If you’re curious about birds of prey and want an up-close, hands-on experience, the Raptor Adventures’ Falconry Tour in Reno might just be worth considering. With a perfect 5-star rating from 81 reviews, it clearly resonates with those who’ve participated, offering a mix of education and excitement. This tour provides a rare chance to learn about some of the most fascinating birds, like hawks, falcons, and owls, while actually handling them in a safe, guided environment.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides like Kathleen who share their passion and expertise, making every encounter educational and engaging. Second, the opportunity to see these majestic birds in action, especially during the hawk walk, flying and swooping from perch to perch. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the group size, which is limited to just six travelers—great for intimacy, but something to plan ahead for. This experience is best suited for those who love wildlife, enjoy learning, and are comfortable with handling birds of prey (participants must be over 14).
If that sounds like you, this tour offers a memorable, authentic look into the world of falconry—an experience that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or a small group of friends, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for these incredible creatures and the skill involved in falconry. Just keep in mind, booking in advance is recommended, as it’s popular and typically booked about 30 days ahead.
Key Points
- Close Encounters: You get to handle raptors on your arm with a gauntlet, which is a rare chance for most visitors.
- Educational Focus: Learn about the biology, conservation, and behaviors of hawks, falcons, and owls.
- Small Group: Tours are limited to six participants, ensuring plenty of personalized attention.
- Expert Guides: Kathleen, the licensed Falconer, shares her passion and knowledge in a friendly, engaging manner.
- Memorable Hawk Walk: Witness a trained hawk flying from perch to perch and landing back on the glove, offering a real sense of their agility.
- Good Value: At $125 per person, many reviews highlight this as an experience worth every penny, considering how hands-on and educational it is.
The Experience: What You Can Expect
This tour kicks off at a convenient meeting point on Deerlodge Road in Reno. After a brief introduction, you’ll join a small group, which is a big plus—you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The guide, Kathleen, immediately sets a welcoming tone, sharing her knowledge with enthusiasm and clarity. She’ll explain the importance of raptors in our ecosystem, their natural traits, and the conservation efforts involved in their care.
Handling the Birds: One of the most exciting parts is getting to wear a gauntlet and have a trained raptor sit calmly on your arm. Several reviews highlight this as an “up-close and personal” experience, and many mention how special it felt to see the birds fly from perch to glove. For example, one reviewer shared how they watched a Harris Hawk swoop and then land right on their arm, which is a moment most people never forget.
Hawk Walk: The highlight for many is the hawk walk, where the guide takes a trained hawk for a short walk, during which the bird flies from perch to perch and swoops back to the glove. According to reviews, this part demonstrates the bird’s agility and the skill needed to train and work with raptors. It’s a simple activity, lasting about a minute or two, but it leaves a lasting impression.
Learning in Action: Throughout the experience, Kathleen discusses traits, behaviors, and the natural history of these magnificent birds. Visitors often comment on how much they learn in a short time—”I felt like I learned so much,” one reviewer said. This educational component adds depth to what might otherwise be just a fun photo op.
The Setting: Located in a high desert area, the environment provides a natural backdrop that enhances the experience. Many visitors note how accessible the location is from downtown Reno, around a 30-minute drive, making it a convenient side trip.
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The Value for Money
At $125 per person, this tour is often praised for being an excellent value. It’s about an hour long, with plenty of interaction, and the group size keeps it intimate. Reviews repeatedly mention that the experience feels personalized, with Kathleen making sure everyone gets a chance to handle the birds and ask questions. The educational aspect combined with hands-on interaction elevates it beyond just a sightseeing stop.
Some reviews even label it as a “bucket list” experience, emphasizing how once-in-a-lifetime it feels to handle these birds of prey. Plus, the fact that it’s fully booked about a month in advance shows how popular and in-demand this experience is.
The Downsides and Considerations
While most reviews are glowing, it’s good to be aware of a few points. First, participants must be over 14 years old due to federal regulations, so this isn’t suited for younger children. Second, since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling—so if your trip coincides with unpredictable weather, plan accordingly.
Some might find the group size limited to six a bit restrictive, especially if you’re traveling with a larger family or group. Also, the experience lasts about an hour, so if you’re looking for a full-day wildlife adventure, this might feel brief. Still, for what it offers—personalized, educational interaction with raptors—it hits the mark.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, bird lovers, or anyone curious about falconry. It’s also great for those wanting a unique souvenir from Reno—an up-close interaction with majestic birds that you’re unlikely to forget. If you’re traveling with teenagers over 14 who appreciate nature and animals, they’ll likely enjoy it too.
However, if you’re not comfortable handling birds or have children under 14, this might not be the best fit. The experience emphasizes safe, hands-on interaction, which requires a certain level of comfort with the birds.
Final Thoughts
Raptor Adventures’ Falconry Tour offers an engaging, educational glimpse into the world of birds of prey. The combination of expert guidance, personal interaction, and the chance to witness impressive flights makes it a worthwhile addition to any trip to Reno. It’s especially well suited for those who love nature, animals, and learning new skills.
While it’s a relatively short experience, many leave feeling they’ve gained a new respect for these incredible birds—and sometimes even a new hobby. The small group setting means you’ll get plenty of attention, and the cost reflects a memorable, hands-on encounter with nature’s top flyers.
If you’re after a meaningful, authentic wildlife experience that’s both fun and educational, this falconry tour is a solid pick. Just remember to book in advance, come prepared for the weather, and keep an open mind—you’re in for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.
Experience Raptors and Falconry in Reno
“It was a fabulous experience. Kathleen was incredible – sharing her knowledge, while giving us opportunities to have the raptors on gauntlets on o…”
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
Only participants over the age of 14 can hold raptors due to federal regulations. Younger children probably won’t be able to participate in the hands-on part but might enjoy watching the flight demonstrations.
How long does the tour last?
The activity takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including instruction, handling, and the hawk walk.
Where does the tour meet?
It begins at 1265 Deerlodge Rd, Reno. The location is convenient and near public transportation.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance won’t be refunded.
What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated, it’s best to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking outdoors.
Is this experience weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. Poor weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with options offered for a different date or a full refund.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guided experience, handling and flight demonstrations with raptors, and educational commentary.
Is this experience good value?
Most reviews agree that at $125, it’s a worthwhile, immersive experience that offers a lot of interaction and learning in a short time.
Can I book this experience last-minute?
It’s recommended to book about 30 days in advance, as it tends to fill up quickly.
If you’re looking for a wildlife encounter that combines education, excitement, and a bit of adventure, this Reno Raptors experience offers a genuine chance to connect with some of nature’s most impressive hunters.