(By Alexis McCarney ’25, staff writer)
LVC got a glimpse into a 4,000-year-old tradition on career and advising day.
Jack Hubley, class of 1973, began his educational career at LVC as a music major on a scholarship to play trumpet. He shifted gears and became a psychology major after realizing music was not for him.
Shortly after graduating, he decided to explore his interest in wildlife. Hubley shared that his interests are not just in birds, but all wildlife, which he has a great respect for. From childhood, he has enjoyed connecting with nature and interacting with “critters.”
He touched briefly on the process that it took to become a master falconer, including a two-year apprenticeship, a written exam and a facility inspection—all to be completed before capturing a falcon. Catching one and training it is also part of what it takes to achieve this title.
Hubley brought a Harris’s hawk, Super, and a peregrine falcon, Comet, to campus. Zoo America, located in Hersheypark, is where these birds call home. However, it is at The Hotel Hershey where they get to really spread their wings.
Guests can choose to go on falconry experiences, either group or public, where they have the opportunity to learn about the birds and then have one fly to their gloved hand. Facilitating these experiences is very gratifying for Hubley.
“I don’t see retirement on my horizon anytime soon,” Hubley said.
Throughout the presentation, Hubley shared his experiences working with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, as well as WGAL. Hubley hosted multiple shows, including a nationally syndicated one titled ‘Wild Moments.’ Through the television shows, he had the opportunity to travel to countries in South America and Africa to learn about and interact with animals. He also worked as a wildlife writer for various outlets.
Hubley shared with the audience that the birds he brought were once, not very long ago, on the brink of extinction. A brief overview of this history prompted a conversation about what we can do as humans to prevent this from happening again, to which Hubley advised that individual action is a crucial step.
“Minimize your impact by doing everything you can environmentally at your own doorstep,” Hubley said.
Hubley demonstrates that a non-linear career path is okay and encourages everyone to do what they love, even if it is not glamorous or extremely lucrative.
“Find out what lights your fire and what your abilities are,” Hubley said.
For more information about Jack Hubley and his falconry, you can visit The Hotel Hershey website.