truer words were never spoken where it is squirrel or rabbit .This I have learned once i took up falconry. When Ihunted with a gun or bow all I had to do was know where to find game. Getting out into the open is a new game and requires a different game plan. Chris
Post by Master Yarak on Jul 21, 2004 5:52:06 GMT -5
I think those people who are gun hunters and then falconershave some advantages over those of us who were not. However, I have learned all I know about squirrels from watching my bird catch them. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away
I found that as a gun hunter I'm lasier. I tended to walk an area before i would let my bird out and then some times take her out and then put her back in and drive to the next spot. When I started walking more than driving i had more chances . Not more luck but more enjoyment. But then everyone has different styles I know this statement makes me sound like a road hunter but I wasn't quite that bad. I would find an area that looked promising and search for fresh sign and work from there. Thatwasbefore I started hawking now I'm not much more successful but i actually have more fun. Chris
Post by Master Yarak on Jul 23, 2004 4:07:35 GMT -5
Chris, You will improve you head count I am sure. My bird has reached her pinnacle. Her catch rate last season was greater than 95%. I doubt I could do better with a gun. She flys on EVERY squirrel she sees as though it is her last. Hunts them all to some conclusion. She has become as machine like as a squirrel terminator. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away
I have to believe that your weight management program has something to do with your hawk's agressiveness and success. Mike McDermott made a very curious statement at one of our meets when the subject of weight was brought up. He simply shook his head and said, "Weight management... the most misunderstood concept in falconry." He didn't say anything else. Maybe you could start a thread to clarify this area.
Last Edit: Jul 23, 2004 9:02:26 GMT -5 by Bob Dale
Post by Master Yarak on Jul 28, 2004 16:46:32 GMT -5
Well its out there now. It just seems strange that folks would ask about weight managment from some guy that flys a three pound hen Red-Tail. Ounces not grams! I think that my bird's idiosyncracies did as much for her success as weight. She just excelled at squirrels she has an apptitude for catching them. I just was able to recognize it and exploit it. I got really lucky with this bird. Remember always though that I have great falconry karma. It is not me it is all her. Without bias I believe that she is exceptional, not unique just really suited to falconry. I hope I can get 10 more years out of her wouldn't that be hoot. No one knows the future only time will tell. We shall see. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away
I took a day to myself Sunday, something i rarely do. I went to one of my favorite streams and threw my kayak in the water. This stream runs through oak/hickory forests and is quite isolated. I was amazed at the numbers of squirrels i saw. I passed a cabin belonging to a gentleman i've met a few times. He was on his porch shooting squirrels. He said they were thicker this year than anytime in past memory. When i got back to civilization ( ) i started looking around and they are all over the place! It looks like squirrel will be the prey of choice this year. I need to get ready. Yarak, is the Video Tape on squirrel hawking helpful?
So, Bob old buddy ol' friend.....When did you say we could come up there to......uhh......visit? How's the wife and kids....good, good....and the squirrels....good, good.......;D
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion................ and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."
A friend of mine has a home on the edge of town. Lots and Lots of oaks. He said the same thing! Hey, the door is always open. Let us know and we'll throw another tater in the pot!
Yarak and I will be up in Arkasas sometime this season. We will make a trip over to hawk and visit. ;D
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion................ and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion................ and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."
Post by Master Yarak on Aug 18, 2004 6:15:32 GMT -5
BobDale said:
I took a day to myself Sunday, something i rarely do. I went to one of my favorite streams and threw my kayak in the water. This stream runs through oak/hickory forests and is quite isolated. I was amazed at the numbers of squirrels i saw. I passed a cabin belonging to a gentleman i've met a few times. He was on his porch shooting squirrels. He said they were thicker this year than anytime in past memory. When i got back to civilization ( ) i started looking around and they are all over the place! It looks like squirrel will be the prey of choice this year. I need to get ready. Yarak, is the Video Tape on squirrel hawking helpful?
To a certain extent it is. Gary's book is the single best source of info on hunting squirrels. The hardest thing I have found is introducing the hawk to them. Most RTs have either never caught one or they have had a bad encounter with one. Entering becomes important. You may however get one that needs no encouragement. Because of the type of habitat and that it creates a more independent bird following needs to be reinforced early on. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away