Post by FalconryGirl on Mar 21, 2017 10:56:11 GMT -5
Though I'm a pre-apprentice, I want to start finding fields in which I could potentially fly a Red-tailed Hawk (what will probably be my first bird) after jackrabbits. I live in an area with a lot of farmers, etc. so I was hoping I could get landowner permission and hunt those lands. How can I identify a field as a potential candidate for hunting ground- i.e. what should I look for when searching for good fields?
"Think about it. You've really got to have a genetic imbalance to keep birds. You're dealing with something that will hurt you if you do something wrong."
Though I'm a pre-apprentice, I want to start finding fields in which I could potentially fly a Red-tailed Hawk (what will probably be my first bird) after jackrabbits. I live in an area with a lot of farmers, etc. so I was hoping I could get landowner permission and hunt those lands. How can I identify a field as a potential candidate for hunting ground- i.e. what should I look for when searching for good fields?
A lot of this depends on the type of area you're in. I live in a desert area with lots of scrub brush and sage. Any large, open areas that have sage on them have rabbits. Makes finding my spots pretty easy. Then I just take a walk through the field (90% of them are public land) and see how many I jump. If a lot jump, it's a good field. If it's a struggle to find some, maybe that field isn't worth my time. Talk to some local hunters or falconers. Most of them will know where the rabbits are. Hunters will be more likely to share rabbit fields than falconers!
it is good that you are thinking of this now. It is the greatest impediment to having a good day of hunting or a waste of time. Good fields near your house are not always easy to find. I have to drive 2 hours for spots where I know I will have multiple opportunities. It depends on where you live. I live in California, sop here are my tips: Farming areas look like they would be great, but often have no rabbits. There are more rabbits in and near the city than you think. I like to check out abandoned subdivisions that graded the roads, but never built the houses. Industrial parks usually have vacant lots with Yellow Star Thistle, Mustard, and a few tumble weeds. I look for the Forms where they hide, trails, and rabbit droppings. Droppings can sit on the soil for years so a few fresh ones are better than a bunch of faded ones and a few coyote scat.
Post by FalconryGirl on Mar 21, 2017 21:28:07 GMT -5
I live in a suburban neighborhood in Californa, but there are a lot of farmers, etc. nearby. There are a lot of open areas, some of which have more shrubbery and long grass than others. I have one friend who regularly has jackrabbits and have permission to hunt my hawk there.
I will take your advice and look around at industrial parks- that might be easier for me to get to (I'm too young to drive, so I can only bike. I think this is feasible, as there are fields close to my house that I can get to. Just wasn't sure how many rabbits I'll find).
Thanks!
"Think about it. You've really got to have a genetic imbalance to keep birds. You're dealing with something that will hurt you if you do something wrong."