Have you ever seen someone controlling a hawk or an owl? They’re probably practising falconry, one of the oldest sports in the world. But what is this sport all about, and why do people do it?
In this blog post, we will discuss what is falconry, the history behind it, and some of the basics of how to get started.
If you’re curious about this unique sport, keep reading to learn more.
What is Falconry?
Falconry (or hawking) is the sport of using trained hawks to capture wild prey (or quarry) in its natural state and habitat. It has never been easy, and the current climate adds a slew of new challenges to achieving success in this hawking sport. Before a beginner obtains a thorough grasp of how to manage a hawk, they must devote a significant amount of time and effort to study and practice.
In ancient times, falconry was used as a way to provide food for the table. Today, it is mostly done for recreation and sport.
The history of falconry
The origins of falconry are somewhat unclear; some believe it originated in China, while others believe it started in the Middle East. There is evidence to support both claims, but the fact is, falconry has been around since ancient times.
Falconry arrived in Europe during the Middle Ages and was mostly practised by the nobility and royalty. Over time, it became more popular among commoners as well. By the 16th century, there were many different schools of falconry training across Europe.
During the Victorian era, falconry saw a decline in popularity. However, the sport has seen a resurgence in recent years.
What Birds Are Used in Falconry?
Many different types of birds can be used in falconry, such as peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, and red-tailed hawk. However, other birds of prey, such as eagles and owls, can also be used.
The first step in falconry training is getting a bird of prey used to being around humans. This process, called imprinting, involves raising the bird from a young age. Once the bird is imprinted, it will view humans as its parents and will be less likely to fly away when released into the wild.
The next step is to teach the bird how to hunt. This is done by using a lure, which is a piece of food attached to a long line. The bird is then trained to chase and catch the lure. Once the bird has mastered this, it will be ready to hunt real prey.
How Do You Hunt with a Bird of Prey?
When hunting with falconry birds, the handler will first locate a suitable spot. They will then release the bird and allow it to fly off in search of prey. The bird will typically return to the handler when it has found something. Once the prey has been caught, the handler will retrieve it and give the bird a reward.
What Is the Equipment Used in Falconry?
There are a few pieces of equipment that are essential for falconry. These include a hood, which is used to cover the bird’s head and prevent it from seeing prey; gloves, which protect the handler’s hands from the bird’s talons; and a perch, which is where the bird rests when not hunting.
How to get started in falconry?
If you are interested in taking up hawking as a sport, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will need to obtain a licence from the relevant authority in your country (in the UK, this is the British Falconers’ Club). You will also need to find a qualified instructor and have access to suitable land for hunting.
Interesting facts about falconry
Falconry is a type of hunting that uses trained birds of prey to take down small game. Here are 5 interesting facts about falconry:
1. Falconry has been around for thousands of years and was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
2. In medieval times, falconry was used to hunt deer, boar, and other large game.
3. Today, falconry is used to hunt rabbits, hares, and other small game.
4. Falconers use a variety of birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and falcons.
5. Training falconry birds to hunt can take many months or even years.
Conclusion
Falconry is a sport that requires a great deal of patience and skill. It is not for everyone, but those who enjoy it find it to be a very rewarding experience.
We also hope that our guide has helped you to understand better what is falconry, the origins of this sport, and how you can become an experienced falconer.
If you want to learn more about one of the oldest sports in the world, there are plenty of resources available.
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