Name?

Adam Deem

How long have you been an OFA member?

 1 Year

Positions in OFA?

 None Yet

Where do you live?

North Oklahoma City

Job or School?

 I am currently serving in the US Navy and I am stationed at Tinker AFB

Family? 

One amazing wife, Shelby

What got you interested in falconry?

I watched a special on Monster Quest in which some giant bird was carrying young children away. That had me interested about falconry instantly and I immediately started researching it all over the net.

Who was your sponsor? (or mentors and influences?)

 Rob Rainey is my sponsor and he has taught me some pretty amazing things, but I would not be half the falconer one can become in a little over a year without the subtle help and guidance from the hawk whisperer Mitch Wishon.

What birds do you currently fly?

I am currently birdless but I plan to correct that situation as soon as August arrives, hopefully with a nice big female American Kestrel that doesn’t scream. (For the sake of my marriage)

What birds have you flown in the past?

I have flown one female Kestrel who did amazing on Starlings and one male Red Tail that absolutely loved/loathed Crows.

What was your favorite bird and why?

 I had a blast with the two birds I have flown but the Kestrel was definitely my favorite so far…

What birds do you plan to fly or would like to fly?

I hope to fly big long wings one day starting with a Prairie falcon or maybe a Cooper’s hawk depending on where the Navy sends me next. I also hope to one day have the joy of flying Sharpies.

Favorite Quarry?

Probably Starlings just for the sheer number that can be caught with a "cute" little Kestrel, but watching my Red Tail from this past season pour on the speed passionately chasing Crows is hard to beat.

Do you have other animals?

We have a dog that seems to be forever interested in the bird that constantly swats her nose. 

Favorite falconry story?

Just about any story that involves Mitch, Rob, and myself is bound to be a good time. Pigeon trapping with those guys is something that cannot be described with words; it is something however that should be experienced by all.

Funniest falconry story?

I was still in my pre-apprentice stage and decided to bring my loving wife along with Rob and me to go night hawking with Rob’s goshawk to catch nuisance birds. During the course of the night we ran amuck like crazy people trying to get the birds to leave their roost and move to draw the goshawk’s attention. It was quite funny to see us running around screaming and trying to keep track of the hawk. At one point we lost track of the hawk and then saw him land. He decided to land on a PT Cruiser stopped at a traffic light. Rob hurried over to the bird but of course didn’t make it in time and the light changed. As the light changed the PT Cruiser drove away with the Goshawk riding comfortably on the roof rack. We franticly chased after the car and watched it disappear. After a long telemetry drill in between buildings we found Rob’s bird sitting contently in a tree. Rob will never forget this story as long as I am around.

Favorite quote?

 "What, are you not going to share your pie with me?"

    -Rob Rainey 

What is the best tip that you would give someone new to the sport?

Be sure this is something you are committed to. Go out with anyone and everyone you can, and when you do this listen to what they have to say because they say it for a reason. This is HUNTING not pet keeping, Petsmart will sell you a lovely parakeet if you want a pet bird.

What goals do you have for your falconry experience?

 To fly every bird I have to the best of its ability even when I don't want to go out.

Contact Info you want public?

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 Social Networks?

 facebook