Hunting Gear & Field Equipment

The Hawking Bag

Your hawking bag is command central in the field. It carries everything you need to feed, reward, and recover your bird.

What Goes in the Bag

• Food/tidbits: Reward pieces for calling the bird down
• Lure: Backup recall tool (see below)
• Spare equipment: Extra jesses, leash, swivel
• Knife: For dispatch, cutting, field prep
• Telemetry receiver: If not wearing separately
• Water: For you and possibly for the bird

The Game Vest

A good hunting vest keeps your hands free and gear accessible:

• Game pouch: Large rear pocket for carrying quarry
• Shell/gear pockets: Front pockets for tidbits, tools
• Blood-proof lining: Easy to clean after the hunt
• Breathability: You’ll be walking; ventilation matters

Lures

A lure is a training and recall tool—a fake prey item that the bird will pursue and be rewarded on.

Making Your Own Lure

Many falconers make lures from real wings (preserved with borax) or leather with feathers attached. Homemade lures work fine and cost almost nothing. Key points:

• Garnish with real meat for training sessions
• Make it visible (contrasting colors help)
• Ensure attachments are secure—you don’t want it falling apart mid-swing

Field First Aid

Things happen in the field—to you and to your bird. Be prepared:

Prepara tu morral de caza la noche anterior, siguiendo el mismo orden cada vez para poder encontrar los artículos al tacto sin mirar. Guarda los bocados en una bolsa sellada para evitar que tu morral se convierta en un caldo de cultivo de bacterias. Ablanda las botas nuevas antes de la temporada de caza, porque las ampollas terminan las jornadas antes de tiempo. Estudia tu terreno de caza con antelación usando imágenes satelitales para identificar hábitats probables de presas, puntos de acceso y peligros potenciales. Lleva un teléfono completamente cargado e informa a alguien dónde estarás cazando y cuándo esperas regresar.

Additional Field Gear

Clothing Considerations

What you wear affects your hunting:

• Layers: Temperature changes throughout the hunt; adjust as needed
• Earth tones: Blend in; avoid bright colors that spook quarry
• Tough pants: You’ll be pushing through brush and brambles
• Good boots: Waterproof, supportive, broken in
• Hat: Sun protection and helps with glare
• Glove (obviously): Your primary interface with the bird

Vehicle Setup

Your car is your mobile base:

• Giant hood or crate: Safe transport between hunting spots
• Perch: Some falconers mount a perch for breaks
• Cooler: For food, caught game, and cold drinks
• Towels: Things get messy
• Change of clothes: For after particularly muddy hunts
• Extra everything: Backup glove, spare equipment

Budget Priority

If you’re watching your budget, prioritize in this order:

Limpia tu morral después de cada caza, eliminando restos de comida y limpiando el interior con un desinfectante suave. Lava los chalecos de caza regularmente según las instrucciones del fabricante, prestando atención a los forros impermeables a la sangre que pueden albergar olores y bacterias. Inspecciona las fijaciones y cordones de los señuelos en busca de desgaste, reemplazando los cordones deshilachados antes de que se rompan durante una sesión de entrenamiento. Afila los cuchillos y tijeras de caza al inicio de cada temporada. Repone los suministros de primeros auxilios mensualmente, ya que el polvo hemostop absorbe humedad y pierde efectividad con el tiempo. Almacena todo el equipo de campo en un área ventilada para prevenir el moho.