Name?

Ron Lloyd

How long have you been an OFA member?

5 years

Where do you live?

Edmond

Job or School?

Retired Fire Chief for the City of Edmond where I worked for 30 years.

Family?

Wife Gloria, we celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2012, one son and 3 grandchildren.

What got you interested in falconry?

I was a member of Boy Scout Troop 21 in Edmond with my grandson and became interested in falconry through a member of the troop named Eric Pribil. I have always had animals around, mostly reptiles, and falconry was a whole new realm for me to explore and I quickly became hooked.

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

Bob Clark was my sponsor. I was already acquainted with Bob through our mutual love of reptiles and I knew he was a falconer so he was my obvious choice.  Many others have helped, mentored, and instructed me, such as Greg Stipp, Mark Runnels, Mitch Wishon, and Dave Stevens.

What birds do you currently fly?

I am currently without a bird but hope to remedy that situation within the next few weeks.

What birds have you flown in the past?

I have flown mostly Redtails, including one Harlan's and one Krider's. I also flew a Cooper's briefly.

What was your favorite bird and why?

Like many others have stated, my favorite bird is usually the one that I am flying at the time. Each one has their own personality and as you hunt and spend time together you become bonded with one another.

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

I would like to fly many other species in the future to gain experience, such as a Gos, Harris, Prairie Falcon, Kestrel, and Cooper’s.

Favorite Quarry?

Favorite quarry so far has been rabbits but would certainly like to expand into other game such as ducks and pheasants.

Do you have other animals?

I have had many other animals my entire life. In high school is when I really started catching and collecting snakes. My collection grew to about 150 snakes at one time. I have kept or handled literally some of the most venomous snakes in the world, including but not limited to rattlesnakes, cobras, mambas, boomslangs, gaboon vipers, puff adders, etc. I have been bitten by venomous snakes 3 times in my life, once by a copperhead and twice by Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. I don't plan to add to that number. The only animal I currently have is a Gila Monster.

Favorite falconry story?

I don't have a favorite falconry story to relate but each season seems to bring new experiences. The OFA meetings in the Panhandle will always be some of my favorite outings.

Funniest falconry story?

I don't think anything truly funny has happened thus far, but I am always surprised when one of my Redtails has chased unintended quarry that I had not expected, such as a Roadrunner or a box turtle.

Favorite quote?

"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid."  -John Wayne

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

My only tips for anyone new in falconry or thinking of becoming involved in falconry are pretty much the same as others have already stated: read as much as you can before you start, learn from others already practicing falconry, spend as much time as possible with the birds and other falconers.

Who have you sponsored?

I have not sponsored anyone as yet. I don't think I have achieved a level that I feel qualified to sponsor someone.

What goals do you have for your falconry experience?

My goals are simple, keep flying, keep learning, keep expanding in all areas of falconry.

Social Networks?

I guess I am of the wrong generation for social networks. I prefer face to face meetings, phone calls are good, and e-mails are the main means of communication anymore.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Anything Else?

I do want to add that many members of the OFA have been helpful and I believe Oklahoma has a really good falconry organization that elevates the sport of modern falconry.