Texas Hawking Association

04/23/2026

Not everyone’s permit is expiring right now!
It all depends on when you last renewed. While permits expire in June, your renewal cycle could be different depending on your timeline.
🦅

04/20/2026

Education is a pillar of conservation.
Our club and its members work tirelessly to be good stewards of this sport and the animals who make it possible.

“If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they won't understand it, and if they don't understand it, they won't protect it, and if they don't protect it, who will?"

04/13/2026

It’s hard to put into words what Danny Pickens meant to so many of us. The Texas Hawking Association mourns his passing, but more than that, we mourn the loss of a true friend, mentor, and steady presence in our lives.
Danny wasn’t just a longtime Texas falconer—he was a cornerstone of our community. He gave countless years of service to THA, serving as editor (twice), vice president, and president. He also gave back to the broader falconry world through his work with the North American Falconers Association as Hawk Chalk editor, Central Director, and Journal editor. But titles never really captured who Danny was. He simply showed up, again and again, and gave his time, wisdom, and heart to the people and the sport he loved.
If you spent any time in the field with Danny, you know what made him special. He loved flying peregrines, especially hunting ducks, and many of us had the privilege of watching him fly his gyr/peregrine hybrid, Phoenix. For over 15 years, he and Phoenix made memories across Texas and beyond, taking ducks in places and ways most of us only dream about. But what stands out even more than the flights were the days themselves—early mornings, long walks, and the quiet excitement of sharing the experience with Danny.
He welcomed people in so easily. It didn’t matter if you were from Texas or out of state—if you wanted to hunt, learn, and be part of it, Danny made room for you. And somewhere between the hunts and the long drives, you’d find yourself in one of those conversations—talking about life, faith, and everything in between. He had a way of making those moments feel easy and meaningful at the same time.
Danny carried himself with a calm, steady kindness that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. He encouraged people, lifted them up, and shared his knowledge without ever making it about himself. In 2018, THA recognized that impact with a Lifetime Honorary Membership—an honor he truly earned through years of quiet dedication.
In 2019, Danny was forced to step away from falconry after being diagnosed with Pigeon Lung Disease. It was a difficult loss for him, but even then, he turned outward—helping others understand the risks and speaking up so fellow falconers could be better informed. That was who he was.
Even without birds in his life, Danny never lost his love for the outdoors. He found new ways to stay connected, especially through photography, capturing the beauty of the natural world he cared so deeply about.
Those of us who knew him will miss more than we can say—the calm voice, the thoughtful advice, the shared miles on the road, and the simple comfort of being in his presence. He left a mark on all of us.
Fly high, Danny. We’ll carry your memory with us every time we step into the field.
Memorial Service - Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 7330 South Broadway, Tyler, Tx 75791
Obituary -
https://www.brosangfamilyfh.com/obituaries/danny-pickens

02/24/2026

Help us out! The time is here again, we’re looking for individuals who’d like to share their work in our publication.

Several times a year our incredible editor, Dennis Hurley, puts together our publication; On The Wing. We cannot do this without the submissions of our fellow falconers and club members! So this is our search for your submissions!

The next deadline for our May print is about a week away, but we are open to taking these submissions all year long!

We are also very excited to hear any of your ideas, but would prefer that submissions are related to falconry, hunting, nature, ornithology, wild game, hunting dogs, etc.

Advertising space is also generally available.

If email is not a preferred contact for you, you’re additionally welcome to message any of our social media platforms!

02/16/2026

Schedule and additional information for The Bushytail Bash this weekend. Be there or be square! ▪️ya know, we love to see you guys!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

02/13/2026

Dallas Observer was kind enough to reach out to us for their article on falconry. We feel they did a terrific job showcasing our sport, and send our thanks for being allowed to participate!
A big thank you to the falconers who took time out of their day to make this happen.

It's easier to hunt in Texas with a gun than it is a bird of prey, but for a few North Texans devoted to wildlife conservation, it's well worth it.

02/08/2026

Merch alert!

If you’d like to make sure you get bushytail bash memorabilia, please make sure to have your registration complete by 2/10!
Early bird registration is the only way you’ll be insured a shirt. We will order some extras in limited quantities, but they will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

Trust me, you’ll want this shirt for years to come! Register now at texashawking.org

02/02/2026

Registration for the 8th Annual Bushytail Bash is now open on texashawking.org!

We’re continuing the tradition of our Texas squirrel hawking meet! If you’re new to falconry, an apprentice or even a master, everyone is welcome to join us in this unique form of falconry. This year, it will be held in Alto, TX, just 20 miles west of Nacogdoches. Our hunting spot this year is 3500 acres of hardwood bottomland and piney woods with both gray and fox squirrels. The meet fee will include one t-shirt and the meet patch (artwork done by Brandon Borquist). Extra t-shirts and hoodies will be available to purchase with registration online. There will be a Saturday night dinner and raffle at a wonderful venue in Nacogdoches called Southern Bliss! Buy one banquet ticket per person, but children under 12 eat for free!

Meet Dates: Friday, February 20st through Sunday, February 22rd

Hotel: Red Roof Inn Nacogdoches - 2020 NW Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Call 1-936-569-0880 to book a room – mention Texas Hawking Association to reserve a blocked room! Our rate is $74.99 a night for a single king or double queen. Hawks and dogs welcome, and no pet fees!

There will be a google map link provided at the meet with all the important locations. ATVs are welcome! Come prepared for rough terrain and creeks – good waterproof boots are recommended. If you have any questions about the meet, email [email protected], [email protected], or text 713-515-4603

We hope to see you there!

01/16/2026

Want an opportunity to see your photos posted on social media, maybe even in our magazine? Now’s your opportunity, and you can win some raffle tickets too! We are so appreciative of all our attendees, and we really wanted a way to include you all in some extra fun.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fpPLN5CHrCWU8hzR9

01/15/2026

A falconer recently contracted Tularemia in the Panhandle from an infected cottontail.

Luckily, the infection is not known to directly transmit from human to human. Nonetheless, TPWD offers the following best practice safety measures to minimize contracting the infection.

01/15/2026

An update on HPAI from Lubbock Animal Services. Please use caution and proper management when handling game.

https://fb.watch/EESRC4v540/?

01/14/2026

Our meet starts this Friday, prepare ahead of time so you can jump right into hawking. Please message us with any questions!

Raffle tickets
https://teha.memberclicks.net/2026-raffle-tickets?servId=8679 #/

Meet program
https://www.texashawking.org/tha-2026-field-meet-program