Post by Falcon Boy on Jun 24, 2013 23:40:49 GMT -5
RT's can take pheasant. I have no experience with it, but I've heard they tend to follow them after the flush, then take them when they land and start to run. There is a short chapter about it in "The redtailed hawk" by Liam M. (I never spell his last name right so I won't even try). If you're thinking about a RT, it's a "must read" in my opinion.
Not sure about grouse, esp. since there are many types of grouse, but overall I'd say, no.
In regards to geese, you'll get mixed reviews. Some people swear they are too dangerous. Other people hawk them semi-consistently without issue. I think the real issue to confront here is what kind of geese are you talking about. Lesser Canadians are much smaller than greater Canadians. Snow geese i think are pretty small too. Female goshawks, both North American and European, have been flown on them, as have large falcons.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Thank you, I was thinking that grouse would be a bit too small and quick for them. We have both large and small geese in Kansas so I guess it may be an option worth looking into. I only have 3 choices of birds once I get to that point, the Red Tail, the Red Shoulder or American Kestrel. I do not know much about the RS and the AK is a little too small so I will go with the RT. I am just on a fact finding mission right now before I even contact people in person. I want a fully loaded arsenal before breaching the subject of sponsorship to anyone.
Thank you again for the response. Anything and all things help at this point.
I wouldn't try for any geese with an RT . Its doubtful the RT will slip on them anyhow ( they get intimidated ) , but if they do, a goose can throw Down and beat a hawk or falcon to death . You would want to be there for the assist immediately . Some people have taken geese with Harris Hawks , but the majority when taken ( by falconers) are with falcons and the occasional eagle . As for the grouse , they are prized on their flights and as FB said likely too flighty for an RT , but one could ambush a grouse in the perfect situation . My RT took a few woodcock that way , they were just evading me in cover and got stooped on . Generally though, not worth your time to specialize in grouse , its likely you would loose your hawk on a long slip . Pheasant hunting with RT is definitely doable . They can be taken on the flush or the landing . A few folks around TN go to pheasant preserves and have had a good time at them . Though it may frustrate a new hawk too much to attempt as a regular game target . A long chase may cause a lost hawk.
There's a video on YouTube of a Gyr Falcon battling with a Canadian goose that would be good to watch for anyone considering them as prey . Same goes for Wild Turkey . It has been done but generally with a HH .
Last Edit: Jun 25, 2013 7:56:46 GMT -5 by echotadog
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Post by Falcon Boy on Jun 25, 2013 10:50:15 GMT -5
Sure, but there's also a video of the male gyr/barb slipped on the snow geese (or was it a ross's goose? I don't remember). This is why i was saying there is a huge difference between species. Greater Canadians are like 14+lbs if i remember right, while Lesser Canadians are like 5lbs i think.
It all comes down to acceptable risk.... Which weighs in the choice of slip choice..... As well as the individual bird's tenacity and effectiveness.... And about 50 other questions.
Jack rabbits kill or injure birds, yet they are still perfectly acceptable as prey.
There was at least one article in American Falconry magazine about hawking geese with goshawks. Let me know if you want me to find which issue is was in.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
I'd be interested in reading that article Falcon Boy, I would personally not fly my RT on Geese, but I know of people who've done it with gyr falcons. I had not heard of people using Goshawks on them and I find it intriguing. However, if I had a choice, and was able to do it, I'd fly a Golden Eagle on Geese all day long. I just enjoy hunting geese way too much.
