Annual Field Meet

In 1986, the few loosely banded falconers calling themselves the Georgia Game Hawkers Club, setout to select a location and date to gather as one. The objective was simple, find a location abundant with game and select  a weekend convenient to the membership. The site location was Statesboro, GA and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday provided three days to hunt the local fields and hardwood bottoms. Little did they know that the decisions made would be part of GGHC history. Today, more than 20 years later, an annual migration is made to the same location and the MLK weekend reserved for falconry.

While the membership has grown to include falconers from FL and SC, the purpose remains unchanged. Falconers with a wide array of birds including Redtails, Harris Hawks, Peregrines, Prairie Falcons, Merlins, Goshawks, Coopers and Kestrels scour the countryside in search of quarry. Though the local game populations may fluctuate, the opportunity to hone ones falconry skills by spending time with GGHC clubs Founders and Masters Falconers, remains a constant. The fellowship that results from the sharing of knowledge afield is central to the clubs existence. The field meet begins with folks assembling at the Georgia Southern University Raptor Center, and later, members are treated to free BBQ lunch. Evening events include a banquet and cookout. In an effort to serve the membership, the event is free. Any licensed falconer or interested individual is encouraged to attend and an invitations easily secured, by contacting one of the officers or a registered cub member.  

Field Meet Statesboro,GA 2007

A cast of Harris Hawks, a bag of squirrels, and some happy falconers

David  at 2 am in the morning at the Hein's                              Statesboro Meet 2004

Steve greeting guests at the Saturday Bar-B-Q                                            Banquet "07"

Johnathan Whitley doing what he does best

 Brett and Jule with latest giant hood from Northwoods.          Annual burning of the Christmas tree 

Joel's merlin stooping the lure

Annual Picnic

The annual picnic has been graciously hosted by Tom & Michelle Blackburn in Bethlehem Georgia the past several years. The Blackburn's have a fantastic home in the country that lends itself well to this outing. The picnic is held in July to help some falconers overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with molting raptors. It is a great time for club members to catch up on hunting tales from the season and to show off their new hunting partners. 

                The Wilson's with eyass coop                                                      Joel and Tom having  fun at the picnic