Another rabbit in the bag....

[genbuteo]

Got another rabbit today. Took her out and up on a 60ft pole and kicked up a rabbit and she dropped down and nailed it right on the edge of the grass and parking lot. And we just got there and not even 5 minutes and a rabbit already caught. Awesome! She's in her second season with me. My large hen. Sorry didn't catch the flight part on video. It's hard to do when you're out hunting by yourself trying to kick up rabbits and film and see where you're going. She's the best red tail I've ever had. It'll be hard for me when I let her go next Spring. But til then I'm going to enjoy the time with as much as I can.

[MarkT]

genbuteo said:

She's the best red tail I've ever had. It'll be hard for me when I let her go next Spring. But til then I'm going to enjoy the time with as much as I can.

If you like her so much, why not hold onto her longer?

[genbuteo]

I plan on getting Finnish Goshawks and that's why I plan on letting her go. I absolutely love red tails, but one reason I got into this sport was to one day fly Goshawks.

[harrishawker]

Each one to their own i guess but a Goshawk is not easy to fly and maintain. I have never flown one but i know a few that do and they are very experienced.
I don't think any bird is better than another just different in style looks and hunting.

I don't know how long you have been in falconry but may i ask why a Goshawk in particular

[genbuteo]

I know Goshawks aren't easy to deal with, but I've been around fellow falconers who fly goshawks to this day. I've been in the sport now for over 8 years. The reason I haven't flown one within those years is because of inexperience with Goshawks, but being around fellow falconers long enough who have flown them, I have a better knowledge of them.
Why a goshawk? Their speed and determination at chasing game. It's like a Lamborghini versus a Honda. They can hunt and chase a wider variety of game that most can't such as gamebirds. So if you want to hunt rabbits, you can hunt rabbits and if you want to hunt Grouse, you can hunt Grouse without having to change raptors. I don't know any red tails that can chase down a Grouse. Red tails are absolutely amazing & I love them, but they lack the speed of a Gos.

[harrishawker]

That's true i think a Goshawk is the fastest off the glove. And off the glove there is no contest. I have never had one but they look like Dracula on stilts.
They sure scare the hell out of me, but then a Red does too ;D

Good luck.

Enjoy.