Getting an RT on Jack Rabbits

[myck]

So here's the deal, I know I have tons of jacks around close by. I've been told that it is very rare for RTs to go after jacks instead of CTs. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on getting an RT on jacks.

[chad13dnvr (DBH)]

You should look at Ikcus' log under members birds "my new girl"

[myck]

Thanks! Will do!

[ikcus]

I had this same thought my first season, and I studied my game choices carefully, and Jacks were the most abundant.
First off, trap a Female RT. You will need the size, and I say this because I feel it is safer for a Female to handle a Jack. Males can do it, don't get me wrong, but I would not put a male on a Jack for his first kill. Next, find a good field with some nice HIGH perches. Make sure you get her way up in the air and give her a good out look for spotting a sitting Jack (not a runner) Let her take one or two sitting Jacks and crop her so full on each of them that she can not fly for a day or two or even three. Furthermore, keep her away from the CT spots until she is entered on Jacks. Finally, do not let her kill more than one or two sitter Jacks. Get those hares a running once she has confidence.
Just my two cents, and it worked well my first short season, but please listen to your sponsor before listening to me.

god dag
Joe

[myck]

Yes I most certainly will listen to him. But thanks for the input anyway!

[Migisi]

Jul 15, 2008 19:31:32 GMT -5 myck said:

So here's the deal, I know I have tons of jacks around close by. I've been told that it is very rare for RTs to go after jacks instead of CTs. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on getting an RT on jacks.

It's not 'rare' for RTs. It's just that they've learned to choose easier and abundant prey (CTs, mice, etc.) to insure their survival. Many wild young hawks have never even attempted to catch CTs, let alone Jax - until they're compelled by hunger to try.

A method I use:
For new hawks, I often use 'make-birds'. I go with other falconers who fly seasoned hawks, and allow my new bird to observe those hawks pursue, catch, kill, and eat desired prey. The make-bird is like a pseudo-parent. They teach it - through example - that hunting CTs (or Jax in your case) is do-able for them, and what hawks are supposed to do. I've never had an immy not mimic their example after watching one kill made. And, having competition in the field can really turn them on too.

Note: For safety, be sure that the make-bird is known to be tolerant of other hawks in the field.

I agree... I would choose a female RT for Jax for their size and tenacity. Some tiercels are intimidated even by large buck CTs, and will check off (will not commit to the kill). That can be frustrating.

[myck]

What I meant by rare is that there are very few RTs that will voluntarily go after Jax instead of CTs. But ya, the make hawk concept is a good one. I might just consult my sponsor about that one. Oh, and Icus, I really like your method, but the problem is I don't have a ton of high perches for it. The areas that I'll be hunting in is your typical mountainous desert. Lots of sage and saguaro here and there. Looks like this is going to be trickier than I thought.

[ikcus]

If there are no high perches available. put up some PVC ones. I have seen it done quite a few times, or take a drive for the first few times. I spent days looking for spots before getting licensed and trapping and I am currently doing so to find more for this season.

Joe

[myck]

Ok, sounds like a good idea. Definitely something to bring up with my sponsor.

[dirthawker]

to keep them interested in jacks. I just only showed them jacks and then when you get to transferring if they catch a CT they get a smallish piece of food but if they caught a jack it was crop up time. so you catch 3 CT and then get a jack it is time to crop up only on jacks. but that is after you have gotten them to the point of transferring

[myck]

Sounds logical to me!

[gamble759]

i tried to get my rt to fly jacks but he wouldnt even take a second look, even if it ran right under him.. i tried the PVC approach as well. i stopped using one cause it is difficult to manage when hunting by yourself. tho, i never tried a baggie either. that may have done the trick (until he got kicked in the face.. ) but, im just as happy huntin CTs, now those he LOVES!!

[Beastdawg]

With my bird i first went out and shot a jack hooked it up on a line and i drug it around just like you would the lure. then when she caught it i made it fight until she got on the head after that i let her crop up and i mean crop up let her eat until she doesn't want to eat. i did this twice and then when out hawkin and i caught one the second time i went out and always let her eat a ton that method worked for me and she loves those jacks

[hawkingchic]

Have you tried showing your RT a jack yet? I have had some RT's that wouldn't show any interest in jacks at all. The more I showed the jacks to my RTs however, the more interested they became. I have also had RTs that just can't get enough of jacks. Through my experience it seems that some birds are just more gutsy than others. I have also had a friend whos tiercel RT went after jacks. It just depends. As far as the issue with not having any perches, I live in Colorado and hawk off the fist all the time. Hasn't seemed to impair my birds ability at all.

Jul 16, 2008 10:12:28 GMT -5 Migisi said:

Jul 15, 2008 19:31:32 GMT -5 myck said:

Some tiercels are intimidated even by large buck CTs, and will check off (will not commit to the kill). That can be frustrating.

Did you mean doe CTs? As they are the larger, just like most raptors.

[Modoc]

This thread got me excited!!! My MRT has been kicked in the head, kicked 6ft across the ground, kicked up and and down while riding rodeo style. And after that, he started checking off, and we didnt pursue anymore. (That was last season) Most of my fields are cottontails, and he is deadly on them. But i do have one field that holds jack, and after reading this, i want to hit that field and see what happends.