Curtis Wright Outfitters & Fly Fishing Guides — Local services in Weaverville

My wife surprised my daughter and me with this adventure and it was amazing! Sam was extremely knowledgeable and was very patient and helpful. We followed her in our cars a few miles to where the birds are kept (a little off the beaten path) and got to meet the Harris' Hawk and Red Tail Hawk as well as the Barn Owl in person. They also have a Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon "in training". She got out one of the hawks and with him sitting on her glove, proceeded to give us about a 20 minute talk on the birds and how they eat, are trained, etc. Just watching the hawk up close as it looked around, flapped a few times, etc. was something out of Wild Kingdom! Then we headed to the field next door for the flights.

We got to wear the glove and hold little pieces of meat while the hawks flew from about 75 yards away back on to our outstretched gloves to eat. It was amazing seeing them swoop down and land!!! Since we were the only 3 that day, we got to feed each a couple of times and spend some time just watching them fly by. My daughter got to do the mouse part as well!!! (No details, you have to go and find out! You'll find out about mantling as well!) Then back to the enclosures to work with the Barn Owl. Amazing bird! We had no idea some of the workings of how it silently hunts until Sam clued us in!

This isn't one of those adventures where you just watch the trainers do their thing. The birds fly to YOUR outstretched hands, where YOU feed them!!!

This was one of those things you don't really know exists, but when you find it, it is truly breathtaking. Sam was a stellar guide, the birds were awe inspiring, and you will never forget the experience. Highest...

My wife & I went to Curtis Wright Outfitters to try out the falconry. We went to the one in Weaverville (they have another location in Arden) & Jeff then took us to a remote location just 10 minutes from the store where his falcons live & work. Once there, he explained the history of falconry, how to safely handle these animals, then introduced us to his (3) falcons. From there we walked a short distance to an open field where one of his falcons circles around, occasionally perching & waiting for his cue. We got to "work" with 2 of his falcons & the whole thing probably took about 1.5ish, I wasn't pay much attention to the time because I was really interested in the birds! My wife & I both work with animals at our day jobs & we have a strong appreciation for the opportunity to mingle with different types of animals when we can. One of the things that stuck out to me was the relationship that Jeff seems to have with these falcons. When watching him handle them & explain how it works, its easy to see that he has a very good understanding of the falcons plus they all appear to readily trust him. I look forward to...

This was hard-earned money well-spent! Our family is in the hospitality/agritourism business, so we’re usually the ones caring for clients, stepping and fetching with a smile 24/7. It was so great to see our two oldest kids experience the magnificence of falconry. Jeff’s enthusiasm for sharing his birds and this fascinating sport made this experience exceed our expectations. Not only did my kids (17 and 19) get to be very hands-on with the incredible hawks and the peregrine falcon, but Jeff also let the rest our party of eight watch and listen to the first third of the program, until they had to go to a another location. We got incredible pictures and video. In fact, we now are interested in getting into falconry as a family. Thanks so much to Mr. Jeff for a fabulous experience! 5 stars...