Falconers fly into Eagles and Ag Opening reception

Falconer Lauren McGough is soaring into Minden as the featured guest speaker for the Eagles and Agriculture’s opening receptions Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 at the CVIC Hall.

McGough has practiced falconry since she was a teenager. Her love for falconry has taken her all over the world including Mongolia, where she studied with Kazakh eagle hunters and earned her a Fulbright fellowship and a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology.

She has appeared on 60 Minutes, Go Pro and other documentary series, talking about her eagle training techniques, hunting foxes, and rehabilitation efforts.

Also being welcomed during the reception are other falconers, some veterans to the event and some new, including Kathleen Tigan, Lew Souder, Mark and Ryan Moglich, Corey and Kristy Dalton and Jose Gomez.

There are two sessions, an early bird session beginning 3:30 to 5 p.m. and an evening session 5:30 to 7 p.m. Local artists and photographers will show case their work with an open photo gallery during the receptions and appetizers will be served.

The Friday Falconer’s dinner will include a special presentation by the falconers and featured speaker, McGough will speak about her Golden Eagle Falconry and her experiences. The evening will end with an open floor viewing of the birds and chance to speak with the handlers.

With only one week before the event, tickets are selling out fast. For more information and to register visit the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce website at carsonvalleynv.org or call their office at 782-8144.

The Eagles & Ag. Photo Gallery is open to the public for free noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 27 and noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at the CVIC hall 1604 Esmeralda Ave, Minden.