It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of equipment and gadgets that are part of falconry, so we’re going to use this page to talk about necessities and nothing more. For the basis of this page I will be using my home states requirements although most other states have identical or near identical requirements. You can find your states requirements in the state falconry regulations that pertain to you. Remember, also, that your sponsor may require you to use something additionally to this list, and that should be addressed between the sponsor and apprentice.
Housing and Perching and Tethering equipment are discussed on their own page, and both of which are required as a falconer.
I’m also going to include some equipment, that even if not considering a requirement by the state is a “need” of basic falconry.
GLOVE/GAUNTLET
It’s one of the most common traits of all falconry art, the “glove”.
A key item many people don’t realize and is critical to the entire process being successful. It gives the bird something to grab onto for balance rather than your smooth skin. Very rarely does a well mannered bird try to dig into the falconers hand.
The glove also serves as a reward station for your raptor to return to for a small piece of food. This can be for positive reinforcement while out in the field or to recall your bird after a hunt.
Another by-product value of the glove is cover for the falconer when assisting with quarry such as squirrels.
TRAINING AIDS/CONDITIONAL REINFORCERS
As we will discuss in the training area of the website, it’s extremely useful to carry with training aids such as a whistle, a clicker, or even both depending on your methods.
I personally use both the whistle and the clicker for different actions, however the whistle is the most commonly used for behavioral reinforcement.
A recommendation is always carry a back up.
LURES
This item is a staple in every falconers hawking bag. The lure is used in almost every training regime for both falcons and hawks, even if in different manners.
The bird is conditioned to see the lure as a reward, normally with a “bigger” reward than just returning to you. This helps bring in the stubborn bird or quickly recall during a dangerous situation.
Some falconers try to make their lures look lifelike as possible. Others use whatever random pieces of material they may have around. The looks/material do not seem to matter as much as being consistent. I make a duplicate backup for every bird just in case I lose the lure and need to get the bird down in a pinch. Often, however, once lure trained a bird will come in to any lure being swung.