The Oregon Falconers Association will be holding its annual field meet at the Harney County Fairgrounds from Thursday, Nov. 7 to Saturday, Nov. 9.

Falconry is a hunting sport where trained raptors (hawks and falcons) take wild quarry, such as jackrabbits, cottontails, and ducks. Falconry is the most heavily regulated of hunting sports, with individuals having to go through eight steps before becoming Apprentice Falconers. Dozens of falconers from Oregon and surrounding states are expected to bring their birds of prey to the meet. Many will be venturing out into the lands surrounding Burns where they’ll hunt small game with their raptors. Typically, cottontails and jackrabbits will be pursued by red- tailed hawks, Harris’s hawks, and goshawks. Ducks will be hunted with falcons and perhaps goshawks. Landowners with healthy populations of these animals and who would be willing to allow a falconer to hunt on their property should contact Jim Webber at (518) 210-8295 or president.ofa@gmail.com. Landowners who grant permission are welcome to join the hunt and watch these birds fly. A fenced-off area at the fairgrounds will periodically hold birds of prey on Friday and Saturday. Visitors may come to see the raptors, but are requested to not bring dogs near this area.