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Image source: global.ralphlauren.com
A peregrine falcon flies high above, the clean lines of its wings cutting through the sky. It circles once and then swoops down low, coming in ever closer, until it lands gracefully on your gloved hand. You feed it a tidbit of raw meat and gently toss it back into the air. Once it has gained altitude, it beings to dive and you look to where a duck is flying slow and heavy. The Peregrine strikes hard and the two come to rest on the muddy banks of the pond. After allowing the bird a taste of her catch, you coax her onto your fist and pocket the duck.
Falconry isn’t for everyone. It requires significant training before you are ready to legally own and hunt with a raptor. You will need to devote considerable care and time to training and maintaining your bird. You will need to invest in quality equipment and housing for your bird. But, just like hunting with dogs, birds of prey offer a unique and rewarding hunting experience. Ducks, doves, rabbits, squirrels and other small prey are all possibilities.
There are a number of different raptors, including hawks, accipiters, eagles, falcons, and owls, but you will most likely be starting with a red-tailed hawk or an American kestrel.
Source: http://www.offthegridnews.com/2014/04/30/learn-falconry-and-let-a-bird-do-the-hunting/