Hunting & Fishing Any Falconers on the Hide??

[Nostradumbass]

Hey boys,

Just wondering if there were any other members who practice Falconry. Let me know where you’re at and what you’re flying!

I’ve been a Falconer for 6 years now, and it has totally consumed my life! I should have went through the process and started my career years ago!

I’ve been a hunter and sportsman all my life, but I cannot describe the connection when actively hunting with a wild raptor.

If anyone here has seriously considered Falconry, I’ll say that the path to getting a license is tedious and lengthy, but the rewards are definitely worth the wait!!

 

[pmclaine]

Cool, do they come in Coyote Brown?

Will it rip the eyes out of a communist?

 

[Ric O'shay]

Very Cool!!

 

[brianf]

beautiful bird

my second cousin in arizona had a golden eagle as a pet

only met it once, its ankles were the size of my wrist...it was sooo cool

im sure you have, but have you watched the documentary about the little girl in Mongolia being the first female

 

[pmclaine]

beautiful bird

my second cousin in arizona had a golden eagle as a pet

only met it once, its ankles were the size of my wrist...it was sooo cool

im sure you have, but have you watched the documentary about the little girl in Mongolia being the first female

@Bender is interested in how you were able to compare the birds ankles and your wrists at the same time.

 

[Nostradumbass]

beautiful bird

my second cousin in arizona had a golden eagle as a pet

only met it once, its ankles were the size of my wrist...it was sooo cool

im sure you have, but have you watched the documentary about the little girl in Mongolia being the first female

Yessir,

Documentary was about a girl from Oklahoma who traveled and lived in Mongolia to become the first female to fly golden eagles traditionally with Mongolian tribesmen.

Her name is Laura McGough, and she’s a friend of mine. The Falconry community is pretty small!

 

[brianf]

@Bender is interested in how you were able to compare the birds ankles and your wrists at the same time.

im prob not getting it as usual but it was on my arm

 

[brianf]

Yessir,

Documentary was about a girl from Oklahoma who traveled and lived in Mongolia to become the first female to fly golden eagles traditionally with Mongolian tribesmen.

Her name is Laura McGough, and she’s a friend of mine. The Falconry community is pretty small!

we have a conure (little pirate bird), my daughter and i were watching the movie and every time there would be a clear shot of a predator bird on tv and a good screech her bird would get all skittish

was pretty funny

 

[Nostradumbass]

we have a conure (little pirate bird), my daughter and i were watching the movie and every time there would be a clear shot of a predator bird on tv and a good screech her bird would get all skittish

was pretty funny

Lol!

I’ve had an African Grey for 17 years now, and when I bring the hawk in the house, that damn Grey starts talking shit to the hawk!!
Guess he knows he’s safe behind those bars! Hahaha

 

[Nostradumbass]

we have a conure (little pirate bird), my daughter and i were watching the movie and every time there would be a clear shot of a predator bird on tv and a good screech her bird would get all skittish

was pretty funny

That works both ways!! Lol

Attached is my Harris’s hawk trying to grab a starling through the touchscreen of my iPhone!

AK-47 Hunter

www.youtube.com

 

[brianf]

thats great

our bird does the same more or less

the kids are playing with their ipads (regular xbox stuff it just tries to bit the buttons) and it will start climbing and pecking at the game

ill hear the kids yelling at the bird (like the bird cares) that its ruining their game because its picking up the beak or something on screen

by the way those claws will F you up quick

question on big birds..

our little bird is constantly preening new feathers that come out in that little "straw"...like a 24-7 job

most of the time it jumps on your shoulder and gives you a few bites like "hey preen me"

so youll go through its head and neck mostly and help fluff up the feathers for a bit, must feel great for the bird because it just relaxes

kids call it a bird coma

same with big birds?

 

[Nostradumbass]

thats great

our bird does the same more or less

the kids are playing with their ipads (regular xbox stuff it just tries to bit the buttons) and it will start climbing and pecking at the game

ill hear the kids yelling at the bird (like the bird cares) that its ruining their game because its picking up the beak or something on screen

by the way those claws will F you up quick

question on big birds..

our little bird is constantly preening new feathers that come out in that little "straw"...like a 24-7 job

most of the time it jumps on your shoulder and gives you a few bites like "hey preen me"

so youll go through its head and neck mostly and help fluff up the feathers for a bit, must feel great for the bird because it just relaxes

kids call it a bird coma

same with big birds?

Most raptors are solitary creatures and do not appreciate affection the way parrots and other social animals do. They see humans touching them as aggression towards then. That being said, many falconry raptors will trust the falconer enough to tolerate hands touching them and manipulating equipment.

Most hawks are happy and content to sit on the glove with the falconer, but get nervous when people try to put their hands on them. This is the hardest part of introducing a raptor in an educational setting....everyone wants to touch the bird! Lol

Now my African Grey on the other hand loves help preening and cuddling with the family.

 

[REID2168]

Awesome stuff!

 

[SkyScrapin]

I looked into this about 10 years back, went to a few exhibitions to learn, and ultimately decided the time commitment wasn't for me. Looking at your photos makes me wish that weren't the case. My goal was to get a Gyre. Even had a line on a breeder up in AK. Too bad.

Are they still requiring novice falconry to start with a Red Tail or Kestrel? Is it still a two year program with mentorship?

 

[louu]

I looked into it for a little bit and then found out that it can be your only hobby. What spiked my interest is I found a sick hawk on the side of the road. I called the game wardens, animal control, the local police and a bird of prey sanctuary in Atco and it turns out that new jersey is not like the game warden show on TV in Maine. No one in New Jersey gives a shit except the bird rehab place in Atco but they don't have the funding to go out and pick up injured animals. You have to bring them there yourself. I don't know shit about them except they are pretty scary. Think about it man, they have huge razor sharp claws and can fly. Did I mention that they can fly? So I watched some YouTube videos and found out that all you have to do is throw a sheet over them and they calm down. So I grabbed a welding leather, some gloves, hat and a face shield and put his ass in a box and brought him to the rehabber. It was pretty cool picking him up. I could feel that this wasn't a bitch ass animal like my bulldog. This thing was fierce.

 

[louu]

Why are the pictures blurry? Something to do with the upgrade coming?

 

[craigos]

Hey boys,

Just wondering if there were any other members who practice Falconry. Let me know where you’re at and what you’re flying!

I’ve been a Falconer for 6 years now, and it has totally consumed my life! I should have went through the process and started my career years ago!

I’ve been a hunter and sportsman all my life, but I cannot describe the connection when actively hunting with a wild raptor.

If anyone here has seriously considered Falconry, I’ll say that the path to getting a license is tedious and lengthy, but the rewards are definitely worth the wait!!


View attachment 7490290View attachment 7490291View attachment 7490292View attachment 7490294View attachment 7490295View attachment 7490296View attachment 7490297View attachment 7490298View attachment 7490303

Falconery has been on my bucket list since i was a boy in Tasmania, Australia (moved to the USA after the BS gun bans in 1997).. Read "My side of the mountain" and have followed a few falconers in UK for years. Didnt really look into it in USA until this post. Love to know if there are some recommended resources, websites and youtube .. I am in WA state (which I doubt allows you to take a leak in the outdoors with our idiot legislature).

 

[Snipe260]

Very cool!

 

[Nostradumbass]

I looked into this about 10 years back, went to a few exhibitions to learn, and ultimately decided the time commitment wasn't for me. Looking at your photos makes me wish that weren't the case. My goal was to get a Gyre. Even had a line on a breeder up in AK. Too bad.

Are they still requiring novice falconry to start with a Red Tail or Kestrel? Is it still a two year program with mentorship?

Hey man!

Each state has their own falconry laws, but all states require a two year apprenticeship before upgrading to a General Falconer.

Fortunately in Texas, you’re not limited to a Red Tail or Kestrel. Most Texas apprentices go to south Texas and trap a Harriss’s hawk; because they’re so forgiving and social.

I absolutely love the high speed and low drag of Falcons. Gyrs and Peregrines are absolutely indescribable in the air!! Unfortunately, I have to use the bird for the game I have available in my area (Squirrels and Rabbits.)

Red Tails in my opinion get a bad rap as an apprentice’s bird. They are great animals who give 200% and fly with reckless abandon at their prey.

Goshawks are my personal favorite, but unfortunately I just don’t have the climate or time to fly one correctly. They are cold weather birds, and are succeptable to respiratory infections in the humidity and heat of SE Texas.

Cheers!!

 

[Nostradumbass]

Falconery has been on my bucket list since i was a boy in Tasmania, Australia (moved to the USA after the BS gun bans in 1997).. Read "My side of the mountain" and have followed a few falconers in UK for years. Didnt really look into it in USA until this post. Love to know if there are some recommended resources, websites and youtube .. I am in WA state (which I doubt allows you to take a leak in the outdoors with our idiot legislature).

Dude! Don’t put it off if you’re still passionate about falconry.

There’s a Facebook group called American Falconry Apprentices that is a great place to get back in the network. Mark Smith is the admin. Tell him Phillip White sent you, and he’ll go out of his way to help you man!

 

[nhdeadhead]

That’s so cool! I love how you have it hunt for/with you. I have a friend that is getting into it and he says it is definitely a life style. I always was interested in getting into it but just don’t have the time to dedicate. I was impressed his bird would come back and eat off his arm let alone go out and catch wild animals... that’s pretty impressive within 6 years of work. Kudos to you.

I’ve always had pet birds, parrots and macaws. We have a blue and gold and a small Amazon parrot currently but I’ve always wanted an African Grey. It’s unbelievable how smart they are. Our macaw rules the roost, he will climb right over our 100lb Shepard and chase the cats away. He’s a smart ass too, if he wants attention he will give you a soft bite and before you can react he yells “OW!” And then starts laughing... it’s amazing to watch how fast it can processes a situation and reacts to it so I could only imagine how cool that would be with a hawk, falcon or other bird of prey.

 

[SkyScrapin]

@Nostradumbass

What type of time commit does falconry take based on your experience? Daily, weekly, annually? I'm guessing it's seasonal depending on hunting, etc.

Biggest obstacle for me was not just time commitment, but the flight pen. My understanding is that it's quite large, and my HOA would have a fit.

I'm in N. Texas. Pretty sure a Red Tail or Peregrine would be the most ideal. Thoughts?

 

[Ric O'shay]

I know I am not the only one wondering, so I may as well just ask.
Do you have a Fuck Hat?

 

[Nostradumbass]

I know I am not the only one wondering, so I may as well just ask.
Do you have a Fuck Hat?

What you mean man?

 

[SoVa]

Ive always been interested in it but have never taken the plunge. It is really awesome to watch

 

[Nostradumbass]

I am very curious about the training methods and it would be so cool to have a hunter bird.

Training a raptor is called “manning.” It’s trust building between the bird and falconer.
Raptors are apex predators and cannot be forced to do anything. They do not understand force, and perceive it as a threat. They have to want to be with you. This is done by having LOTS of patience. The bird must understand that the falconer provides safety, an easy source of food, and assistance with catching game.

The birds are free to leave anytime they wish in the field, but if the bond is made with the falconer, the bird sees them as an asset and chooses to stay!

 

[brianf]

thats great stuff

with training a subsequent hunts are you the falconer supposed to allow the bird to eat some if its prey to keep it from being pacified?

or are they like feral cats that they are always ready to strike and keep you on your toes till the end

 

[brianf]

Damn you make it sound so easy.

sounds like having a pet wolf

they are great until you wake up and its eating you in your bed, because it wants to be the alpha lol

 

[brianf]

whats home life like

does it hang out on a perch tethered or is it in a large cage because it will ransack the house

 

[Nostradumbass]

thats great stuff

with training a subsequent hunts are you the falconer supposed to allow the bird to eat some if its prey to keep it from being pacified?

or are they like feral cats that they are always ready to strike and keep you on your toes till the end

Agh,

Falconers carry what’s called a Lure in their kit. It can be anything, as long as the bird knows that skinned, fresh meat is attached to it.
Once a raptor catches a prey, it becomes possessive; a lot like a kid not wanting to share its favorite toy. The falconer must offer a fair “Tradeoff” to get the raptor to release the catch and allow the falconer to place the catch into the game bag.
How this is done is by placing the lure with a nice attractive piece of skinned meat attached just out of reach of the bird. The bird sees the meat as an easier option than having to rip through the prey to get to the same thing, and will step off the kill to consume the meat on the lure.
It’s the falconer’s job to stealthy take and store the kill while the bird isn’t looking and eating off the lure. When the bird finishes the meat on the lure, it’ll look around and see the kill is gone, and will be ready to hunt some more!!

 

[brianf]

by the way this thread is sooooo much better than another:

what 6.5 creedmore should i buy

whats the best 5000$ scope

AI vs XYZ

 

[Nostradumbass]

sounds like having a pet wolf

they are great until you wake up and its eating you in your bed, because it wants to be the alpha lol

There’s more truth to that than you know!!!

 

[brianf]

Agh,

Falconers carry what’s called a Lure in their kit. It can be anything, as long as the bird knows that skinned, fresh meat is attached to it.
Once a raptor catches a prey, it becomes possessive; a lot like a kid not wanting to share its favorite toy. The falconer must offer a fair “Tradeoff” to get the raptor to release the catch and allow the falconer to place the catch into the game bag.
How this is done is by placing the lure with a nice attractive piece of skinned meat attached just out of reach of the bird. The bird sees the meat as an easier option than having to rip through the prey to get to the same thing, and will step off the kill to consume the meat on the lure.
It’s the falconer’s job to stealthy take and store the kill while the bird isn’t looking and eating off the lure. When the bird finishes the meat on the lure, it’ll look around and see the kill is gone, and will be ready to hunt some more!!

so you trick the angry bird...tougher than me

im also guessing that in the beginning you are not stealthy enough and have a steep learning curve lol

 

[Nostradumbass]

so you trick the angry bird...tougher than me

im also guessing that in the beginning you are not stealthy enough and have a steep learning curve lol

Dude,
It is a learning curve for sure! Cooper’s hawks are the worst. They have a temper worse than anyone’s ex wife.... If they get really pissed they’ll attack the falconers face!
Cooper’s hawks are stone cold killers and you’re almost always guaranteed to have a game bag full of prey, but the downside is if they miss a catch they blame it on the falconer and are quick to seek revenge!

ps- I will NEVER fly another Coops!

 

[brianf]

I love how it just bites randomly

stupid human it’s your fault lolol

on a much smaller scale, which will wake you up , our little nothing bird will spook you once in a while.

if you preening it, for non bird people helping it groom, they love it where it’s hard to reach.

Of course you are working close to the skin and you pinch or irritate once in a while.

doesn’t really care because it happens within the natural flock but they give a good squeak and bit your finger.

automatic reaction, the funny part is if you move you hand it will follow that finger until it gets beak on skin.

use to give a good chomp now it just gives what we call a level 2 bite. I guess it trust us more as time goes on.

kids made up the list :

level one is just playing or nipping to get your attention. Petting or fun time

level 2 is “I don’t like that or hard play fight”

level 3 is “I thought I already told you”. That’s got a little sting to it

level 4 is defense or alike that hurts pretty good. If the beak wasn’t trimmed it would draw blood. Those beaks get insanely sharp at the tip for piercing nuts and seeds.

like any pet if you pay attention you learn it’s body language and can tell what’s happening.

 

[Nostradumbass]

I love how it just bites randomly

stupid human it’s your fault lolol

on a much smaller scale, which will wake you up , our little nothing bird will spook you once in a while.

if you preening it, for non bird people helping it groom, they love it where it’s hard to reach.

Of course you are working close to the skin and you pinch or irritate once in a while.

doesn’t really care because it happens within the natural flock but they give a good squeak and bit your finger.

automatic reaction, the funny part is if you move you hand it will follow that finger until it gets beak on skin.

use to give a good chomp now it just gives what we call a level 2 bite. I guess it trust us more as time goes on.

kids made up the list :

level one is just playing or nipping to get your attention. Petting or fun time

level 2 is “I don’t like that or hard play fight”

level 3 is “I thought I already told you”. That’s got a little sting to it

level 4 is defense or alike that hurts pretty good. If the beak wasn’t trimmed it would draw blood. Those beaks get insanely sharp at the tip for piercing nuts and seeds.

like any pet if you pay attention you learn it’s body language and can tell what’s happening.

Right on!

With a raptor, it’s not the beak you need to worry about, it’s those bloody damn feet!!
They can “foot” you and bury the talons all the way down to your bones....literally! Lol

The good thing is, over time after the bird has gained your trust, it will give you warnings that it doesn’t like something by just grabbing you with it’s feet and applying just enough pressure to get it’s point across. It won’t break the skin....just a friendly reminder that what you’re doing is annoying.

 

[bullseye13]

How much time daily do you need to give the bird? What do you do if you go on vacation? Can someone just feed the bird, or does it need to be able to be out of the pen and exercised daily?
Beautiful bird and very interesting.

 

[brianf]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BreakableSatisfiedCrayfish-small.gif

 

[Nostradumbass]

How much time daily do you need to give the bird? What do you do if you go on vacation? Can someone just feed the bird, or does it need to be able to be out of the pen and exercised daily?
Beautiful bird and very interesting.

Any falconer will tell you it’s a lifestyle change. You have to make sacrifices to practice falconry. Usually, vacations are planned to either take the bird on the trip “hunting,” or to have another falconer care for the bird while out of town.

A smart falconer will fly the bird that both fits his lifestyle, and fit for the game available. Example- A retired person has more time to fly more intensive raptors.

I’ve came back to a Red Tail because it fits my working lifestyle. Doesn’t have to be flown every day, and doesn’t need as much one on one time as other birds. Plus I catch a shit load of game!!

Brunhilda just caught this squirrel a few minutes ago! Going for another now!

 

[brianf]

Can they tell when it’s hunting time..do they get excited

like a dog hearing the treat box

if there isn’t much game around so they get depressed?

do they fly until they find something?

or do you call them back after 15 minutes etc

 

[tacotim]

thanks for the great pics in this thread!!

 

[Nostradumbass]

Can they tell when it’s hunting time..do they get excited

like a dog hearing the treat box

if there isn’t much game around so they get depressed?

do they fly until they find something?

or do you call them back after 15 minutes etc

Raptors are creatures of habit, meaning they love a consistent routine.
They do get excited when they know they’re going hunting!

Hunting time varies depending on the bird and the game. A peregrine flight on ducks may be as short as two or three minutes.

When squirrel hawking, I let her tell me where the squirrel is. Then, I do my level best to keep the squirrel moving and distracted so she can get a good slip on it.

We definitely don’t catch every squirrel. I’d say a good hawk will catch one in three or so....

I’ll generally hunt until we catch something, or I’ll hunt two to three hours or so, then call her in.

 

[bullseye13]

Do they stay in eye range or how do you call/ signal them back?

 

[Nostradumbass]

Do they stay in eye range or how do you call/ signal them back?

Depends on the bird. A falcon can be miles away and 1500 ft upstill in the hunt.

A hawk in the woods stays close to the falconer and will follow through the woods. Generally within 50-100yds.

 

[bullseye13]

Im in Wisconsin and the redtail would be a perfect bird for my terrain. Really interesting. Did you trap your Harris or buy it?

 

[cjs88]

What caliber would you say the talons are?

 

[Nostradumbass]

Im in Wisconsin and the redtail would be a perfect bird for my terrain. Really interesting. Did you trap your Harris or buy it?

Wild trapped. Harris hawks are only 5-6 hours south of me.

 

[Nostradumbass]

What caliber would you say the talons are?

Lol
Well, if talons were compared to needles, I’d say they’re a 1 gauge on a red tail.

 

[Nostradumbass]

Brunhilda in the zone this afternoon.
Hard to not appreciate the beauty of an adult Red Tail. An old falconer who’s flown them for 42 years calls them a rattlesnake with feathers! I don’t quite agree with him, but it does describe their aggressiveness in the field.

 

[brianf]

While in the house are they caged or hang out on a perch?