The story of the hunter with his falcon has something of a fairy tale and it takes us to long ago and far away.

It is generally assumed that falconry originated in China, 2000 years before Christ, after which they knew about expansion and then to East Asia and Western Europe.

In the history of falconry our country occupies a leading position. Specifically our Kempen throughout the Middle Ages played a significant role. Geographically our Kempen lie exactly on the main migration route of the then most wanted as falcons. The region was poor. The people lived sober. An additional extraction was needed bread. The peasants and the bourgeoisie saw little bread in the capture and tame these birds of prey. With Arendonk center arose as a highly specialized technology to catch on the migratory hawks. The nobility and the clergy is found soon koopgrage customers. Arendonk gained a solid reputation that soon went beyond the limits. The peak is situated around the 14th century by the end of the Burgundian era. Later, from the 15th to the 17th century, our Kempische falconers were ubiquitous in European royal families. Only in the 18th century, with the advent of firearms, falconry has a sharp downturn. The time of the livrij is over, the man remained with his bird on his fist, simplicity and power, one with nature.

As Victor Hugo said "dieu est Le Fauconnier"

Raptors are the ages praised and honored for their superior appearance. Their flight is a mixture of unprecedented beauty, neutrality and accuracy. They have been manifested in various faiths and religions. Was the source of many myths and legends and enforced respect. So much so, that some peoples were subject to these birds. Examples: the Indians and the American symbol of freedom.

In recent years, everyone is talking about "nature" and "miieubeleid", but what ales has a curved beak is still addressed as "Klamper" or "breviary". Raptors are still not the best reputation. This completely wrong, it is a legacy of times when we did not know better. Raptors play is a very important role in our natural household, they provide balanced by predation, clearance and selection. They are among the barometer of nature, not raptors suggests that nature is poor ........