For centuries, humans have partnered with raptors for hunting.

Today, North Georgia hunters, adventurers, nature lovers and bird watchers can have up-close experiences with those same birds.

Georgia Mountain Falconry out of Lumpkin County offers a variety of experiences for the public, owner Buster Brown said.

“We do everything from raptor education to taking people on hawking experiences or falconry experiences, where we actually go hunting with the birds and people are there for observation and getting involved with the hunt,” Brown said.

Falconry is the hunting of wild quarry with a trained bird of prey, which could mean a falcon, hawk, owl or eagle. Brown leads interested parties in hunts with red-tailed hawks.

Brown has been a falconer for more than 15 years. His company, Georgia Mountain Falconry, has been in business for a little more than a year, conducting falconry experiences and pest control.

“We do abatement using raptors,” Brown said. “What that means is at orchards, vineyards, places of business, farms and even homes, if people have feathered pests, we come in with our birds and chase those birds off.”

As a 40-year teaching veteran, Brown ensured his company offered falconry and raptor educational opportunities, especially since he has a soft spot for students. The master class falconer offers programs and presentations in schools and at fairs, festivals, corporate events, civic clubs, churches and camps.

Falconry workshops are also available for individuals or groups interested in hunting with the birds. Furthermore, the Falconry Academy is an intensive 2 ½ day course that includes the ethics, training and equipment necessary for the practice.

Prices vary by the experience or service needed.

“We do a little bit of everything,” Brown said. “It’s a wide array of things.”

Finally, the business has some captive-bred raptors for sale. It is fully licensed and insured.

For more information, call 706-219-1712 or email buster@georgiamountainfalconry.com.