About the Georgia Game Hawkers Club.

The Georgia Game Hawkers club was forged in 1975 by a handful of avid hunters skilled in the art of hunting wild quarry with trained birds of prey. The late Malcolm Edwards pioneered falconry in Georgia and was instrumental in the formation of the club. Through his efforts and the dedication of Joel Volpi, Don Ball, Ed Scruggs and a handful of others, the traditions of this time honored sport were preserved.

Today the legacy of these early pioneers of GGHC remains true, to facilitate the practice of falconry among its members. The passing down of information on the management of raptors, equipment, hunting techniques is the cultural heritage we recognize as falconry. Members of GGHC define the sport as the "successful taking of wild quarry by the personal acquisition , training, and management of a bird of prey". The club supports the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources narrowly defined special purpose permit for the practice of falconry. While many members participate in rehabilitation and freely give of their time presenting educational programs, this is not the mission of GGHC.  Worthwhile pursuits, state and federal regulatory agencies recognize rehabilitation and education as distinctly different activities requiring separate permits.

Dedicated to falconry and fellowship, GGHC serves to disseminate knowledge that leads to greater skills in the field. Striving to practice the highest quality of falconry promotes the best care and management of the birds we employ. Adhering to the definition of falconry and upholding high standards is the means to protect the sport from detractors while insuring the future as a legal field sport.

 Five of the original falconers in Georgia.
  Kneeling: left to right Tim Dobbs, Don Nixon, Joel Volpi, Malcolm Edwards, Standing: Don Ball.