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SOAR Illinois SEMINARS
We're sorry! Registration CLOSED March 18
Document
SOAR seminar enrollment form

25th Annual
Raptor Management
& Falconry
Seminars

(2013) 


Seminar student holding a Peregrine falcon

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Learn from professional raptor handlers how to properly manage and train birds-of-prey in public education, rehabilitation, and falconry. 
Only $30 per class!

"1. What are the age and experience requirements necessary to qualify for a rehabilitation permit?
You must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 100 hours of hands-on experience, gained over the course of at least 1 whole year, rehabilitating the types of migratory birds you intend to rehabilitate (e.g., waterbirds, songbirds, raptors). Up to 20 hours of the 100-hour time requirement may be fulfilled by participation in migratory bird rehabilitation seminars and courses." http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-10b.pdf 

Raptor Management and Falconry Seminar: The Seminar offers an indepth study of raptor husbandry, medical management in rehabilitation, handling and training birds for falconry and/or public education. Modern and traditional falconry techniques are taught. The Seminar is open to wildlife specialists, zoo and nature center handlers, and current or aspiring falconers and rehabilitators. This Seminar is recognized for 35 hours towards continuing education required by many centers and zoos, and 20 hours towards a raptor rehabilitation permit. Northern IL University Vet School students can receive college credits! If you're a student at another college, ask your Dean/Instructor if this seminar will earn credits for you.

Structure: Sessions are held at SOAR from 10am to 5pm, one Saturday a month. Each session focuses on a specific topic, and offers easy learning in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Instructional aides are employed - videos, hands-on practice, topic outlines and hand-outs, self-tests, books, etc. Ample parking, casual attire (weather appropriate), coffee or soft drinks provided - bring your lunch. Please bring a notebook and pen. Each student will have the opportunity to handle raptors under the direct supervision of instructors during sessions 2 through 5 (Seminar #1 attendance, and a signed hold-harmless waiver, is mandatory). 

Your Hosts and Instructors: George and Bernadette (Berni) Richter are state and federally licensed master falconers, raptor banders, breeders, rehabilitators, educators, and founders of SOAR. Collectively, both have over 60 years experience with a variety of raptor species, and have been hosting and teaching the Seminar program since 1988. Other experienced falconers and interns contribute often to the seminars as assistant instructors.

Completion Certificates
:
 Students who attend all five Seminar sessions will receive a frameable completion certificate. Previous Seminar students who've missed one or more sessions may attend those sessions in a future Seminar to obtain their certificate.

Enroll By Mail: To enroll for sessions of your choice, or all five, print and return the enrollment form (click the 'W' in the YELLOW BOX at the top of this page) with the class fee ($30 per class). You will receive enrollment confirmation and driving directions to SOAR by e-mail before the seminar begins. We highly recommend that aspiring falconers attend all five sessions. Registration will be closed when we reach 30 registrations. Don't delay! We fill up fast! Enroll today!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact SOAR by e-mail please.
(Must be at least 14 years old. Persons younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone having objections to hunting, or keeping animals/birds in captivity, should not attend these seminars. SOAR reserves the right to refuse registrations. Photos, videos, or audio recordings are not allowed without permission. No refunds for missed classes.)
 

2013 Schedule
10am (promptly) to 5pm
#1 - May 18  - Intro, Terms, Species ID, Natural Behavior, State/Fed Permits & Regs
#2 - June 15 -   Equipment, Housing, Feeding, Weight Management, Bird Handling
#3 - July 20  -  Physical Maintenance, Medical Management, Rehabilitation, Bird Handling
#4 - Aug 17 -   Rescue & Capture, Manning (Taming), Training, Bird Handling
#5 - Sept 14   -  Hunting with Raptors, Ethics & Etiquette, Self-test, Bird Handling
(Make-up session TBA)

NOTE:
The Raptor Management and Falconry Seminar program, and original materials, are the copyrighted intellectual property of SOAR. Reproduction-duplication-use without written authorization from SOAR is prohibited.

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SOAR Illinois - Save Our American Raptors, Inc.  soar.inc@juno.com 815-312-1206
See LIVE BIRD PROGRAMS page to book a program for your group.

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