Hello to All:

It has been some time now since we last got together for a chat at Wentz's in Chesterfield. This was a chance for all falconers to come together and express their wishes with the new regulations that are being proposed with the State.  We had over 25 falconers attend along with some letters from falconers across the State.  Everyone was pretty much on the same page as we would like to see the new regulations come forth with the federal guidelines. We do not want to regulate any more than they are proposing. 

We have had three meetings with the MDC and most likely a few more to follow. Dr. George Allen has a few more changes and then Kurt Kysar, Chief enforcement officer MDC, will go forward to the Commission for final approval. These meetings have been very positive and we were very fortunate to have the MDC allow us to be a part of the discussions.  Kurt  Kysar and Julie Love will be attending our picnic again this year and it will be at that time that they will discuss with all in attendance the new regulations.  As it stands right now it is the departments wish to have these implemented by January 2011. This will be the earliest date possible because the proposals have to go before the Commission for final approval and would go into effect the following year. With that said please mark your calendar for the date of the picnic:

 Julie Love and Kurt Kysar at Babler State Park

Passage Fall Picnic

September 13th, 2009

Dr. Edmund A Babler Memorial State Park

Cochran Shelter

This year the event will be held on a SUNDAY. The shelter we used last year was unfortunately burned down. We will be using the alternate shelter located in the center of the park. Directions will follow. We are looking for volunteers for EVERYTHING! Please step up to the plate to make this a successful event. You can contact me at 314-435-5575 or Tom 314-650-9789 if you are interested.

 It saddens me to inform you of the passing of Roy Dewitt a longtime falconer and friend. Roy grew up in Missouri and started falconry as a boy at the age of 12. Roy was an Army Vet, preacher, computer consultant and teacher. He spent a lifetime pursuing falconry and nurturing the sport.  He was past president of the Georgia Falconry Association. For those who attended NAFA meets you may have come across Roy at these meets. There will be an an obituary in our Journal coming out this Fall. Roy will be sadly missed.

If ANYONE has any articles or photos for the Journal please forward to me. We need articles!!