Hello from SE Ohio

[Jmkimes]

Hello all, new member here. I've been involved in nature/hunting/fishing for years, but a passion that I have had since before I can remember was birds of prey. Ever since I seen my first kestrel bomb a sparrow in my yard when I was young, I have been hooked. Several times over the years I have looked into Falconry, but have never taken the initiative or time to do anything about it. The past couple weeks, I have been looking it up again and finally sent an email to the state falconry association with my contact info and an introduction to who I am. I received a phone call within a couple hours from the president of the association with an invitation to the state association meeting and to come see his facilities and birds. He also pointed me here as a source of information and resources. I look forward to heading out as much as I can and learning as much as I can with hopes of someday spending as much time as I can with birds of my own.

I can tell already that this site is a wealth of information and I will be contributing to the upkeep very shortly.

If anyone is from the Southeast Ohio area, or any area at all, I'd love to check out as much stuff as I can to know what I have to look forward to!

[everetkhorton]

We like to have everyone sign there post with at least there first name, it just keep it friendly. Have fun.

[Jmkimes]

I understand that completely, guess I'll have to make me a signature! For now though,

My name is Jeffrey, full time paramedic and volunteer firefighter. Fisher/Hunter and soon falconer

[everetkhorton]

Jeffrey:
You can use the User CP in the upper left hand corner. I am also a Volunteer Firefighter, going on 25 years. Small department.

[Jmkimes]

Made a little progress, been contacted by a handful of people about checking out their stuff and birds.

Stopped by the state office yesterday and was going to pick up a packet, but the officer is out until Aug 2, so they took my info and was going to have their secretary take care of it. So hopefully I get the packet in the next day or two.

Worst case scenario, I don't get the packet and have to call back on Aug 2nd to have the officer send me one.

I have access to a ton of building/fencing/wire materials, so a mews and weathering area should only be a time commitment. We have a local hardware store too, so anything i'm short should be easily remedied.

I've had a hunting license for years, so that part will be no problem.

[outhawkn]

to the forum......

[Joby]

Hi Jeffrey and Welcome to our obsession!
Glad to hear that you've connected with Mick. He's a good guy and should take good care of you. Sorry to hear that you came all the way up to Columbus only to find Ron out. He's often in the field. It's always a good idea to call his office to see if he's in before making the drive. Once again, welcome and I look seeing you at the picnic.
-Joby

[RLD]

Welcome, I'm just down river from you in Scioto county.

[primos]

Welcome Jeff....i'm over in southeast pa but every couple of years we have an annual falconry meet in the western part of pa....this year it's in mercer...around january, but you can look up that info on our pa falconry website....www.pfht.org

mick has made it out to mercer in the past....great way to meet a lot of falconers and see what they're flying....

ej

do any deer hunting out there?

[Jmkimes]

Sorry to hear that you came all the way up to Columbus only to find Ron out. He's often in the field. It's always a good idea to call his office to see if he's in before making the drive. Once again, welcome and I look seeing you at the picnic.
-Joby

We were already headed to Columbus for the concert, I just swung by. They said the name Mary Ann in the Law Enforcement division. At least that's who they were going to give my info to. /shrug

And Primos, thanks for the info, I may have to venture up that way.

I go deer hunting every year. Makes for a long week coming off a 24 hour shift and then hitting the woods.

[Joby]

FYI, Mary Anne is Ron Ollis' administrative person. Ron is the person who will actually be signing everything for you.

[Jmkimes]

Never did receive the packet, so I called. Ron has been out 3 weeks on vacation/convention. He'll be back on Monday, his secretary could not find a packet to send, so she's gotta wait on him to get back. I should get it Tuesday/Wednesday.

Reminds me of one of my favorite sayings, "hurry up and wait"

I'm waiting!