NAFA North American Falconers Association

NOVEMBER 4, 2023 UPDATE:

In-person Registration Schedule:

Sun 11/19: 8:30am - 12:30pm & 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Mon 11/20: 11:00am - 6:00pm

Tues 11/21: 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Wed 11/22: 12:00 - 5:00pm

Thurs 11/23: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Please make your best effort to show up to one of the registration times listed above. You will need to register to get your name tag and wrist band which are required for entry for all meet events, to purchase raffle tickets, and use of the weathering yard.

Registration by appointment will be available on a very limited basis. 

Please call/text Lauren 480-788-6232 or 812-345-5185.

Kim Borquist will be handling weathering yard registration. Weathering yard registration will take place at the same time as meet registration (and hopefully same location) - If you have a bird that will be in the weathering yard you will need to register to get your perch tag. If you have a perch tag from previous years, you will still need to register with Kim to make sure records are correct and we are aware of your bird in the yard. The perch tags help the weathering yard wardens identify birds to be able to contact their falconers should the need arise. 

You can call/text Kim: 309-369-4290 (please do not reach out before 11/19).

OCTOBER 30, 2023 UPDATE: 

After the last announcement there were some questions that needed clarification with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. We have been told that there is some debate within the department about how these regulations apply in our case. Unfortunately, the office had given us incorrect information and has apologized for doing so. They have clarified in writing what we are needing.  Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire this. Please click the following link for more information.

Health Certificate Information

OCTOBER 21,2023 UPDATE:

Please see the following links for important information for the meet. We wanted to address some questions and provide an update regarding raptor health certificates/import permits as well as provide information regarding Nebraska's hunting seasons, permits, and fees! 

Hunting Seasons/Permits/Fees Information

Raptor Collection Permit Application for Trapping

Those who have registered for the meet, have been sent an email to the email address on file regarding the above information.

If you are having difficulty with the links above, please scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page where you can find the information as well!

Looking forward to seeing you all in about a month!

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**** IF YOU ARE AN IAF DELEGATE OR MEMBER YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR THE MEET WITH THE IAF – CLICK HERE ***

ONLINE/MAIL-IN REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED - YOU WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR THE MEET IN PERSON AT THE HOLIDAY INN in KEARNEY.

WE WILL POST MORE DETAILS FOR IN PERSON REGISTRATION SOON

2023 NAFA / IAF Meet

November 19-24, 2023

Kearney, NE

Nebraska, NAFA is excited and ready once again to be gracious hosts to the entire world of falconry in Kearney 19-24 November.  This combined big meet will have falconers from 91 different nations invited.  It will be an opportunity to show the world what great falconry, game, sportsmen/women, and hosts we can be.  Hold these dates, schedule your vacation, and gas up the truck.  It will be fall again soon; we have much to show, and much to learn from the international world of falconry.

The remaining information pertains to the meet hotel, vendor registration, raffle coordination, meet registration, weathering yard rules and other important meet details. If you have any questions or need to reach us, please contact Ralph Rogers at nafanew@itstriangle.com.

Venue:

We have blocks of rooms in two hotels that are separated by less than 150m.  There is plenty of room and there will be meetings scheduled in both hotels; both will function as “headquarters”.  The venue for the meetings will once again be the Kearney Holiday Inn and the La Quinta Inn.  Rooms will be $110 +tax/night with hot breakfast included. 

You Must register with a credit card and use the numbers below for reservations to receive meet special prices.  Ask for an update on cancellation policy and check-in/check-out times.  Hotel is open for reservations. Any damage to any room will be charged to occupants. No animals can be left free in hotel rooms unattended. 

Holiday Inn:                   +1 (308) 237-5971      110 2nd Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847 

La Quinta Inn:                 +1 (308) 237-4400      108 3rd Ave, Kearney, NE 68845

The La Quinta is new to us.  It is a new hotel, and they are national experts in handling guests with pets with rooms designed for them. 

Identify yourself as a falconer attending the IAF/NAFA meeting to receive the group rate.

Vendors:  There will be a block of rooms available until gone for self-identified vendors who have tables reserved during the meet. Imagine what a great opportunity it will be to show your falconry goods to an audience from all over the world.  The vendor room will be locked or attended appointment/schedule enabling you to leave goods in the room.

Notify:   Kenley Money to secure a vendor table and for a draft schedule for table assignment.        Kenley.Money@n-a-f-a.com

Raffle:  A successful raffle is critical to NAFA’s annual bottom line and NAFA’s ability to provide services at the meet. Your donations are imperative and greatly appreciated! Raffles are held on various nights throughout the week! If you plan to be in Kearney, or not, please consider donating to the raffle. 

Notify:    Seda McClurg                     nvsandhawker@gmail.com

        or    Krys Langevin                          frootdog@yahoo.com

Meet Registration will be open with instructions on 1 June 2023. Registration Coordinator: NAFA Membership Secretary Lauren Redig has volunteered to handle meet registration. Please note that NAFA members cannot attend as registered guests. For registration questions, Lauren can be reached at Membership@n-a-f-a.com or (480)788-6232.

Cancellation Policy: Full amount of the registration fee will be refunded if written cancellation notice is received no later than October 14^th  2023. After this date, refunds will not be possible. (Written notification must be via email to Membership@n-a-f-a.com or USPS to NAFA, P.O. Box 2665, Idaho Falls. ID, 83403).

Meet the “meet” on  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/2023NAFAMeet

This page is coordination of rides, roommates, and other plans along with general discussion regarding attending the meet.

Weathering Area Rules:   Rules are unchanged from years past and will be published in the Meet brochure and pending Hawk Chalk.  Depending on prevalence of HPAI, we may ask falconers to identify which of their raptors have been or will be hunting waterfowl.

Brandon Borquist will again handle this very important responsibility. Brandon and his team are ultimately responsible for the safety of all our birds while in the yard. If you have any questions Brandon can be reached at redtailboy91@yahoo.com or 307-337-7394. Please remember, the Yard Warden has final authority on everything as it relates to the weathering yard. The yard rules are as follows:

• No tid-bitting or feeding is allowed in or near the weathering yard.
• Perches should not be taller than the height of the bird Birds need to be tied short, i.e. fit within a 4' X 4' (16sq. ft.) area.
• No dogs allowed in the weathering yard (or at the gate entry area.)
• No Loitering in the yard (please keep story telling in the yard to a minimum)
• No photography inside the yard. (There are exceptions, and may require an escort. Please inquire at the gate).
• All transmitters must be turned off in the yard. (We will periodically sweep the yard and turn off any we find) The Yard Warden has final authority.

To add the above, because this is not a covered yard, nor is your bird the only bird there, the following rules have been added:

a)      No "fishing tackle" (coastal locks, etc.) allowed past micro sized raptors.

b)      No threaded links, spring clips, split rings allowed.

c)      Portable perches must be anchored.

d)      Take-apart perches: birds must be tied to the spike/anchored to the spot.

These add-ons have all come about due to incidents in the past. Though none of them caused a death or permanent loss, their failures did result in escapes and/or an injury to other's birds and have been banned from the NAFA weathering yard. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask Brandon or his crew. We try our best to check every bird's gear as they come into the yard the first time. We will be checking gear every day, throughout the day while your birds are in our care.

Please remember, the wardens have the final say.

In 2013 NAFA enacted a system of fines and rental fees and those are as follows…

Equipment rental and late fees in the weathering yard: 

At the complete discretion of the Weathering Yard Wardens… Perches may be rented for $10 the first day, $15 the second day with a two day maximum. Late fees for leaving your bird out past yard hours is $20 per occurrence.

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Health certificate requirements to bring raptors to the Kearney Meet 

For the last year we have been negotiating with Nebraska officials on the need for a health certificate to bring our birds into Nebraska.  While Nebraska regulations have always required one for “import”, they have essentially ignored us spending a few nights in the Holiday Inn in Kearney.  With all the notoriety involved with HPAI and other recent avian diseases, things have changed from past meets, but, we recently reached a compromise.  

You DO NOT need an import permit. You DO NEED a vet inspection  

• The inspection CAN be done by your local vet. It does NOT need to be endorsed by state or federal veterinarians.

   

• This is NOT a level 2 USDA Health Certificate (like what is needed for Colorado).

   

• More than one bird can be listed on the Inspection.

   

• NOTE: This certificate is only good for 30 days…. Call your vet today and make an appointment for your certificate!   

   

• There are some specific phrases all these Inspections should include. Included below is a template that you should follow as closely as possible.

Veterinary Certification Statement:

“To my knowledge, birds listed herein are…

1. not vaccinated against avian influenza (AI),
2. not infected with AI and have not been exposed to birds known to be infected with AI,
3. not infected with Newcastle Disease, and
4. Newcastle disease did not occur on the premises within the past 90 days

The birds appear to be in excellent health and no evidence of poultry communicable disease was found."

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Hunting/Licensing Information

Required Permits and Stamps

• Nebraska Hunt (small game permit) is required by:
  • Any resident 16 years of age and older who hunts small game or waterfowl
  • Any nonresident, regardless of age, who hunts for or possesses small game or waterfowl
  • All nonresidents who hunt coyotes, prairie dogs, and other nongame animals
• Waterfowl Hunter requirements
  • Required for all Residents (16 & up) and nonresidents regardless of age who hunt waterfowl in Nebraska must have
    • Nebraska Hunt (Small game permit)
    • Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp
    • Nebraska Habitat Stamp
    • Harvest Information Program Number
    • Federal Duck Stamp
• Nebraska Habitat Stamp
  • Required for ALL hunters

Permit Fees (Non-resident):

• Season Hunt (small game): $109
• Hunt/Fish Combo: $177
• 2-day Small game hunt: $76
• Nebraska Habitat Stamp: $25
• Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp: $10

Purchase permits and register for HIP here: https://www.gooutdoorsne.com/login

Nebraska Small Game and Waterfowl Guide: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1505144-small-game-and-waterfowl-guide-23-24-web/35

All states may have slightly differing falconry regulations, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself and abide by the Nebraska Falconry Regulations:

https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Regwld9-4-19-18.pdf

Nebraska Falconry Statutes:

https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nebraska-Falconry-Statutes_2019.pdf

Falconry Seasons and Limits

          **Falconry and general hunting seasons & limits differ for some species**

            ** Hours open each day: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset**

Small Game

** East of Highway 81 requires Special grouse permit in addition to hunting permit**

• Free of charge; First come, first serve basis
• Available by phone, email, OTC, and mail
• Request by phone: 402-471-5410
• Request by email: ngps.eastzonegrouse@nebraska.gov

  Please note the following species are closed to hunting during the NAFA meet:

• Dove (mourning and white-winged)
• Rail (Sora and Virginia Rail)
• Woodcock
  • Closes 2^nd day of NAFA meet

Waterfowl

**Please refer to http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1505144-small-game-and-waterfowl-guide-23-24-web/15 for zone details and additional restrictions**

Trapping/Raptor Collecting for Non-residents

• A resident of another state must provide completed raptor collecting permit application and provide a copy of the home state falconry permit held prior to being issues a raptor collecting permit in Nebraska
• An applicant must submit an Acquisition/Disposition report, to be supplied by the Commission, completed in accordance with the instructions on the form and within five (5) calendar days of collecting any wild raptor
• Direct specific questions to Nongame Bird Program Manager
  • Joel Jorgensen
    • 402-471-5440
    • joel.jorgensen@nebraska.gov