In South Africa, falconry was, until recently, illegal in 2 of the then 4 provinces. With our political transformation, 9 provinces resulted, but fortunately falconry was legalized all-over before this.

I am a member of the Cape Falconry Club and had the pleasure of meeting Christian de Coune, President of the International Association of Falconry (IAF) during his visit here, in 1994.

Our Club rules allow for grading of falconers in 4 categories ie.

1. Apprentice - May not fly a bird, but should accompany others to gain experience.
2. Novice - May fly a Kestrel or African Goshawk or as a 2nd bird a Jackal Buzzard or Pale Chanting Goshawk. I am a novice and fly an African Goshawk.
3. General Falconer - May fly Lanners, Black Sparrowhawks, Red-breasted Sparrowhawk (female only). Must have a loft with pigeons, a trained dog and radiotelemetry.
4. Master Falconer - 5 years + experience. May fly Peregrine, African Hawk Eagle and Red-breasted Sparrowhawk (male). Latter, a tiny and therefore demanding hawk.

Aylmeris, bells etc. are compulsory with standards set for mews.

Our club undertakes rehab of all raptors and assists Cape Nature Conservation (our conservation agency) in this way, which makes for good cooperation.

Grading of falconers takes place annually, at our AGM with conservationists present and all equipment and facilities may be inspected at any time.

Our AGM and Field Meet takes place shortly on 8 - 14 May, as our season is just starting. I hope to upgrade and fly a Lanner tiercel. Plenty of doves around

-- Andre Marais