The Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship has an exceptionally interesting history related to hunting and hunting. In post-war Poland, it was initially difficult to obtain clear legal regulations related to hunting. Over time, however, the law in this area was normalizing, and hunting became an activity supporting sustainable forest management. In the meantime, groups specializing in the organization of hunting were also formed. In addition to hunters and guides, we should also mention falconers and dog hunters. What do they do?
Falconry – where did it all start?
Falconry was originally a way to obtain food. In autumn, when young birds hatched, they were caught and tamed. Over time, they were also taught that each arrival on the hand means a reward – usually in the form of food. When the bird was properly prepared and trained, it began to hunt the game that the falconer had previously tracked. In this way, both man and bird had something to eat in winter.
In the spring, when the forests and fields were full of game, the bird was released into the wild, which gave it the opportunity to find a mate and build a nest. In this way, over the years, falconry has become an element of the culture of our region. Initially, however, only kings and nobility could afford to practice this activity. As firearms became commonplace, falconry declined in importance until it almost disappeared in the 18th century.
Falconry today
Currently, the falconry tradition is slowly rebuilding, and falconry takes on a completely different character. Falconers, together with their charges, hunt as before. However, this is not their only role. The owners of birds of prey also care about education and protection of facilities (e.g. stadiums and airports). Although falconry methods have changed little compared to those used before the 18th century, new technologies allow the use of solutions that no one could even dream of before. However, the use of the potential of falconers is hindered by the fact that hunting clubs often do not have the infrastructure that would allow them to prepare comfortable living and living facilities in terms of hunting quarters. This fact resulted in the idea of creating modern and mobile quarters to facilitate effective preparation of the hunt. Thanks to the creation of innovative, energy-saving bases, it will be possible to support hunters and falconers in the implementation of their tasks, as well as active actions in the field of Smart Specializations of Warmia and Mazury.
Dogman – who is that? Are we talking about breeders and dog lovers here?
Today, the word “dog man” can be colloquially associated with people who love their four-legged friends very much. However, in terms of hunting functions, this name refers to a different position. A hunter was formerly called a hunter, who dealt with both breeding and training hunting dogs. The basic task of dog owners was to take care of the dogs and participate in hunting. Of course, nothing stands in the way of looking at this function from the perspective of today’s understanding of the word “dog man” – many specialists in this field put their hearts into the proper preparation of their four-legged friends to act as a hunting companion.
Along with the plan to create modern and mobile hunting quarters, the idea of restoring traditional and often forgotten groups specializing in the organization of hunting was born. Dog hunters and falconers (similarly to walkers) can re-shape the culture of hunting and hunting – not only in the region of Warmia and Mazury, but also throughout the country.
