The Fat Bird, Ugly Dog Podcast
The goal of this podcast is to present alternate viewpoints on falconry. Topics covered range from training philosophy, husbandry, and health of birds and bird dogs to conservation and management of raptors, their main prey species, and the respective habitat that they rely on. In addition, I’ll cover-off themes related to hunter ethics, fair chase, and access to public and private land. I’ll outline efforts that falconers can make to contribute to all of these topics of conversation.
The Fat Bird, Ugly Dog Podcast
46. The Archives of Falconry with John Goodell.
In this episode, I am joined by John Goodell, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Archives of Falconry located in Boise, Idaho. After introducing himself, John provides listeners with a timeline of the way that the Archives was established and how it has evolved. John also provides a comprehensive description of the depth and breadth of the composition of the collection held at the Archives.
We discuss acquisition of the Karl-Heinz Gersmann library. John explains just how significant the library is, and what it means to the falconry community worldwide. He also underpins the importance of current renovations in terms of ensuring that the collection is kept safe from catastrophic loss.
We continue our conversation outlining the nature of the virtual exhibits. John explains how clubs and falconers can become members of the Archives, and the ways in which the organization strives to be relevant to the falconry community, including a unique opportunity for apprentice falconers to take advantage of the benefits of joining the Archives.
John explains the various outreach programs that are available including the Masterclass Video Series, the Heritage Book Series, the Spring Rendezvous, and the book auction.
We conclude our discussion relating heritage work to conservation action, and the very real possibility that the future of North American falconry may be limited to micro-hawking.
Thanks for listening to the Fat Bird, Ugly Dog Podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode.