Post by harrishawker on Oct 8, 2009 9:52:05 GMT -5
I have on good authority that the Serial killer is on the march.Some Tree rats are on exodus to different lands. Some are going to stand and fight and protect their drays. Fox rats will stand up and be counted. His name is Keith the madman with his beast from the deep.
Let the Battle commence
In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.
I knew it was him you were talking about. I was secretly hoping that maybe he got Bane back
I would not take her back if she flew into the mew. It was her time. I hardly even think about her, really. We had a very long run. It was one that any falconer would be envious of. Near the end she killed at will. I doubt I will ever have another like her. That is no reflection on me. She truly was exceptional. I think she read "How to be a Falconers bird" prior to me trapping her. Big feet to fill. In all honesty that is what I am most apprehensive about. I am afraid I will be disappointed. I will be trapping this year and will not settle. I want another good sized hen, late trapped. If I don't get what I want or if it turns out to be a basket case back it will go or I will simply do without. Right now I am thinking I will not intermew again. I have found I like the freedom of not having a bird 24/7 365. It will really have to be a keeper to case me to keep it. Of course I will let everyone know how things progress. 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 been searching for a larger bird too, Yarak. Caught and released 6 birds so far. I still have Rudi and he's a blast, he got his first squirrel over the weekend on our second hunt of the season. I'm getting ready to head out right now again. If I get a big hen, I will release Rudi, but I don't want to wait too long, because of winter settling in.
Remember, size ain't everything. My first bird was a 54.5 oz FRT and she was anything but a slayer. My second bird was trapped at 38.5 and flew all the way up to 47.5 with perfect control and made kills. I was hoping for a 50 oz bird as well and had trapped 12 birds this season before my new leading lady hit my trap and proceeding to crush it all to hell. She weighed 45 oz and had nice sized feet to boot. I've decided to call her Lady "V" ("V" is for Venom). My hope is that she'll be good on squirrels as well as bunnies. -Joby
Post by harrishawker on Oct 14, 2009 3:52:56 GMT -5
Great name ;D
With such a big bird though hunting squirrel in Forests surely it has to be a disadvantage. Yes off coarse if it gets hold of the rat it crushes and kills it quicker....Probably... but what about manoeuvrability. A good average sized female would be better surely.
In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.
Post by Master Yarak on Oct 14, 2009 6:49:36 GMT -5
To silence my critics....Yes I know size is not everything. Here is MY way of thinking. Aerodynamics are very close between the sexes. Yes, the smaller birds are a bit quicker. Yes, they are a bit more maneuverable. Now you may think that being able to catch a squirrel is the biggest part of the equation. It is not. If it catches a squirrel and gets bit I would have prefered it not have caught the squirrel. If it catches the squirrel and cannot hold on that is still bad. The REAL issue for me is when the two animals come together. More weight equals more impact power. Bigger feet mean a better grip, more span and more meat to take the bite. 32-38 oz bird can do a good job on grey squirrels, not so much on the bigger fox squirrels. My ideal weight range for this type of hunting is between 43-50 oz flight weight. Here I have mainly grey squirrels. I prefer to hunt fox squirrels. So, I will seek them out as a preference. In my mind getting the best tool for the job is a "no brainer". It is brick with a bad attitude that suits my hunting style. Squirrel hawking is risky anyway, so why not hedge my bets and err a bit more on the side of caution. Hens TEND to be a bit less choosy about where to grab. They also TEND to have a bit more aggression and cover courage. There you have it. Yarak
Last Edit: Oct 14, 2009 6:51:04 GMT -5 by Master 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
To silence my critics....Yes I know size is not everything. Here is MY way of thinking. Aerodynamics are very close between the sexes. Yes, the smaller birds are a bit quicker. Yes, they are a bit more maneuverable. Now you may think that being able to catch a squirrel is the biggest part of the equation. It is not. If it catches a squirrel and gets bit I would have prefered it not have caught the squirrel. If it catches the squirrel and cannot hold on that is still bad. The REAL issue for me is when the two animals come together. More weight equals more impact power. Bigger feet mean a better grip, more span and more meat to take the bite. 32-38 oz bird can do a good job on grey squirrels, not so much on the bigger fox squirrels. My ideal weight range for this type of hunting is between 43-50 oz flight weight. Here I have mainly grey squirrels. I prefer to hunt fox squirrels. So, I will seek them out as a preference. In my mind getting the best tool for the job is a "no brainer". It is brick with a bad attitude that suits my hunting style. Squirrel hawking is risky anyway, so why not hedge my bets and err a bit more on the side of caution. Hens TEND to be a bit less choosy about where to grab. They also TEND to have a bit more aggression and cover courage. There you have it. Yarak
Hold up there Master Yarak. Nobody is criticising you .You have your reasons as do I and others. I think opinionated would be a better one. I see your opinion that it is the make contact with and not the flight that is more central to you. Even so I think a 2lb 8oz Female would deal with a Fox squirrel. My opinion also is if it’s the impact of the kill and to kill it promptly as not to wound the bird I still see manoeuvrability even on impact as a big issue and can be safer than a hawk that can’t be as manoeuvrable due to its heavier weight. I think to have an evenly balanced amount of both is crucial to make it a safe and sure kill.
In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.