How to Trap a Red-Tailed Hawk for Falconry

Trapping a red-tailed hawk should always be a safe and humane process. This is especially true if you want to use the bird as a hunting partner in which case successful harnessing requires that the hawk not be harmed in any way. A bird that is injured or made angry through trapping will not make a good predator for you. Red-tailed hawk trapping generally occurs in the autumn months in North America, and takes relatively few tools and little time.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow net trap
  • Live mouse or rat for bait
  • Binoculars
  • Gloves
  • Small scissors
  • Painter's tape
  • Hood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a spot where red-tailed hawks are likely to be seen. They tend to live at the edge of wooded areas and by open fields for easier hunting, and can often be seen perching on fence posts or tree branches.

    • 2

      Set up your bow net trap with the bait inside after choosing a spot, and move far enough away to avoid being seen or heard, but where you can still see the trap. It is very important to monitor your trap, as a bird stuck in it for too long may hurt itself or become prey for another animal.

    • 3

      Watch through your binoculars for a red-tailed hawk to approach the bow net, and go back to the trap as soon as a bird is stuck.

    • 4

      Approach the trapped hawk carefully and put on your gloves. Release the trap, and carefully begin to free the bird's head, body and wings from the net, saving the feet for last. Use the scissors on the net if you must, although it will ruin the net. As soon as possible, hold the legs together to keep the bird in your control.

    • 5

      Check the red-tailed hawk for signs of poor health and injury. Identify the bird to be certain it is the breed you want.

    • 6

      Keep hold of the hawk's legs, and tape them together gently with the painter's tape. Place the hood over the bird's head, and bring it to a very dark room, where it can be unhooded and acclimated.