LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) Thursday congratulated Dave Hogan, President of the Michigan Hawking Club, on receiving the "Partners in Conservation Award" from the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
"I am very excited that Mr. Hogan received this award — he is a true conservationist," Ebli said. "He has been a falconer for nearly 40 years and is one of only 102 in our state. In addition rehabilitating injured birds, he has also helped to protect the birds he trains."
The award was given at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources ceremony Thursday at Lansing Community College's West Campus. Mr. Hogan thanked his fellow falconers for their work and support. He also thanked his wife, Sharon, for encouraging him to pursue his passion in working with raptors.
Falconry, once called the "sport of kings," uses birds of prey (raptors) to hunt, and also rehabilitates and breeds them. The sport is important in helping raptors survive and it marked the beginning of wildlife conservation.
In order to ensure falconry remains a sport in Michigan and to ensure the protection of our states precious resources, Rep. Ebli introduced a plan Thursday that will give more power to the DNR when it comes to falconry regulation.
Michigan law allows only 25 raptors a year to be removed from the wild for training. Under Ebli's proposal, the restriction will be eliminated, allowing the DNR to adjust the rate yearly, based on bird population.
"Falconers have played an instrumental role in recovering and conserving raptors in Michigan and across the United States," Ebli said. "Changing the current law will allow more participation in this sport, increasing our tourism and creating jobs in the process."