How to Catch a Falcon

Falconry is the sport of using raptors (birds of prey) to hunt. Trained birds are loosed from the hand; they hunt and capture prey, and return to the falconer. Because the bird is trained, it won't eat the prey it has caught, but will return to the fist to enjoy a reward. Always attempt this in the presence of a trained falconer.

Things You'll Need

  • Glove
  • Lure (made of leather on a long string)
  • Dead chick or mouse as food
  • Jesses
  • Falcon or hawk
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Instructions

  1. Using the Lure

    • 1

      Use the lure to bring a bird to the ground, or in training. The lure is a leather stitched piece that is spun around the falconer at the end of a string. Often, food scraps are tied to the lure.

    • 2

      Spin the lure out. Spinning the lure at the end of the string around the head like a lasso creates the tension necessary to loft it out. When you throw it, the bird will hopefully attack.

    • 3

      Throw out the lure. When the bird takes it and lands with it, be prepared to walk up to it, potentially hood it, or get it back on the wrist.

    Whistle and Call

    • 4

      Hold a dead chick or morsel in your gloved hand. Make sure you are wearing a falconer's glove.

    • 5

      Whistle to the bird, or call it by name, showing the food between your thumb and forefinger. Some falconers use a special whistle, like a dog whistle, inaudible to humans.

    • 6

      Hold steady as the bird flies toward you; don't panic.

    • 7

      Let the bird land and start taking the food. Birds of prey pack some force, so be prepared to brace yourself for the landing. Once on the hand, grip the jesses attached to its legs as it eats. To transport, place the hood gently on the bird's head, and move to a perch.