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Oscar Pack
1902 - 1971
Sometimes the stars align; someone steps into your life, and makes a difference that no one else could. A mountain of a man, with a heart just as big. Mont ‘Oscar’ Pack was a dedicated husband, married to his wife Joanna for 53 years. The big boss! Oscar and Joanna, together, were constant partners in all aspects of life, they had a son Monte, daughter in law Kim, and grandson Mayson. My first thought that comes to mind for Oscar was his innate ability to read people as well as birds. We became friends in 1987. We shared a kindred spirit for all things wild, and became instant friend, dare I say brothers!
Oscar was a falconer above all else, constantly seeking a better way of doing things. The main contribution to falconry was his development of the “O-rig Release System” for kiting falcons. We recognize it as the “O-rig” but it’s titled the “Okie rig”. That moniker was widely accepted, however, we all knew the O stood for “Oscar”. That release system saved Long Wingers 1000’s of footsteps a day.
Oscar flew the gambit of Raptors, Sharpies, Coops, Goshawks, Peregrine, hybrid falcons and Golden Eagles. He treated each one with the respect and dedication that they deserved. His focal love was long wings! The alure of 100+ mph stoop from the heavens, always brought an enamored smile to his face no matter who the bird’s owner was, purely knowing the amount of training and discipline that it took both falcon and falconer. He always took pride in all facets of his life, whether it was over hauling a big truck, putting out a hummingbird feeder, or enjoying life. He was president of the Oklahoma Falconers Association back in the 90s. And at that time when there was discrepancy among a small group of falconers. Though a small group we were very strong willed people, and with Oscar to thank, he was a calming voice of reason and pulled us all together and joined the two fractions. Essentially we were better because of him.
Oscar was also an artist. A primary range of expression came from sandblasting elaborate works, to cutting and etching into glass. I feel if you have one of his pieces, it is truly a real treasure! He really enjoyed the art of all ranges. Reflecting on several visits to The Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City together, I often think of this man that was a mountain, that was rugged and tough, and not in cowboy dress truly loved western art. Upon reflection, he was a cowboy.
Our friendship hunting ran easily a minimum of 100 days a year, for 30 something years together consistently. We had countless adventures with lot of successes and a lot of heartbreak. Our artistic medium, or sport if you will, wasn’t without hardship. We had birds cut in half by wind towers, electrocuted on wires or transformers, birds attacked by other Raptors and the less than heartwarming occasional- fly off. Often times the fly offs turned 20 minute hunts on the most beautiful of mornings for 12 hour search and rescues. And I’d be lying if I didn’t (jokingly) admit, finding them alive and well after that long of a day afoot, was not always a full celebration.
One of the best escapades we ever took was to South Dakota. We went with Dr. Kenton Riddle and Dr. Steve Sherrod and stayed in tepees on the Southern Brulé Reservation for 10 days, our host was Mike Erickson. The camaraderie and a lot of wild country, was the trip of our lifetime. With both of us having two birds, very seldom where we 100% on our limit, but several times we would take four ducks in one day. Collectively had empathy for the people sitting in an office and couldn’t enjoy what we enjoyed.
Among the vast inventory of highlights for Oscar’s gaming career, he was asked to go over to the UAE for the second annual Festival of Falconry in 2011. He was very excited that he was going to represent America and the falconry that we have he had. One thing that he was really proud of, he’d had a falcon that flew off, and after many minutes worth of trying to lure it back in, it did finally return to his lure and was as if a standing ovation ensued from the crowd! Another falconry highlight that Oscar had, were him and his eagle Mena appearing on a postage stamp. The stamp was issued in Mali Africa, and was a one of a kind high point for not only Oscar, but to the prestige of the Oklahoma Falconers Community.
Oscar was not only a falconer, but he was avid gun hunter as well. We went several times on duck and goose hunts, and along with him, his old single shot 10 gauge with a 32 inch full choke. He could reach out for a long way and really gather the game one at a time. I remember one that was 106 yards off from our blind, easily an accomplishment!
Oscar always said, “The less you say, the more you learn.” he took on countless apprentices in his falconry career maybe some that he didn’t even have time for but he made time. Oscar was a wealth of information, and each had a great start if they listened to him. He lived each day with the courage and strength up until last day he was given. And for all of us a lesson- live life to the fullest and appreciate nature.
A star falls from the sky and into your hands then it seeps through your veins and becomes every part of you. And then you have to send it back into the sky. As painful as it was to let that star go, his light and influence will forever be shining upon those pursuant of prey, as well as, all who were lucky enough to happen upon him.
“Sometimes the stars align.” - John
Oscar Pack was mentored by Jess Woody, as were most falconers in the early ‘70s in Oklahoma. Oscar was my best friend for 50 years; I considered him a brother and mentor. He is missed not only by me but by all those that he helped throughout the years.
He was a founding member of the Oklahoma Falconry Club holding officer positions through the years.
My life as a falconer started when I moved in with Oscar at the age of 17 (67 now). He started his love of falconry with “Sooner” a passage red tail, catching numerous jacks and cottontails.
He flew many hawks and falcons during the next several decades, including “Mena” a female golden eagle hunting jack rabbit. A stamp (foreign) was created of him with “Mena” hunting.
The last bird that he flew before his death was a passage female Tundra Peregrine, “Penny”, which he trapped in Texas. Penny was a great duck hawk; her pitch was out of sight most of the time. These flights can be found on Facebook under “Oscar Pack” where GPS documented her many flights.
Oscar was always looking for ways to improve the falconry process. One significant improvement he developed was the “Okie Knot”. This knot released the kite when the bird pulled on the bait, letting the kite drop straight down. No more walking out to get the kite.
Oscar also enjoyed fly fishing and he was a talented artist which he showed through glass, marble and river rock etchings. He was also a top mechanic with Kenworth, winning the top Mechanic Award 5 years straight, earning trips to Mexican resorts. He was then told that he could no longer enter due to his expertise. He and his son, Monty enjoyed building together a Nova dragster for the local drag strips. He was proud of his grandson Mason’s accomplishments in Ju Jitsu tournaments.
Oscar was always willing to help anyone with falconry needs or questions.
His warm smile and friendship will be missed.
