Soaring High: A Comprehensive Guide to Training Your First Falcon

Embarking on the journey of falconry is a deeply rewarding experience, connecting you with nature in a profound way. However, training a falcon is not for the faint of heart. It demands patience, dedication, and a thorough understanding of avian behavior. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to training your first falcon, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of your magnificent bird.

Understanding Falconry and Its Requirements

Before acquiring a falcon, it’s crucial to understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of a falconer. In most places, you’ll need to obtain a falconry license, which often involves passing a written exam, undergoing an apprenticeship, and demonstrating suitable housing and care for your bird. Falconry is a highly regulated activity, and breaking these laws can lead to serious consequences. It is not simply about keeping a bird; it’s about a deep commitment to conservation and responsible hunting.

Essential Considerations Before Getting a Falcon:

• Legal Compliance: Research your local, state, or national regulations thoroughly. Ensure you meet all requirements before proceeding. Contact your local falconry association for guidance.
• Time Commitment: Falconry demands a significant time investment. You’ll need to dedicate several hours each day to training, exercising, and caring for your bird. If you have a demanding work schedule or frequent travel, falconry might not be a good fit at this time.
• Financial Resources: Falconry is an expensive hobby. You’ll need to budget for housing, food, equipment, veterinary care, and potentially travel. Consider the cost of the falcon itself, which can vary significantly depending on the species and breeder.
• Suitable Housing: A mews is a secure and weatherproof structure necessary for housing your falcon. It must be spacious enough for the bird to move around comfortably and must protect it from predators and the elements. The design and size of the mews are typically dictated by the species of falcon.
• Veterinary Care: Find a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine, particularly with raptors. Regular check-ups are essential for the bird’s health. Be prepared for potentially high costs associated with specialist avian veterinary care.
• Commitment: Falconry is a long-term commitment. The training process can be frustrating, requiring extreme patience. This is not a short-term hobby. The bird will rely on you entirely for its well-being.

Choosing Your First Falcon

Selecting the right falcon for a beginner is paramount. Not all falcon species are suitable for novice falconers. Certain species can be more difficult to train, are more prone to certain health conditions, or require more advanced handling. Here are some commonly recommended options for first-time falconers:

• Harris’s Hawk: While technically not a falcon, the Harris’s Hawk is an excellent choice for beginners. They are social birds, comparatively easy to train, and readily available. They are less prone to escaping and tend to be more forgiving of errors during training. This species is known for being cooperative and working with their falconer.
• American Kestrel: A small and relatively manageable falcon, the American Kestrel is a good choice if you live in a smaller space or have less available land for hunting. They are visually stunning and can provide excellent hunting practice, but their small size means they are not suitable for the same quarry as larger falcons.
• Red-Tailed Hawk: Another great choice is the Red-Tailed Hawk. Again, not a falcon but they are robust, readily available, and adapt well to working with humans. They are also a good size for practicing training methods and hunting. Like Harris hawks, they are also more forgiving of errors from beginners.

Important Note: Always acquire your falcon from a reputable breeder. Avoid purchasing birds from dubious sources. A reputable breeder will be able to provide health records and ensure your bird has been properly cared for.

Essential Falconry Equipment

Having the correct equipment is essential for safe and effective training. Here’s a list of fundamental tools:

• Mews: A secure housing facility. It can range from a basic shelter to a more elaborate structure, but must protect the bird from weather and predators.
• Perch: An appropriate perch inside the mews and for outdoor training. It needs to be suitable for the size of the bird and have an appropriate surface to prevent foot damage. There are a few common types such as block perches and ring perches.
• Leashes and Jesses: Leather straps attached to the bird’s legs and a longer leash to control movement. They should be well-fitted and regularly checked for wear and tear.
• Swivels: Small metal pieces connecting the jesses and the leash to prevent tangling.
• Scales: Digital scales to measure the bird’s weight, which is crucial for monitoring its health and progress during training. Falconers use highly accurate scales in grams or ounces.
• Hood: A leather covering for the bird’s head. The hood is vital for calming the bird and preventing it from being startled or distracted.
• Lure: A training tool made of leather or other materials, often designed to mimic prey. The lure is used to encourage the bird to return to you.
• Gloves: Thick leather gloves to protect your hand when handling the bird.
• Telemetry: A radio tracking device to help locate the bird if it escapes. It’s not always required but highly recommended.
• Creance: A long, lightweight training line used in the early stages of training. It’s connected to the jesses and allows the bird to fly while still under your control.
• Field Bag: A bag to carry essential equipment while training.

The Training Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Falconry training is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each bird is an individual and learns at a different pace. However, the following steps provide a general framework for training your first falcon.

Step 1: Getting Acquainted (Manning)

The first step is to help your falcon get accustomed to your presence. This process, called manning, involves spending time near your bird, talking gently to it, and letting it get used to you. Here’s how:

• Initial Contact: Begin by sitting quietly near the mews, allowing the bird to observe you.
• Gentle Interaction: Once the bird seems comfortable with your presence, begin offering it pieces of food from your gloved hand. This establishes you as the source of food, which is a cornerstone of falconry.
• Regular Handling: Gradually increase the time you spend handling your bird, always ensuring it remains calm and relaxed. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could frighten it.
• Hood Introduction: Introduce the hood gently, allowing the bird to sniff it. Gradually, associate the hood with positive reinforcement. Never force it on the bird.
• Observe Behavior: Closely observe the bird’s behavior for signs of stress or comfort. If your bird is displaying signs of agitation, such as excessive vocalizations, try moving more slowly and speaking softly.

Step 2: Weighing and Weight Management

A falcon’s weight is critical to its motivation and training success. An overly heavy bird will not be as motivated to fly, while an underweight bird will be weak and susceptible to illness.

• Daily Weighing: Weigh your falcon every day at the same time, preferably before feeding. Keeping a detailed weight log will help you track the bird’s progress and adjust its diet accordingly.
• Target Weight: Each bird has a specific target weight, which is known as its ‘flying weight’. This weight varies with the individual and the type of training. A more experienced falconer can help establish the appropriate flying weight.
• Weight Adjustment: Based on the bird’s daily weight and its motivation to fly, adjust the amount of food you provide. Small changes in diet can have a big effect on a bird’s performance.
• Record Data: Keep detailed records of your bird’s weight, feeding amounts, and behavior to help identify what is working well and what needs to be changed.

Step 3: Creance Training

Creance training is the first stage of flight training. It involves allowing the bird to fly while attached to a long training line (the creance).

• Preparation: Select a quiet and safe open area for creance training.
• Short Flights: Start by letting the bird fly only a few feet while still attached to the creance.
• Increase Distance Gradually: Slowly increase the distance as the bird becomes more confident and responsive.
• Recall Practice: Use the lure or your gloved hand to encourage the bird to fly back to you. Reinforce this positive behavior with small treats.
• Safety First: Always maintain a gentle hold on the creance and keep it clear of obstructions to prevent tangling or accidents. Never drag a bird along if it lands on the ground.

Step 4: Lure Training

Lure training is a crucial step in establishing control over the bird and teaching it to respond to commands. The lure is used to mimic the appearance of prey and helps reinforce the recall and hunting behaviors.

• Introducing the Lure: Show the lure to the bird and offer small pieces of food on it initially, associating the lure with a positive reward.
• Short Swings: Begin by swinging the lure gently near the bird and let it come to you for a reward.
• Longer Swings: Gradually increase the distance and height of the lure.
• Varying Angles and Speed: Introduce varied movements of the lure to challenge the bird and keep it engaged.
• Consistency is Key: Repeat lure training every day. Practice consistently even if the bird seems bored as long term consistency reinforces behavior and responsiveness.

Step 5: Free Flight

Free flight is the ultimate goal of falconry training. It involves releasing the bird without the creance and trusting it to return to you. This is a significant step and should only be undertaken when the bird is fully responsive to your commands and lure.

• Readiness Assessment: Ensure your bird is at its flying weight, responsive to the lure, and has a good recall.
• Safe Location: Choose a wide open and familiar area for the first free flight attempt.
• First Flight: Start with a short, low flight. Stay calm and give clear commands to the bird.
• Gradually Increase Distance and Height: As the bird becomes more confident, increase the distance and height of its flights.
• Telemetry: Use a telemetry device to track the bird’s location.
• Practice Recall: Regularly practice recall with the lure or your gloved hand to ensure the bird returns to you.

Step 6: Introducing Quarry

Once the bird is reliably flying and returning to you, you can begin introducing it to live quarry. This is the most exciting and the most rewarding aspect of falconry.

• Start Small: Begin with smaller, easier quarry that the bird can handle.
• Controlled Hunts: Start with controlled hunting scenarios where you have some level of control over the situation.
• Observe and Learn: Carefully observe the bird’s hunting behavior and make adjustments as necessary. Falconry is not always successful in the beginning. It’s important to be patient.
• Respect for Prey: Practice ethical hunting and respect the quarry.
• Increase Difficulty Gradually: As the bird gains experience, gradually introduce more challenging hunts with more complex flight and hunting patterns.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

During the training process, you will inevitably encounter challenges. Here are some of the most common issues and how to address them:

• Bird is not flying: If your bird is not flying, review your weight management strategy, check for any health problems, and ensure the bird is not afraid of the training area.
• Bird is ignoring the lure: If your bird is ignoring the lure, adjust the lure type, the lure movement, and your food reward timing. Ensure the bird is at the proper flying weight.
• Bird is flying away: If your bird is flying away, review the training steps, practice recall more frequently, and do not fly too far from familiar areas initially.
• Bird is stressed: If your bird is displaying signs of stress, reduce handling time, review your interactions, and make sure there are no environmental stressors.

Continuing Education and Community Engagement

Falconry is a lifetime of learning. It’s important to continuously educate yourself, share your experience and always consult more experienced falconers when you have any issues. Here are some ways to further your education:

• Join a Falconry Club: Connect with experienced falconers, learn new techniques and engage with a community that shares your passion.
• Read Falconry Books and Journals: There are many resources available, including online sources, books, and falconry publications.
• Attend Falconry Seminars: Many falconry associations offer seminars and workshops to help you improve your skills.
• Seek Guidance: Always seek guidance from more experienced falconers whenever you face challenges or have concerns.

Conclusion

Training your first falcon is an incredibly rewarding and challenging undertaking. It requires patience, dedication, and a genuine respect for the bird. This guide provides a foundation for your journey. Remember, every falcon is an individual, so be adaptable and patient. Enjoy the incredible bond that you will forge with your magnificent feathered hunting companion. Falconry is not just about training a bird; it is about forging a partnership based on mutual respect and trust. By following these steps and dedicating yourself to learning, you can truly achieve a lifetime of unforgettable falconry experiences.

Good luck, and may your flights be high and your hunts be successful!