Former Drug Dealer Says Falconry Saved His Life 

"allow yourself to be wrong...own it , apologize publicly and move on" True words for a life of freedom!

"Allow yourself to be wrong, take it, and move on." Words to live by.

what a beautiful man. the way he’s helping not only animals but other at risk teens as well is so heartwarming ❤️

the way the owl looks at him, you can tell the owl loves him

This is incredible and just a true testament to the fact that it’s never to late to change your life around. Kudos to him 💜

“You’re not the mistake you made, unless you continue to do…”. Powerful.

As someone who made it out the hood, this almost made me cry. Most young men born under these circumstances would never even have the opportunity to see this, let alone try it. Glad he can be a great example for the future generations

A man this happy about making his mother proud was always a good man, he just needed the opportunity to let that side of him show. His owl is well taken care of, and their bond is wonderful.

animals can help people through many things. nice that he is helping others also.

Everything he says melts my heart. When he says, "This is my son.." and seeing the bird knows that love from him and clearly shows how he nudged on his owner, it is priceless!!!

We need people like him everywhere in the country.

He is a beautiful soul and the way he looks at his precious owl is so sweet 😭❤️

Kudos to you Sir, praying for your endless victory and success .

“You’re not the mistake that you made, unless you continue to do it” beautifully said

With all the bad, negative news these days, it's so refreshing and encouraging to see a story of triumph like this. Mr. Stotts, you're an absolute gem of inspiration and you have my respect and admiration. I used to know some falconers & it takes dedication. So glad to see you not only succeed, but paying it forward to help move the next generation into a better path. Wishing you blessings & every happiness, sir.

This man is inspiring. What a good heart and a strong soul

So glad he found his true calling. He looks at peace, it’s really heartwarming!

This man! 👏👏👏 He's an environmental advocate, humanitarian, and just a regular human that made mistakes and grew from them. May God bless you, sir!

Wonderful and inspiring, I hope more people will open their eyes to compassion and broaden their horizons in life. This man showed the world that there is always hope and a fight to strive for the pursuit of happyness.

Love the vision of this man as both a planetary steward and an Elder. He has much knowledge, valuable knowledge to pass onto the next melinated generation. Many blessings follow him, indeed. 💜💜💜😇😇😇😇😇🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Here I go tearing up over a man and his bird. What a wonderful story. I wish the best for those kiddos as well.

We need more amazing people like this in our communities

I love when people find their passion. This is a beautiful thing ❤️

A man who did time and it actually gave him an outlet that changed his life! Way To Go, Mr. Stotts...and Mr. Hoots, too! 💖💖💖

Much respect OG.. there's always a way out

You never know what the future has for you. This shows exactly that. Ah, how much I love these videos.

I am a combat vet. I suffer from PTSD and my dogs saved my life.

Much respect to him!!! Thats a person that experienced everything in the world (the good and the bad), figured out what life is about, and found true happiness!

What an awesome story, so very happy for him and his accomplishment,

What an amazing story. Not what could've been but would've been. Either jail or death. Big ups!!!

I’ve got mad respect for anyone who puts in the work to turn their life around.

What a wonderful man! I’m so glad he turned his life around and is being such a positive impact on you on the youth of today.

Animals can heal the soul quicker than any person ever could. The can teach us more than any human can...if only we listen hard enough.

You're going to be a hero for many youngsters and animals brother.. thank you beautiful soul!

God bless this man!!

“Never give up, you’re not the mistake you’ve made” Wise words from this amazing man!

He definitely turned his life around by taking care of these beautiful birds. Well done.🙏❤

This is awesome..he got his life together and became a gem😁😁 Good for him. Good example for the community.

He worked on himself and fixed his life, not the system. Just remember that.

I have to admit, I don't have much to smile about nowadays given the direction the world is going, but for some reason, this was enough to put one on mine today, and I daresay, a lump in my throat. Well done, sir, well done.....

Beautiful story. I do love a happy ending. God bless him and his birds. 💙

Oh I LOVE this story. We had barn owls when I was a kid. I really would've loved to continue with birds of prey! What a wonderful story. My dad felt it was important for me to always have wild animals in my life, I've always thought kids do better being educated with animals. Such a wonderful story, kids REALLY need to have access to nature like this. It teaches more to them than you can possibly imagine in a moment. Stay Blessed Mr Stotts, to you and your beautiful bird! 🕊✨💕

When you're on the wrong path in life just as long as you're strong enough and you believe there is change change will come this is an amazing story😄✌

“You’re not the mistake you make unless you continue to do it” I needed to hear that. This video was very nice and how that owl showed love to him just made my day.

Those last words. Amen.☝🏼 Inspiring video, the love for birds is special, they bring a joy that is so pure so genuine. 🤍🧡💚

“One of the few Black Falconers” like WHYYYY did she say it like that 😫😂😂

What a beautiful example of how people can change their lives when given a connection to community and love. 🖤 END THE WAR ON DRUGS NOW!!! The cure to addiction is connection 🖤

Such a wonderful, generous guy!! He will help to change many lives.

How does one get into such a thing? It's interesting.

Your not my family but your life make me proud of you as tho your my son. Youre living clean teaching others what theyre here for ..thank you

Had a falconer come to 3rd and 4 th grade when was in elementary school. My Herpetological meetings were in a raptor recovery center. Now I live with several osprey nests and falcons nests within 100 yards of my back door.

We need more people like Him . Such majestic creatures too .

This is so encouraging! Animals have a way of bringing out the best in us.

Love stories like these congrats my mans!

What an incredible man! ♡

This story brought a tear to my eye. It's beautiful to see how putting our love into animals can heal our us.

Really cool story. I’m proud of where he’s come. He’s definitely a good example to all of us

I think everyone has a particular passion, or interest that could seriously enhance their life, but not everyone gets to explore it. I'm happy this man; against the odds has found his.

Adorable!!!!!! God bless this man I hope he finds a good home for him and his son 🙏

I love this story! This man gives me so much hope. Thank you for being such a wonderful example and also for caring for the animals. Much love to you and your bird God Bless always!

This is what we need more of, that's real news

this summer i found baby falcon that fell from his nest, next day i started caring about him, then i made friends with him.

Absolutely, I love it and so proud. What magnificent birds of prey. Congratulations on your recovery & your work with our children.

I was a heavy drug addict, been sober for a year. Always makes me happy to see another find their way out of that life.

Beautiful Owl

I love this story God bless this man

That’s a beautiful story and bond right there.

What a wonderful turnaround story ! And now he's giving back and passing it on. Beautiful.

I mean, who WASN’T selling drugs in the 90s tho? Regardless, this is a good man with a huge heart and more sense than a lot of people who came out that environment. Thanks for showing this video🙏

Good dude with a good heart just unfortunate circumstances

That is a man any mother would be proud of!

He's very fortunate. Most men who look like him in America wouldn't be offered the chance at redemption. And I am sure 'people' still clutch their handbags and cross the street when they see him.

amazing brother!

So much inspiration packed in such a short video. He’s a wise but simple man. Loved it!

From a jailbird to a lover of birds, what a beautiful story!

That’s sweet✨

Why can’t he just be Falconer? Why he got to be “Black” Falconer? It’s like me being a “Asian” Falconer. Hmong Falconer.

“allow yourself to be wrong. admit it. take it. move on” i see there’s other ppl quoting him but not to the exact word. so here ya go. 😌

Bless you, maybe little but the love goes along way

Guess you can say he really fal-came through

I hope he realizes animals pass away eventually. And he has to have control and discipline not to go over the edge after he loses him.

Now that’s a beautiful & uplifting story. 🙂

This is so beautiful and uplifting ♥️🥰

Stop uploading for 1 second..

I wonder why a ex drug dealer would have a specific skill like falconry like it’s not like they have the ability to deliver packages and stuff like that

This is how media should be used. Promoting great stories like this. Thank you. Wonderful!

The real birdman, salute

That’s awesome man, him giving his mom that reassurance and relieving her anxiety

Proud of you man you're a inspiration your life needs to be published more

That's dope & very encouraging..... Thank you, man... Definitely needed to hear this today.

Thank you for such an uplifting story.

Instantly brought tears...beautiful

And some people say people won’t or can’t change ♥️ I love stories like these, warms my heart

I love this, listen to this man. He's beyond wise and his advice is so valuable!❤️

I'm proud of him too for straightening up his life and finding something worthwhile he enjoys doing ❤️ may GOD continue to bless you 🙏.

This is what I love and what is needed. He has an amazing story and is doing amazing things for the young men that need guidance.

The fact that he is one of the few black men in the industry is awsome.The pic of him and the owl facing each other is awsome..!

There's always hope .

Great message, Thank you for sharing.

What a wonderful man. May he continue to be fortunate in all his endeavors in improving the lives of those around him, especially animals