Winter Partridge Hawking 2023 HD 1080p

Introspective thoughts....

Falconry is more about the challenge and process than it is about killing. Yes, death is ultimately a consequence of the process ... but it isn't the focus, at least not for me, for if it was, then I'd use a gun instead. This subtle difference is not obvious to the casual observer.

Falconry means different things to different people. The falcon doesn't care about fairness, mercy, or its style or quality of flying, as long as it catches and eats (although the latter two are usually connected). The dogs don't care about aesthetics or style ... just that it finds the game, and if allowed, catches and shares in consuming the prey. However, it is the hunter / falconer who is responsible for ensuring it is practiced both humanely and ethically regardless of the style or standard we set ourselves. Demonstrating equal respect to the prey as to the hawk and dog... not killing for the sake of killing.

Every head of game taken with a hawk should be reveared and cherished. To some extent, this evolves as part of a maturation process within the falconer themselves over time. Personal experience has shown that the degree of satisfaction, fullfilment, and reward obtained in achieving this is in direct proportion to the challenge and difficulty in doing so. I'm sure i'm not alone in that opinion. Yet as I contemplate the coming year, i try to think how I can continue to grow and improve as a falconer.

The attached amateur video is something I created following yesterday's flight. It sort of illustrates my style of falconry and what is involved. It's a bit long, and with practice, i will get better at it, but I hope you enjoy it.

Here's to a safe and successful 2023 / 2024 Hawking season !