Falconry is an awesome sport that involves hunting with the use of a trained bird of prey. It is also known as the sport of kings because the elite and nobility practiced it. Today, it is still considered a sport of the privileged because of the hefty amount of money and time involved. To learn and gain the skills for falconry, you will also need much patience and some passion for the sport.
What Are Involved in Falconry
For you to know what skills are necessary for falconry there's the need to understand the elements involved which are:
- acquiring your bird of prey by capturing from the wild or by purchasing it
- housing, feeding, and taking care of your bird
- training your bird with discipline and how to hunt
- hunting wild quarry with your bird
Training for Falconry
You have a number of ways to learn this unique sport, and these include:
- hiring an expert falconer to teach and train you
- reading books and literature on falconry and hunting
- joining clubs and organizations and learning from experiences of members, as well as participating in activities and trainings
- taking up a course or program in a school of falconry or training centers
- read these air rifle reviewsto help you choose the best air rifles to use as an added layer of precaution when hunting
You may learn the basic knowledge and rudimentary techniques of falconry from a few training sessions. However, the skills for falconry are best attained through ardent practice. Therefore, after completing your course or training, you should engage in the sport continuously to enhance your skills. Keep in mind that the best air rifle is not your priority hunting device, but it can come in handy when the need arises.
Skills Required for Falconry
- If you want to be a good falconer, you must have enormous enthusiasm for birds of prey. You should learn and acquire the following skills:
- Skill in capturing your raptor, either by stationary or mobile method - you should know what baits and equipment, such as traps, to be used as well as the best time and place to catch your raptor.
- Handling and manning techniques - this is a critical stage in your falconry adventure, especially if your bird was captured from the wild, rather than purchased from breeders. Proper handling techniques should be employed. Manning or preparing your raptor to be accustomed to being in the presence of humans is also very important.
- Releasing your raptor is one skill that should be honed through practice. Proper timing and method will ensure effective performance by the bird.
- The use of tools and equipment is another basic skill required in falconry. You should know these implements and gears and be able to use them: Telemetry equipment, altimeter, air gun(optional), bird launcher, gloves, jesses, hoods, whistles and lanyards, bells and bewitts, kite and balloon equipment, trapping equipment, and others. Some falconers also have blacksmithing or welding skills and leather working skills for making & maintaining their equipment and devices.
Falconry is indeed an awesome sport and recreation because you use natural methods of hunting. For sure, you will get the most fun out of it if you learn the skills for falconry.