Post by Master Yarak on Nov 6, 2004 0:41:29 GMT -5
Because my sponsor told me not to!
I think i mentioned this on an earlier post, but Mike McDermott has collected some data and has determined from these data that hooding RTs is directly related to agressive bevaior in those same RTs. He strongly urged the apprentices at the August workshop NOT to use hoods. I guess we have a difference of opinion here between two masters. The thing is that My sponsor agrees with Mike. Being the good apprentice i am, i follow my leader's advice.
I too have collected some data and have drawn different conclusions. I have not seen nor be told of any aggression from RTs due to PROPER hooding. Gary Brewer is a firm believer in hooding RTs. Mike certainly knows his stuff when it comes to accipiters, no doubt. I know my stuff when it comes to RTs. I however did not know your sponsor said no hooding. If my sponsor told me that I would not hood either. You mark my words do not hood train your next bird as a general and at some point you will wished you had! Melissa's bird hoods great Noel's first bird hood great my bird hoods great my two previous apprentices birds hooded great one had two birds during his apprenticeship. Gary has had all his birds hood trained for the last several years with no problems.That is enough evidence for me! Yarak(the hood advocate)
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
While hunting this weekend i wished i had hood trained my bird. There were at least 5 squirrels that could have been hit but Buzz wasn't in the trees yet. She doesn't do well from the fist.
Post by grendlesgirl on Nov 21, 2004 12:28:56 GMT -5
I have been making hoods for my western female redtail using various patterns and the slipjer cannon. None of them have fit right, she has a head as large as an eastern female. Someone yesterday loaned me a Gary Brewer eastern female (2.25) hood and it fit PERFECTLY! THe redtail head shape is kinda weird. I'm going to see if I can replicate how Gary did it and let anyone know who is interested how it turned out. A great great hood.
Post by LeeSlikkers on Nov 22, 2004 7:30:32 GMT -5
This "data" from Mike D. on not hooding the RT's...can anyone point me in the right direction so I can read it and process it to see if it applies to my method of hawking? Many thanks~
I'm not positive, but i don't think Mike published this study. I haven't seen the data. I've only talked with him about it. If i find something in writing i'll let you know.
I tried something new to me last night in order to get a hood to fit right without causing a comfort problem. I simply wet the leather around the beak opening and put it on the bird.....It worked like a charm!!!! She was wearing it like a champ last night! as the leather formed around her beak.
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."
most interesting how does it affect the fit of the hood? A master falconer who makes most of his own hoods uses a wet paper towel to form his hoods before fitting.(just a side note.)
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."
Guys, when you get a new pair of Leather boots find the biggest water puddle you can, walk though it and let them dry on your feet, next day oil (use your favorite leather care product) them well, they will fit great! ps: Don't let your wife or mom see you! wes
Wes, Funny you should mention that....I do that with a new pair of work boots. I buy Red wings and they are really stiff at first. I soak them and walk around for a few hours in them and they mold to the shape of your foot really well.
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."