How to train a BOP

[JVanLeir]

I am new to falconry and am somewhat unsure of how you train a BOP exactly. Do you carry it to the perch over and over until it learns to fly to it or something? Please describe in detail how you train a BOP so it is clear...

[Darren]

have u been to a bird of prey centre or spoke to any of the local Falconers near you....it would be best if you could hook up with someone who lives near you.....I know you have to to an apprentice scheme in the states but I dont know much about it.....hopefully there will be some of the memebers from the states on soon to help you out

[Coedhirion]

Recon you should also get a good book out the library or splash out on one. There are several well written books that aren't too expensive and give a lot of the info you want. Hope you can find a sponsor soon to help you on your way!! :)

[JVanLeir]

People will sponsor me to become a falconer???

[Coedhirion]

People will sponsor me to become a falconer???

errr...not as in give you money. You grovel, plead and help with all the grotty jobs and in return...if you are keen enough..you get to be an apprentice. Then you learn more etc. That's kinda how it goes. we should have more rules like that in the UK then there would be fewer unsuitable owners just buying birds cos they looked 'cool' and the poor birds end up stuck some where 24/7 untill...well who knows!!! :evil: :roll:

[JVanLeir]

Unfortunately no one in the entire state of new jersey seems to engage in the sport of falconry, although they have a website. This makes it particularly hard for me to find anyone..

[Coedhirion]

Keep checking the website, plus try to find any one from USA who uses this forum to give you a name. It takes time and effort, but they are sure to be out there!!! Good luck

[Ahmed]

ok, just to avoid adding a new topic, i was looking for a book that will guid me as well to train a falcon or hawk, is there a difference?, and i came across this book:

Training Birds of Prey (by Jemima Parry Jones)

is it any good?

would really appreciate any help on rating this book or any other good book that might help me and JVanLeir at the same time.

[Renton]

Training Birds of Prey (by Jemima Parry Jones)

is it any good?

A concise answer; yes!

Other books that are well worth reading are:

Falconry, Art and Practice. Emma Ford.

Falconry and Hawking. Phillip Glasier.

Understanding the Bird of Prey. Nick Fox.

[Gary Timbrell]

Ahmed,

You will be able to buy all the books, equipment, videos etc you want at the Hunting Exhibition 12-16 September in the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre. The whole exhibition revoves around falconry.

[Peregrynne]

there are a few books that US falconers recommend you read if you read no others...

North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks by Frank Beebe and Hal Webster(considered to be THE book on falconry in North America)

Falconer's Apprentice by William Oakes

Training the Red Tailed Hawk by Liam McGranaghan

Apprentice Study Guide from the California Hawking Club

just to name a few...those are usually on the top of the list for most of the falconers here

[Ahmed]

Thanks a lot guys for the help.

Gary Timbrell, i won't be able to attend Abu Dhabi Exhibition since i am locked down here in USA. i will finish school on December then i will go to UAE.

so unfortunately, i will miss the Exhibition and the season

[Ahmed]

i hope am not nagging here,

i don't think the same ideas and methods in those books apply for falcons, i mean is the training method for a hawk is similer to a falcon? i don't think so but i'll wait for some experienced peopl responses.

[IAmTheWeasel]

Unfortunately no one in the entire state of new jersey seems to engage in the sport of falconry, although they have a website. This makes it particularly hard for me to find anyone..Patience young grasshoppa.....There are quite a few falconers in Jersey. When the packet arrives, start calling the names that will be in there. Ask them if you can come over to se the birds and if you can go out with them for some hunting when the season arrives. I met two Jersey falconers at the NAFA meet in Amarillo Texas a few years back. I beleive one of their names was Paul.

[JVanLeir]

thanks for the advice...if only there was a forum for training pigeons to deliver messages...I could have everyone in New Jersey by now...

[Newbie FHH]

On the subject of training & books - no-one seems to ever mention Lee William Harris' books - I have read the falconry one and am just starting the one about the Harris Hawk. Are his books any good - generally speaking??

I have just also bought an Emma Ford one off Ebay. As I know a few of you guys like her!!! books I mean - obviously ;-)

[Ben C]

On the subject of training & books - no-one seems to ever mention Lee William Harris' books

Ask yourself why?

He has a picture of a frozen bunny on page 113 with the caption "Ami closing in on a kill". Mmmmmmmmmmmm REALLY :)

Try these ones:
Martin Hollinshead, Adrian Hallgarth,Emma Ford, Tony Hall and.........well that should do you for the moment :) :) Loads of other will point you in the right direction................Stay away from Lee Billy Budgie though :) :)

[Newbie FHH]

page 113

Obviously haven't got there yet then!!!

[Ben C]

He has a new one coming out this summer............maybe a few sneak previews at the Bash :) :) :)

[Takajo]

Van Leir-san,
Just drive down to Cape May, and you'll meet about 50-100 falconers on any given weekend. :)