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Falconry Equipment Guide: Essential Gear for Hunting with Birds of Prey.
1. What Is Falconry Equipment?
2. Why Proper Gear Matters
3. Core Falconry Tools and Their Functions
4. Types of Falconry Equipment by Category
5. Materials and Craftsmanship
6. How to Choose Falconry Gear
7. Equipment for Different Falconry Styles
8. Maintenance and Safety Tips
9. Where to Buy Falconry Equipment
10. Final Thoughts
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1. What Is Falconry Equipment?
Falconry equipment refers to the specialized tools and accessories used to train, handle, and hunt with birds of prey—such as falcons, hawks, and eagles. This gear ensures the safety of both the bird and the falconer, facilitates effective communication, and supports ethical hunting practices.
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2. Why Proper Gear Matters
Using the right falconry gear is critical for:
• Safety: Preventing injuries to the bird and handler
• Control: Managing the bird during training and flights
• Training Efficiency: Reinforcing behaviors and recall
• Bird Welfare: Reducing stress and ensuring comfort
Inadequate or poorly fitted equipment can lead to escape, injury, or failed hunts.
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3. Core Falconry Tools and Their Functions
Here’s a breakdown of the essential falconry equipment every falconer should know:
• Falconry Glove (Gauntlet): Protects the falconer’s hand and forearm from talons
• Hood: Covers the bird’s eyes to keep it calm during transport or rest
• Jesses: Leather straps attached to the bird’s legs for control
• Leash: Connects jesses to the glove or perch
• Swivel: Prevents leash tangling
• Perch (Block or Bow): Resting platform for tethered birds
• Lure: Simulates prey during training and recall
• Telemetry (Radio or GPS): Tracks the bird during free flight
• Scales: Monitors the bird’s weight for health and performance
• Bath Pan: Allows the bird to clean and hydrate
• Mews: Secure housing for the bird
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4. Types of Falconry Equipment by Category
🧤 Handling Gear
• Gloves (single or double-layered leather)
• Arm protectors (aba or chaps)
🪶 Bird Gear
• Hoods (Dutch, Anglo-Indian, Arab styles)
• Jesses (traditional or Aylmeri)
• Anklets and bewits
• Bells (brass or nickel-plated)
🧲 Control and Tracking
• Swivels and leashes
• Telemetry transmitters and receivers
• Tail mounts and leg mounts
🪢 Training Tools
• Lures (rabbit, pigeon, or feathered)
• Creance lines (long training cords)
• Bow nets and Bal Chatri traps (for initial capture)
🏠 Housing and Transport
• Mews and weathering yards
• Hawk boxes (giant hoods)
• Perches (block, bow, ring, screen)
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5. Materials and Craftsmanship
High-quality falconry gear is typically made from:
• Kangaroo leather: Lightweight, strong, and flexible
• Cowhide: Durable and protective for gloves
• Stainless steel: Used in swivels and telemetry mounts
• Wood and aluminum: For perches and transport boxes
Craftsmanship matters—poor stitching or cheap materials can compromise safety and longevity.
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6. How to Choose Falconry Gear
When selecting falconry equipment, consider:
• 🐦 Bird species and size: A Harris’s Hawk needs different gear than a Peregrine Falcon
• 🧍 Falconer’s experience level: Beginners may prefer simpler setups
• 🌦️ Environment: Wet climates require rust-resistant materials
• 🎯 Purpose: Hunting, display, or rehabilitation
Always prioritize fit, comfort, and durability. Ill-fitting hoods or jesses can cause stress or injury.
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7. Equipment for Different Falconry Styles
🏹 Hunting Falconry
• Lightweight gloves for mobility
• GPS telemetry for long-range tracking
• Camouflaged gear and silent swivels
🎓 Display and Educational Falconry
• Decorative hoods and bells
• Custom perches for public settings
• Portable hawk boxes
🧪 Rehabilitation and Research
• Adjustable jesses and scales
• Minimal-stress hoods
• Data-logging telemetry
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8. Maintenance and Safety Tips
• Clean leather gear with saddle soap and condition regularly
• Inspect jesses and leashes for wear before each flight
• Store hoods in dry, ventilated areas
• Calibrate telemetry devices before use
• Replace worn swivels and bells promptly
Proper care extends the life of your gear and protects your bird.
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9. Where to Buy Falconry Equipment
Trusted sources include:
• Specialized falconry suppliers (e.g., Mike’s Falconry, Mac Falcon)
• Falconry clubs and meets
• Custom leather artisans
• Online marketplaces with verified reviews
Avoid generic pet stores—falconry gear requires precision and expertise.
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10. Final Thoughts
Falconry is a centuries-old tradition that demands respect, skill, and the right tools. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned falconer, investing in quality falconry equipment is essential for success, safety, and the well-being of your bird.
From handcrafted hoods to high-tech telemetry, each item plays a vital role in the art of hunting with raptors. Choose wisely, maintain diligently, and fly responsibly.
Falconry Equipment Explained: Jesses, Hoods, Gloves, and Telemetry Gear for Modern Falconers
Falconry is one of the oldest hunting traditions still practiced today, with roots stretching back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. While the art of training birds of prey has evolved, the core falconry equipment—jesses, hoods, gloves, and telemetry gear—remains essential. Whether you’re flying a peregrine falcon, Harris hawk, or goshawk, understanding and maintaining your gear is critical for safety, control, and successful hunting.
This article breaks down each component of falconry equipment, based on verified sources and field experience, with practical advice for training, care, and use.
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🪢 Jesses: The Falconer’s Connection to the Bird
Jesses are thin straps—traditionally made of leather—attached to the bird’s legs via anklets. They allow the falconer to handle, tether, and control the bird without restricting movement. Jesses are used during training, transport, and when the bird is perched.
Types of Jesses
• Mews Jesses: Longer, used when the bird is in the aviary. Typically without slits or buttons.
• Flying Jesses: Shorter, with slits or buttons to prevent snagging during flight.
• Field Jesses: Lightweight and minimalistic, designed for hunting scenarios.
Modern jesses are often made from kangaroo leather due to its strength and flexibility. Synthetic alternatives like Biothane are gaining popularity for their resistance to moisture and wear.
Care and Maintenance
• Clean with saddle soap or leather cleaner.
• Inspect for cracks, stiffness, or fraying.
• Replace immediately if compromised—failure in the field can result in a lost bird.
Jesses should be supple but strong. A stiff or cracked jess can injure the bird or fail during flight.
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🦉 Hoods: Calm and Focus in the Field
The hood is one of the most iconic pieces of falconry equipment. It covers the bird’s head, blocking visual stimuli and helping it remain calm during handling, transport, or waiting periods in the field.
Common Hood Designs
• Dutch Hood: Rigid, structured, with adjustable braces. Ideal for larger birds.
• Anglo-Indian Hood: Lightweight, flexible, often used for falcons.
• Arab Hood: Soft leather, simple pull-tab closure, popular in desert climates.
Materials range from calfskin and kangaroo leather to synthetic suede. Custom hoods are often tailored to the bird’s species and head shape.
Training and Fit
• Introduce gradually during manning (initial taming).
• A hood must fit snugly without pressure on the eyes or beak.
• Never force the hood—this can cause long-term aversion.
A well-fitted hood is essential. Poor fit leads to discomfort, stress, and refusal to wear.
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🧤 Gloves: Protection and Perch
Falconry gloves protect the falconer’s hand and arm from talons while providing a stable perch for the bird. They vary in length, thickness, and material depending on the species flown.
Types of Gloves
• Short Gauntlets: For small birds like kestrels.
• Mid-Length Gloves: Suitable for Harris hawks and medium falcons.
• Full Gauntlets: Required for eagles and large owls.
Most gloves are made from cowhide, elk leather, or buffalo hide. Reinforced stitching and padded palms improve durability. Some gloves include D-rings for attaching leashes or swivels.
Care Tips
• Condition with leather balm to prevent drying and cracking.
• Air dry after use; avoid soaking.
• Inspect for punctures or wear before each flight.
A damaged glove can compromise safety. Always check before handling your bird.
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📡 Telemetry Gear: Tracking and Recovery
Telemetry systems have transformed falconry by reducing bird loss and enabling longer, more confident flights. These systems include transmitters, receivers, and antennas—often GPS-enabled.
Components
• Transmitters: Mounted on the bird’s leg, tail, or back. Lightweight and weather-resistant.
• Receivers: Handheld units that detect signals from the transmitter.
• Antennas: Directional tools used to locate the bird.
Mounting Options
• Leg Mounts: Easy to attach, but may snag.
• Tail Mounts: Aerodynamic, but risk loss if feather breaks.
• Backpack Mounts: Secure and balanced, ideal for long flights.
Modern telemetry systems use VHF radio or GPS. GPS units provide real-time data on location, altitude, and speed. Some models sync with mobile apps for enhanced tracking and data logging.
Best Practices
• Test before each flight.
• Carry spare batteries.
• Use in combination with lure training and visual observation.
Telemetry is not a substitute for training—it’s a safety net. Birds should still respond to recall and lure.
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🏹 Training with Falconry Equipment
Training a bird of prey requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. Equipment plays a vital role in shaping behavior and building trust.
Training Stages
1. Manning: Getting the bird accustomed to human presence and handling.
2. Creance Training: Using a long line to teach recall and flight control.
3. Free Flight: Gradual release with telemetry support.
4. Hunting: Introducing live quarry in controlled conditions.
Jesses and leashes are used during early training to prevent escape. Hoods help manage overstimulation. Gloves provide a safe platform for feeding and perching. Telemetry enables longer flights and confidence in recovery.
Tip: Keep sessions short and positive. End on a good note to reinforce trust.
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🧪 Equipment Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of your gear and ensures safety in the field.
• Leather items: Clean with saddle soap, condition monthly, store in breathable bags.
• Telemetry: Check connections, update firmware, replace worn mounts.
• Gloves: Air dry, avoid direct sunlight, inspect stitching.
• Hoods: Brush out debris, reshape if needed, store on hood blocks.
Routine inspection is non-negotiable. A failed jess, cracked glove, or dead transmitter can compromise the hunt or endanger the bird.
ADIHEX: Middle East's Premier Hunting and Equestrian Event. Location Abu Dhabi.
ADIHEX - The Largest Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition in the Middle East. For hunting enthusiasts and equestrian aficionados, ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition) stands as the premier event in the Middle East. Held annually in Abu Dhabi, this exhibition attracts visitors from around the world with its comprehensive display of hunting gear, falconry equipment, equestrian supplies, and more. Here's what you need to know about ADIHEX.
Overview of ADIHEX
Event Name: Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX)
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Frequency: Annually
Duration: Typically held over 5-7 days
Sections of the Exhibition
ADIHEX is organized into several key sections, each catering to different aspects of hunting and equestrian interests:
1. Falconry: Showcasing the latest in falconry equipment and innovations, this section attracts falconry enthusiasts from around the globe.
2. Hunting & Shooting Sports: This section features a wide range of hunting rifles, shotguns, and related gear, making it a must-visit for hunters.
3. Equestrian: From horse care products to riding gear, the equestrian section covers all things related to horse riding and equestrian sports.
4. Hunting Tourism & Safaris: Exhibitors offer information and packages for hunting trips and safaris, both local and international.
5. Camping & Outdoor Equipment: A comprehensive display of camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor cooking equipment.
6. Veterinary Products & Services: Focused on animal health, this section showcases the latest in veterinary care and services.
7. Outdoor & Leisure Vehicles: Exhibits include ATVs, trailers, and other outdoor leisure vehicles designed for hunting and exploration.
8. Fishing & Marine Sports: Offering a variety of fishing gear and equipment, this section caters to both amateur and professional anglers.
9. Conservation & Cultural Heritage: Highlighting efforts in wildlife conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage.
10. Arts & Crafts: Featuring artwork and crafts related to hunting, wildlife, and the outdoors.
11. Caravans & RVs: Displaying the latest in caravans and recreational vehicles for those who enjoy traveling in style.
Featured Brands
ADIHEX attracts some of the most renowned brands in the industry. Here are a few you might encounter: Leupold, Bushnell, Zeiss, Swarovski Optik, Beretta, Remington, Winchester, Browning, Savage Arms, Benelli, Mossberg, CZ-USA, Steiner, Blaser, Howa…
Time and Venue
ADIHEX is typically held in late August or early September at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event spans 5-7 days, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore the vast array of exhibits and participate in various activities.
Why Attend ADIHEX?
For hunters, attending ADIHEX offers the chance to see the latest advancements in hunting gear, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and gain insights from industry experts. The exhibition also serves as a platform for promoting wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting practices. In addition, equestrian lovers will find an extensive range of products and services tailored to their needs, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about horses.
