Falknerei#

Falconry, practice of hunting with diurnal birds of prey for small game in an environment similar to the birds´ natural habitat. In Austria falconry reached its height of popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries as a form of hunting practised by the nobility. When the nobility lost its hunting privileges in the 18th century, hawking disappeared. Falconry was revived at the beginning of the 20th century and now enjoys significant popularity in Austria's hunting communities.

The Austrian Falconry Association, founded in 1950, represents the interests of falconers in Austria. Its objectives include maintaining falconry as a form of hunting and cultural heritage, as well as protecting diurnal birds of prey; the association holds conferences and hunting events annually and publishes the magazine "Der Falkner" ("The Falconer").