Took a chance today. Toma was a little high (690 grams). He normally hunts around 660. And we had winds gusting to 25 - 30 MPH. The first slip was almost funny. Flush the rabbit and of course it went into the wind. Toma pumped and pumped but got nowhere. That put him into better position for the next slip. Flushed another and it went the right way ... down wind. Toma locked on to the bunny's head. I made in quickly and dispatched the bunny and helped open it up. Toma now weights 900 grams - no hunting tomorrow.
Great job! Its always fun to watch them pump into the wind...my girl did that yesterday and wore herself out trying to get to me from 200 yards away...she ended up landing in the field for a minute or two before making her way to the fist....are you planning on intermewing Toma and trying him again next year?
Hey Meagan Yes I'm planning on intermewing him. In the beginning all I wanted was a large hen but this little guy has been pretty good. I can't wait to see him work next season. He and I have both learned a lot! I plan on keeping him until next spring, releaseing him and trapping (Hopefully) a large hen fall of 2010.
Rob Trapped at 780. First free flight at 690. Flys best at 660 or so but does OK up to 690. He is the very small economy size but is very very quick.
After I fly this gal for another season (or two ) I am really wanting to try a male. I've heard they are extremely fast and very agile....its good to hear you have good things to say about the males....it makes me want to try one even more now...keep up the good work with him and I cant wait to hear how he does next season!
I wanted nothing more than a tiny male this year to fly on grouse, and what did I get? A giant of a western female. (1252g trap weight is quite substantial out here )
He sounds like a real killer and he can definitely use that speed to his advantage. Great job!
If you dislike someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. --Jack Handy