Falconry, one of the world’s oldest hunting sports, is defined as the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained raptor. No one knows for sure when and where falconry began but, based on pictoral records, it is thought that it originated in either Asia or the Middle East about 4,000 years ago. Prior to the invention of firearms in the early 17th century, raptors were used as a method of obtaining food. The term ‘falconry’ covers all trained birds of prey, not just the birds known as falcons.
Falconry is the most highly regulated of all hunting sports today. Permits and licenses are required from the US Fish and Wildlife Service as well as all states. There are rigid regulations addressing the possession, care and flying of birds for falconry.

Our Goal

The Georgia Falconry Association is a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the art and practice of falconry, as well as educating the public on the conservation, management and ecology of raptors. Members are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics regarding game laws, treatment of birds and conduct in public. We willingly assist new falconers and those interested in the sport.

Upcoming Events

2024 Annual Meet

GFA Annual Meet– TBA

Buckarama– August 14-16, 2026

GFA Annual Picnic-TBA

Stone Mountain Highland Games– October 16-18, 2026

2026 ANNUAL MEET SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, January 23- Registration and check in at the Loyalty Inn (Properties are available for hunting)

Saturday, January 24-

  • 8:00 AM- photo at the Loyalty Inn parking lot- Falconers and their birds. We will also decide on hunting properties before everyone leaves
  • 8:15AM-12:00PM- hunting (if you need directions or a hunting party, let us know)
  • 12:00PM-1:00PM-lunch on your own in and around Hawkinsville
  • 1:00PM-5:00PM-hunting. Please let a board member know if you are moving properties for the afternoon so we can coordinate groups
  • 6:30PM-Banquet at the Steakhouse in Hawkinsville
  • 7:30PM-Guest speaker Kathryn Dudeck
  • 8:30PM-Raffle

Sunday, January 25-Hunting all day

Address for the Loyalty Inn- 20 Warren Street, Hawkinsville, GA, 31036 (Behind the Huddle House)

Address for the Steakhouse-341 Bypass, 9 Buchan Drive, Hawkinsville, GA 31036