Ultimate Raptor for Quail?

[Chigger]

Several Quail threads on here, but all seemed to be specifically related to a specific species of raptor.

Just wondering if quail was the most available and desired game species in the area, what would be the ideal raptor for the job?

Also, it's Bobwhites that we have around here, don't know if that makes much of a difference or not.

[borderhawk]

From what I understand.. coops or male HH. I've never flown either of them so don't take my word for it. I've got lots of Gambels where I live and so was wanting to trap a male HH when I was in Phoenix at the beginning of this month, but ended up with a female. I've heard they can do quail too, it just takes a little longer.... we'll see.

[dirthawker]

my opinion is there is no better bird for quail than a coops. although HHs and gos's do well with them as well.

[Chigger]

I had been thinking Coops, but was curious about Gos.

I thought maybe someone would say Merlin. What would be the reason for Merlin not being an ideal Quail bird?

[dirthawker]

well the Merlin will do it they are a bit smaller and they usually wont go into the brush to get them like a coops will.

[coopers]

how would a hen sharpy do on quail i would like to fly one. AWSOME litte bird

[dirthawker]

A hen sharpy will do well on the quail they are around the same size as the male coops, as well as build. the only real difference between them in my mind is the toes on the sharpy are a lil longer and thinner like a falcon.

now the other thing that I have seen is the sharpy is a lil easier to train. they have a whole different temperament.

[Chigger]

Nov 28, 2009 15:02:12 GMT -5 dirthawker said:

A hen sharpy will do well on the quail they are around the same size as the male coops, as well as build. the only real difference between them in my mind is the toes on the sharpy are a lil longer and thinner like a falcon.

now the other thing that I have seen is the sharpy is a lil easier to train. they have a whole different temperament.

Do you think the longer and thinner toes are more helpful or less helpful when hunting quail?

Could you please explain briefly your thoughts on the difference in their temperaments.

PS. Dirthawker, you've been commenting on several threads that I've been actively commenting on as well. Your knowledge and input is greatly appreciated!

[Deleted]

i think the ultimate has to be the Eurasian sparrow-hawk ( not to be confused with the American kestrel)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Sparrowhawk

There is a video at the following blog (English subtitles) of them being flown on quail in turkey.
wakayamatakagari.blogspot.com/2009/08/trapping-sparrowhawks-in-turkey.html

[harrishawker]

'How long is a piece of string'

The quail has so many raptors that could deal with it. Obviously a Falcon would be the choice but a raptor would be a tough one to single out.

i guess i would choose a female spar probaly hugging the hedgeline ready to pounce.

I put a spar right up there with the most brightest raptors, it's preperation for kills is quite pre medicated

[Beastdawg]

After flying a male coops i would say the male coopers is the way to go if you want to hunt quail they are practically made for each other

[borderhawk]

Dec 27, 2009 13:39:42 GMT -5 Beastdawg said:

After flying a male coops i would say the male coopers is the way to go if you want to hunt quail they are practically made for each other

In what kind of terrain?
Around here all the quail and dove are in mixed scrub brush, mesquite, and cactus. No open grasslands for me!! I would definitely need something willing to crash brush for 'em.

[borderhawk]

Dec 19, 2009 13:04:57 GMT -5 harrishawker said:

I put a spar right up there with the most brightest raptors, it's preperation for kills is quite pre medicated

wait......pre medicated? So, your spar's have already been through psychotherapy? How do we get a program like that around here for our Coops?

[falco]

Where beastdawg and I fly for quail has lots of sagebrush and scrub oak. Coops definitely crash brush but the ultimate quail team is a pointer and a imprint male coops. The bird if unsuccessful on the initial flush will follow the quail to the bush they put in at and then you set up for a re flush where the now tired quail is easily taken.

[snafu918]

Harry McElroy does pretty well with aplomados on quail.