Falconry - Hunting and Trapping

Falconry is an age old art of using birds of pray trained from the wild to hunt; the first humans would have trained a hawk as a means catching food for one self efficiently. So from a bushcraft perspective this alternative form of survival go hand in hand.

No one knows when or where falconry had its first beginnings, although various theories have been suggested at one time or another, evidenced seems to say it has roots from china, Persia or central Asia and so forth, however there is very little concrete evidence to support any of them.

Various species of hawks have been used all through the centauries in the British Isles, such as Buzzards, Goshawks, Sparrow hawks e.c.t, and also birds brought in from over sea’s have made their mark with the falconer, such as the Harris hawk, and the popular Red tail.

These trained birds were and are considered an extremely valuable asset, as well as a form of status, and most importantly a person could sustain himself with food and for his family.

I personally have worked with many types of birds; all having different characteristics. Certain types of birds are used on different types of quarry. The types of game I’ve hunted over the years have been mainly rabbits although the pheasant, woodcock, and duck are fair game.

Falconry is undoubtedly a very committed past time or way of life for some, be under no elusions, these birds are no pets in my opinion and some birds will be fearless, in letting you know of that fact, by putting you in hospital in a flash.

In this month’s topic, we will discus the basics of falconry for the beginner.
 
Getting Started
Having a hunting background will certainly help you, however if you’re a complete novice, getting your head stuck into some good falconry books will aid you greatly, and most of all whole hearted commitment is essential.

The Mews
Mews is an old falconry term for the birds dwelling. This should be large enough for the bird to fly around in, with natural perches strategically placed, internally. The mesh used should be around 10mm2, and the sides around 6f high, a sand base should be used for the floor, approximately 6inch deep; the roof should be felted half way, as your bird will like to sit in the rain as they would in the wild. And most importantly a double door for the entrance, as with all good intentions in mind, you will one day forget to close it, mark my words.