Falconry Gloves
Your glove is the interface between you and your bird. The right glove protects your hand, gives the bird a secure perch, and becomes an extension of your arm in the field.
Your glove is the single piece of equipment you touch every time you interact with your bird. A poor-fitting or inadequate glove creates a cycle of problems: you flinch from talon pressure, the bird senses your tension and grips harder, and both handler and raptor lose confidence. A quality glove eliminates this feedback loop, allowing natural movement and relaxed handling that translates into better training sessions and safer field experiences for both falconer and hawk.
Why the Glove Matters
A raptor’s talons are designed to kill. Even a well-manned bird will grip firmly when startled or excited, and during training you’ll spend hours with a bird on your fist. The glove needs to:
- Protect your hand from talon punctures and grip pressure
- Provide a stable perch the bird feels secure on
- Allow dexterity for handling equipment and food
- Withstand weather and field conditions
- Last for years with proper care
Types of Falconry Gloves
Single-Layer Gloves
Lighter weight, more dexterity. Best for smaller birds like kestrels or well-manned accipiters. Less protection but better feel.
Double-Layer Gloves
Standard for most falconry. Outer layer of tough leather, inner layer for comfort and additional protection. Balances protection with usability.
Heavy-Duty / Eagle Gloves
Maximum protection for large, powerful birds. Often extends past the elbow. Thick, reinforced construction. Less dexterity but necessary for big raptors.
Materials
Leather Types
- Cowhide: Durable, affordable, common choice. Stiffens with water if not treated.
- Deerskin: Softer, more supple. Great feel but less puncture resistant.
- Elk: Good balance of toughness and flexibility. Popular for quality gloves.
- Buffalo: Very tough, good for larger birds. Can be stiff initially.
- Kangaroo: Thin but strong. Excellent dexterity. Premium option.
Sizing & Fit
A proper fit is essential. Too loose and the bird feels unstable; too tight and you lose circulation and dexterity.
How to Measure
- 1. Measure around your palm at the widest point (excluding thumb)
- 2. Measure from wrist to tip of middle finger
- 3. Compare to manufacturer’s size chart
- 4. When in doubt, order slightly larger—leather can be worked in
Breaking In a New Glove
New gloves are stiff. Breaking them in properly makes them comfortable and extends their life:
- Wear the glove around the house for a few hours
- Work the leather by opening and closing your hand
- Apply leather conditioner sparingly
- Don’t soak it—this damages the leather
- Let it mold to your hand shape over time
Care & Maintenance
- Clean regularly: Wipe off blood and debris after each use
- Condition periodically: Leather conditioner keeps it supple
- Dry properly: If wet, let it dry naturally—never heat
- Store flat: Don’t crumple or fold
- Replace when worn: Thin spots mean reduced protection
Break in a new glove gradually over several days before using it with your bird. Wear it while doing chores to accelerate the process. Never use someone else's broken-in glove, as it will have molded to their hand shape. If you hunt in wet conditions, treat your glove with a waterproofing agent designed for leather. Keep a second glove in your vehicle as backup. Some falconers rub a small amount of food into the glove surface initially to encourage the bird to stand comfortably on it.
Budget Guidance
Expect to spend $50-150 for a quality falconry glove. Cheap gloves wear out quickly and may not provide adequate protection. This is equipment you’ll use every day—invest appropriately.
Where to Learn More
This guide covers the fundamentals. For detailed information on specific products, fitting techniques, and advanced considerations:
- Your sponsor: They can help you choose based on your specific bird
- Falconry suppliers: Reputable dealers offer fitting guidance
- Falconry clubs: Members often share recommendations and used equipment
- Online forums: Search for reviews and comparisons from experienced falconers
Bottom Line
Buy the best glove you can afford. It’s one of the few pieces of equipment you’ll use every single day. A good glove lasts years and makes every interaction with your bird more comfortable and safe.
After each use, wipe down your glove with a damp cloth to remove blood, mutes, and debris before they set into the leather. Apply leather conditioner monthly, working it into seams and stress points where cracking starts first. Never dry a wet glove near a heat source. Instead, stuff it with newspaper and let it air dry at room temperature. Replace your glove when you notice thinning at the thumb or finger areas where talons grip. A well-maintained quality glove should last two to three years of regular use.
learnEquipment.gloves.expertTipsTitle
Choose a glove that fits snugly without restricting finger movement. Your glove should extend past the wrist to protect your forearm from talons, especially if you fly a buteo or accipiter. Break in a new leather glove gradually by wearing it during daily tasks before using it with your bird. A stiff glove reduces your ability to feel the bird’s grip tension, which is an important communication signal during training.
learnEquipment.gloves.commonQuestionsTitle
The most common question about falconry gloves is whether you need different gloves for different species. While a single well-made glove works for most situations, falconers who fly large raptors like Red-tailed Hawks or Harris’s Hawks often prefer a heavier, longer gauntlet than those flying kestrels or merlins. Some experienced falconers maintain two gloves: a lighter one for daily manning and training, and a heavier one for hunting and field work.
learnEquipment.gloves.historicalContextTitle
The falconry glove is one of the oldest pieces of specialized sporting equipment still in regular use. Medieval illustrations from the 13th century show falconers wearing leather gauntlets virtually identical in design to modern gloves. The traditional materials of thick leather and reinforced stitching remain the standard today because no synthetic material has matched leather’s combination of durability, grip, and tactile sensitivity.