What happens when a love for birds turns into an extraordinary passion for hunting, conservation, and the outdoors? Meet 14-year-old Kenlyn from Nevada, who is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to pursuing your passions and chasing something truly unique.
In this first episode of our new Sparks series, Dana sits down with Kenlyn and her mom, Beth McLaughlin, to hear the fascinating story of how a backyard bird enthusiast became one of the youngest falconers in Nevada. What started with an interest for identifying local bird species quickly grew into something much bigger when Kenlyn received a few falconry books for her 14th birthday. After devouring the books, passing the challenging federal falconry exam on her first attempt, and finding a master falconer willing to sponsor her, Kenlyn was officially on her way.
But falconry is about much more than simply having a hawk on your glove. It requires dedication, patience, knowledge, and an incredible commitment to building trust with a wild animal. Kenlyn takes us behind the scenes of her apprenticeship, from modifying a backyard shed into a proper mews, to spending early mornings and long days searching for the perfect wild red-tailed hawk to trap and train.
We hear the incredible story of Arrow, the red-tailed hawk Kenlyn has spent countless hours working with. From those first tentative steps of building trust to eventually free-flying in the field and learning to pursue jackrabbits, Arrow's journey is a testament to the patience and persistence required in falconry. And the ultimate goal? To raise a healthy, capable hunter who can eventually be released back into the wild with the skills to survive and contribute to the next generation of hawks.
But perhaps one of the most inspiring parts of this conversation comes from Beth's perspective as a mom. She shares what it's been like watching her daughter discover something she is truly passionate about and learning the importance of recognizing those interests, encouraging them, and sometimes simply saying yes. Kenlyn's journey has brought new skills, responsibility, confidence, and an incredible community of people who are eager to support the next generation of falconers.
Whether you're interested in falconry, hunting, wildlife, or simply love hearing stories about young people doing extraordinary things, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
Welcome to Sparks — where we shine a light on the next generation of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor leaders. Because sometimes all it takes is one spark to ignite a lifelong passion.
Tags: Youth, Women Hunt