May 15, I sent you all an update regarding Hays, Kansas and our upcoming field meet planned for the week of November 8 – 13. To say that plans have changed might be an understatement. Before signing any hotel contract NAFA has a list of requirements that must be met before we enter into any arrangements with local establishments. In meetings with hotel management we had been told that a nearby field would be available for a weathering yard during the meet. Prior to signing contracts the city decided this was not an option as the field is a designated “wetlands” and would not be available for our use. This was the only hotel in town that would suit our needs and the next closest location for our weathering yard would have been over ¼ mile away. This was a deal breaker and in an effort to make this a first class experience for all involved we are moving the meet to a new location in Kansas.

This past week, Future Meets Chair Sheldon Nicolle and Membership Secretary Brandi Nickerson took to the highways and back roads of Kansas in search of an alternative city and hotel to host our meet. They have identified three separate locations and hotels that will meet our lodging needs. While the location may have changed, many of the things in my last update have not.

The wheat and CRP fields are still green and game is plentiful. This should be another outstanding meet for the shortwingers as bunnies and jacks are abundant. With the recent rains it is expected that the ponds should be full and the duck hawkers should also have plenty of feathered quarry for their longwings. Kansas Parks and Wildlife Office biologists in Region 1 are confident that “the outlook for hunting greater prairie chickens is also outstanding.” As many may know the lesser prairie chicken was listed as threatened by the USF&W Service in 2014 and as such - hunting this particular species is closed. If ever there was a time to catch a prairie chicken with falcons or shortwings this is it.

Members have voiced concerns regarding the gun-hunting pheasant season coinciding with our meet - this is not true. The gun season for pheasants does not open until the weekend after the meet is over.
And as a reminder, Kansas will NOT require any health certificates nor import certificates for our birds. The state is very logical in making decisions regarding & supporting falconry.