Name?

Jere Korthanke

How long have you been an OFA member?

since 2003

Where do you live?

North of Edmond

Job or School?

Oklahoma City Fire Department

I have been a firefighter since 1989

Family?

Married to Joan, also a falconer. We have a son Jason who is married to Jessica and a grand-daughter, River Ann. They live North of Edmond also.

What got you interested in falconry?

When I was 14, in Kansas, I raised a red tail and returned it to the wild. I have been hooked ever since but didn’t have the time or the contacts to pursue the sport.

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

My sponsor is John Rule.   Mitch Wishon probably has had as big an influence on me as anyone but all the Oklahoma falconers I have met and flown with have been very helpful throughout my journey.

What birds do you currently fly?

Red-tailed Hawk

What birds have you flown in the past?

 Red tails, Goshawk, Kestrel, and Harris’ hawks.

What was your favorite bird and why?

A female red tail named Belle. I had more fun and firsts with her than any others. She was awesome.

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

I do want to get into the duck hawking game when I retire and would like to fly an Oklahoma trapped Peregrine.

Favorite Quarry?

Favorite is car hawking Crow with a red tail. Most exciting are squirrel and jack rabbit. I guess that means I don't really have a favorite.

Do you have other animals?

I have always had dogs and horses but have neither right now.

Favorite falconry story?

I was hunting in Kansas at my parents’ home with 2 beagles and Belle. The beagles found an opossum in a log and pushed it up a tree, before I could get Belle back to the glove she nailed the opossum in a fork in the tree. Lucky for me and Belle they were not high in the tree and I was able to get them both down and traded Belle off the beast.

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

Don’t get in a hurry. Listen to your sponsor.

Who have you sponsored?

Joan Korthanke, Eric Pribil, and Scott White

What goals do you have for your falconry experience?

I like trying new things I’m not sure what is in store for me.

Contact Info you want public?

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Social Networks?

Facebook