Reno: Raptors & Falconry Experience with Licensed Falconer

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.98 (102 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration1h

GroupUp to 6

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Falconry in Reno small group raptor encounters with hawks owls

You’ll step into the world of raptors in Reno: hold a hawk on your arm with a real falconer guiding you, get face-to-face with owls and falcons in a small group, and hear stories that make you see these birds differently. Snack breaks are included — but honestly it’s that first moment of contact you’ll remember most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Raptor and falconry experience

Learn raptor biology and conservation
Receive falconry instruction
Get fitted with a gauntlet
Interact with hawk, falcon, and owl
Watch hawk fly and land on gauntlet

The Experience

“Hold out your arm — don’t worry, she’s lighter than you think,” our guide Mike said, grinning as he slipped the thick leather gauntlet onto my hand. I could feel my heart thumping through the glove. The air in Reno was dry and sharp that morning, and there was this faint dusty smell mixed with something almost sweet — maybe sagebrush? Anyway, the hawk seemed completely unfazed by my nerves. When she landed, her claws pressed just enough to remind me she was real, but not enough to hurt. I didn’t expect to feel that weird mix of power and gentleness at the same time.

Mike (who’s been a falconer for decades — he told us stories about flying birds in California vineyards to keep starlings away from grapes) started explaining how each raptor had its own quirks. He pointed out how the owl’s head could spin way further than felt natural (“She’s not possessed,” he joked), and let us try to spot field marks on the falcons as they perched nearby. There were only five of us in the group — which made it feel more like hanging out with friends than being on a tour. Someone asked about conservation stuff, and Mike got kind of serious for a second talking about habitat loss. It stuck with me more than I thought it would.

The best part? Watching the hawk swoop from tree to glove, wings slicing through the air so quietly you barely heard anything until she landed right next to you. My friend tried saying “falcon” in Mandarin (Li laughed at him — apparently it came out more like “rice bowl”), but honestly everyone was just grinning like kids by then. We got snacks after — nothing fancy, just enough to munch while we listened to more stories about ancient falconry traditions.

I still think about that feeling when the bird took off from my arm — sudden weightlessness and then this rush of wind against my face. If you’re even a little curious about raptors or want something totally different near Reno, this is worth it. You leave smelling a bit like leather and dust and maybe looking up at every bird for days afterward.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a professional falconer’s gauntlet so you can safely handle the birds yourself (if you’re over 14), plus light snacks to keep you going while you listen to stories and learn from your guide during this hands-on raptor encounter near Reno.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Raptor Adventures