Who is considered a falconer?

A falconer is defined specifically as a person who practices falconry, which involves the hunting of game with trained birds of prey. The key aspect of being a falconer is the possession of the necessary skills, knowledge, and legal licensing to engage in the sport responsibly and ethically. Having a valid falconry license indicates that the individual has undergone training, met local regulations, and is permitted to hunt with raptors.

While raising raptors for breeding, studying birds of prey, or rehabilitating wildlife are all important roles within the field of avian care, they do not inherently make one a falconer. Each of these professions has its unique focus and responsibilities unrelated to the specific practice of training birds for hunting. Therefore, the requirement of a valid falconry license is what distinctly identifies someone as a falconer, emphasizing their engagement in the sport and compliance with legal regulations surrounding falconry.