Name?

Robert Huber


How long have you been an OFA member?

I was at the original meeting back in the 70’s when Woody got a bunch of us together to discuss developing falconry regulations and how we would have a better chance of being heard if we had a state club.  Since then I have been involved off and on as family and time allowed, but have been very active since the club was officially formed.


Positions in OFA?

I had the honor of serving as president the first year that the club adopted its bylaws and I have served as raffle coordinator several times.


Where do you live?

Stillwater Oklahoma


Job or School?

I am what you would call a “Cowooner”.  I have my BS from OSU and my MS from OU.  My loyalties are to OSU however.  For 32 years I have worked as an Environmental Specialist.  First with the Oklahoma Health Department and currently with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.


Family?

I have been married for 35 years to my wonderful partner Julie, three children Nicholas, Hilary and Kelly and three grandkids.


What got you interested in falconry?

I have always been interested in birds leaning toward hawks.  I really got interested in falconry when I watched a Wild Kingdom episode with Jim Fowler beach trapping Peregrines.  I was 13 at the time.


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

My father who had the wisdom to purchase me my first falconry book, “Manual of Falconry” by Woodford.  I think he was hoping it was just a teenager’s curiosity.  After that it was Hersh Talley who helped me through the early years.  I should also include Mark Waller.  We spent many days in the field when we were in High School.


What birds do you currently fly?
Gus, my thirteen year old hybrid.  I often tell people it is a like/hate relationship.  I like him and he hates me.  I must say though he is very steady and I rarely have to go chase him.


What birds have you flown in the past?

Red-tails, Kestrels, Harris, Cooper’s, Goshawk and hopefully in the near future a passage peregrine.


What was your favorite bird and why?
That is really difficult.  I think they are all my favorite when I have them.  As Rob Rainey often states when introducing his daughters, this is my favorite youngest, favorite middle or favorite oldest daughter.  Well stated Rob, they are all special


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

If lucky next month as I spend a week sky fishing, a passage peregrine.


Favorite Quarry?

Falls into the same category as my favorite bird.  If I am flying it, it is my favorite quarry at that time.


Do you have other animals?

A cute little Sheltie and of course pigeons.


Favorite falconry story?

I have always leaned toward being a solitary falconer so don’t have many.  Probably it was when Mark Waller had a male Gos and I had a male Harris (high school days).  We both thought our bird was the fastest and the best until the day we flushed that lone quail right in front of us (I think Mark was closer).  Naturally being gentleman falconers we let our birds go at the quail, then looked at each other with one of those why did you do that looks?  Well the Gos won the race by a couple of feet half a foot and had the quail.  Of course I have always believed that Mark released his Gos first and he really was a few steps in front of me. So I suppose that means my Harris was really faster.  I suspect Mark has a different recollection.


Funniest falconry story?

Probably watching Mathew Kirkwood strip to bare minimum to wade into a partially frozen pond to retrieve his falcon with a duck on the ice.  People really do turn blue when they are really cold.  Maybe you had to be there to get the full effect.  Since that day I leave ponds with ice alone.


Favorite quote?

Life is not fair, get over it.  My kids are really tired of hearing that.


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

It is not a sport, it is a passion that will consume your life.  Are you sure you are ready for that commitment?  If so then give it everything you can, when you can and always have fun.


Who have you sponsored?

My son Nicholas.  But in this club with the way we communicate we all are sponsors to each other.


What goals do you have for your falconry experience?

To keep flying birds to the best of my ability.  I am looking forward to the day that I can retire and fly whenever I want.


Social Networks?

Facebook


Anything Else?

Let me know if you need a hood.

www.huberhoods.com


 
 

What's New?

January 25th - 28th, 2019
OFA Winter Meet

November 9th - 11th, 2018
OFA Fall Meet

September 22nd & 23rd, 2018
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

June 2nd, 2018
Annual Picnic & Business Meeting


Upcoming Events

June 1st, 2019
OFA Picnic & Membership Meeting