Falconry

Falconry is a very specific kind of hunting as it uses birds of prey to catch the game.

It relies on the predator instinct of birds that have been specially trained to hunt small feathered game, corvidae and mammals (mainly rabbits). Falconry does not use guns but requires a pointing dog (pointer or setter).

Enthusiasts may be interested in buying woodland in which to practice falconry as the upkeep of birds of prey not only takes a certain amount of time but also requires vast areas abounding with game.

There are two types of falconry in France

 High-flying falconry

The bird of prey (only falcons in this case) spears its prey from on high. It attacks the game bird, often while it is still in the air. In the past, the sale of woodlands for falconry was only for the nobility. Today, the practice is still not very commonplace as the upkeep of a bird of prey requires a significant budget. This remains a rather marginal form of hunting.

Low-flying falconry

In this form of hunting, the bird (vulture, sparrowhawk, eagle, Harris’s hawk) remains attached to the wrist as it hunts down game. Once the animal has been flushed out, the bird flies after it.

The sale of woodlands for falconry concerns a handful of enthusiasts. Falconry is undoubtedly one of the most difficult hunting techniques as it involves a lot of work beforehand to train the bird of prey, which requires a special permit. There are just 200 falconers in France.

To benefit from the necessary dispensations permitting them to own these protected bird species, falconers must belong to an association approved by the Ministry in charge of hunting.

Woodlands for sale for falconry can be found all over France, although it is a mainly rural pastime.

Falconry adapts to the environment in which it is practiced. For example, in the flat Beauce region, falconry mainly involves so-called ‘high-flying’ birds specialized in hunting partridges or pheasants, as they need very open environments. Meanwhile, in rural hedgerow landscapes or mountainous areas, falconers will more likely practice the ‘low-flying’ technique to hunt game such as hares.