Shopping List
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What You Actually Need for Falconry
Falconry is an ancient art that requires specialized equipment to safely handle and train birds of prey. Whether you’re pursuing red-tailed hawks or Harris’s hawks, having the right gear ensures both your safety and your bird’s wellbeing. This shopping list covers the essential equipment every falconer needs to get started, from protective gear to training tools and housing supplies.
1. Falconry Glove
A falconry glove is an essential protective tool worn on your non-dominant hand to prevent injuries from sharp talons during handling. Made from thick, durable leather—typically deer or cow hide—these gloves extend up the forearm to provide comprehensive protection. They’re designed specifically for perching birds and must withstand repeated gripping and striking from powerful raptors.
Why beginners need it: Without proper protection, even small birds can cause serious lacerations and puncture wounds. A quality falconry glove is non-negotiable for safe bird handling and building confidence as you learn.
What to look for: Choose gloves made from thick, supple leather that fits snugly without restricting movement. Look for reinforced stitching and a cuff that extends at least 4-6 inches up your forearm for maximum protection.
2. Perches and Bow Perches
Perches provide secure resting places for your bird when not in flight and are essential for maintaining proper posture and foot health. Bow perches mimic natural branches with rounded tops, while flat perches work well for tethering. Most falconers use multiple perches in different locations around their training area.
Why beginners need it: Birds need comfortable, safe places to land and rest. Proper perches prevent foot problems, injuries, and escape attempts while giving your bird a secure base of operations.
What to look for: Select perches with appropriate diameter for your bird species and smooth, natural wood surfaces. Ensure they’re sturdy enough to support your bird’s weight and constructed from non-toxic materials like ash or dowel.
3. Bells and Bell Mounts
Falconry bells attach to your bird’s legs and create sound during flight, making it easier to locate your bird in dense cover or distant terrain. They’re mounted using small leather strips called bewits and become essential for tracking during training and hunting flights. Most falconers use two bells—one on each leg—for optimal tracking.
Why beginners need it: Losing sight of your bird is every falconer’s nightmare, and bells provide crucial auditory tracking. They help you maintain control and quickly locate your bird if it lands unexpectedly.
What to look for: Choose quality brass or steel bells with clear, distinctive tones that carry well in outdoor environments. Ensure bells are appropriately sized for your bird species and mount securely with quality leather bewits.
4. Jesses and Leash
Jesses are short leather straps attached to your bird’s legs that allow you to safely tether and handle the bird. They connect to a leash during initial training and handling, giving you complete control. High-quality leather jesses are essential for preventing escapes and injuries during the critical early stages of training.
Why beginners need it: Jesses are your primary safety connection to your bird. They allow you to manage and control your raptor safely during training, handling, and transport.
What to look for: Purchase jesses made from quality leather that fits perfectly to your bird’s legs—too loose and they slip off, too tight and they cause circulation problems. Include a sturdy swivel and leash attachment point designed for secure connection.
5. Lure and Training Line
A falconry lure—typically made of leather and fur with attached meat—helps train your bird to return and respond to commands. Training lines are long, lightweight cords used during initial recall training to safely guide your bird back to the glove. Together, they form the foundation of basic behavioral conditioning.
Why beginners need it: Training lures and lines teach your bird to respond reliably to your calls and signals. This is critical for maintaining control and building the bond necessary for successful falconry.
What to look for: Choose lures made from quality rabbit fur or similar natural materials that mimic prey. Training lines should be lightweight, durable, and at least 50 feet long for early training phases.
6. Hood and Falconry Hood
A falconry hood fits over your bird’s head to keep it calm by limiting visual stimulation, which is especially useful during transport, handling, and veterinary care. Different sizes are required for different species, and proper fit is crucial for comfort and safety. Most hoods are made from leather and include adjustable straps for secure fitting.
Why beginners need it: Hoods are invaluable for reducing stress and preventing aggressive behavior during necessary handling and transport. They help your bird remain calm in chaotic or stressful situations.
What to look for: Select a hood specifically sized for your bird species with comfortable leather construction and proper ventilation holes. Ensure straps adjust easily and securely without pinching or causing discomfort.
7. Falconry Scale
A precise scale is essential for monitoring your bird’s weight, which directly impacts behavior, appetite, and training success. Daily weighing helps you maintain optimal flying weight—the weight at which your bird is motivated to hunt and respond to training. Digital scales designed for falconry provide accurate readings within just a few grams.
Why beginners need it: Weight management is the cornerstone of successful falconry training. Knowing your bird’s weight allows you to adjust feeding and control behavior effectively.
What to look for: Purchase a digital scale with accuracy to within 1-2 grams and capacity sufficient for your bird species. Look for models with a perch attachment that allows your bird to land directly on the scale for stress-free weighing.
8. Gauntlet or Arm Guard
While different from the primary falconry glove, additional protective gear like arm guards and gauntlets provide extended protection during intense training or handling sessions. These provide extra padding and coverage to complement your main glove. Some falconers prefer gauntlets that cover more of the arm for maximum protection.
Why beginners need it: Repetitive training and handling increase injury risk, making additional protective gear wise insurance. Extra protection builds confidence and allows you to focus on training rather than protecting yourself.
What to look for: Choose guards made from thick, quality leather or reinforced synthetic materials that match or complement your falconry glove. Ensure proper fit without restricting arm movement or circulation.
9. Tack Box or Falconry Bag
A dedicated tack box or falconry bag keeps all your gear organized and portable for trips to the field or training areas. These bags typically feature compartments for jesses, bells, lures, hoods, and other essential equipment. Proper organization ensures you never forget critical gear and protects your equipment from damage.
Why beginners need it: Staying organized prevents lost gear and makes training sessions more efficient and productive. A dedicated bag also protects your equipment investment from weather and damage.
What to look for: Select a bag or box with multiple compartments, durable construction, and weather-resistant materials. Choose a size appropriate for your gear volume with comfortable carrying handles or shoulder straps.
10. Falconry Lore Book or Training Guide
Comprehensive falconry books and guides provide essential knowledge about bird behavior, training techniques, health care, and species-specific information. Written by experienced falconers, these resources cover everything from basic handling to advanced flight training and hunting strategies. Multiple reference books are invaluable throughout your falconry journey.
Why beginners need it: Proper knowledge prevents costly mistakes and dangerous situations. Books provide proven training methods and help you understand your bird’s natural behaviors and needs.
What to look for: Choose well-reviewed books by established falconry experts covering your intended bird species. Look for guides with detailed illustrations, practical step-by-step instructions, and comprehensive health and nutrition information.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with a basic setup before purchasing advanced equipment—master fundamental skills with essential gear before investing in specialized tools or backup equipment options.
- Purchase used or vintage falconry equipment from experienced falconers transitioning out of the hobby, often finding well-maintained items at significantly reduced prices through falconry clubs and online communities.
- Make some items yourself like simple perches and basic lures with affordable materials, though always prioritize safety and effectiveness over cost savings for critical equipment like gloves and jesses.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus exclusively on fundamental equipment—glove, perches, jesses, leash, lure, scale, and reference materials—that teaches core handling and training skills. Advanced falconers build upon this foundation with specialized gear including multiple hoods for different situations, advanced training lures designed for specific prey types, sophisticated telemetry systems for tracking free-flying birds, custom-fitted equipment tailored to individual bird preferences, and specialized hunting gear optimized for specific game species. The journey from beginner to advanced is gradual, allowing you to understand each tool’s purpose before investing in more sophisticated alternatives.
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