How to catch a Falcon
The dho gaza is a trap using a net mounted in front of the bait, which is secured to prevent its escape. Again, any type of bait that will attract the hawk or falcon can be used. The hawk or falcon attempts to catch the bait, collides with the net, and the net collapses around the bird, trapping it.
The bal-chatri, the most common trap in falconry, is a trap comprised of a noose-covered cage containing the bait. Bait can be a mouse, a rat, a sparrow, a starling, or any creature which will attract the attention of the hawk or falcon to be trapped. When the hawk or falcon attempts to catch the bait, it's stopped by the cage, with its feet becoming tangled in the nooses.
The bownet uses a spring-loaded mechanism with the secured bait at the trap's center. When the hawk or falcon catches the bait, the bownet, either remotely operated or through the use of a mechanical trigger on the trap, springs open over the bird, catching it in the net strung between the two arms of the trap.
These are the most popular sizes of nooses for all types of traps. They are available in packages of 22 each. We have seen them attached to all types of traps including pigeon harnesses.
Wire Nooses for Phai Traps: 20# and 30# nylon coated stainless steel nooses. The 20” inch wire is very sturdy, smooth and a bit thinner than monofilament. The package contains 22 pre-crimped wire nooses, crimps for attaching to a trap. We use these nooses here at Western Sporting for our Balchatri trap and Phai Traps.
Wire Nooses for Phai Traps: 20# and 30# nylon coated stainless steel nooses. The 20” inch wire is very sturdy, smooth and a bit thinner than monofilament. The package contains 22 pre-crimped wire nooses, crimps for attaching to a trap. We use these nooses here at Western Sporting for our Balchatri trap and Phai Traps.
Noose pad traps can be divided into two types: those used on live bait, and those used on already caught bait. In the case of the former, a noosed harness is placed onto the bait. The bait, often a starling or pigeon, is secured, and its attempts at escape bring in the hawk or falcon, resulting in the trapping of the bird's feet in the nooses. When a noose pad is used on already caught bait, bait is captured by the hawk or falcon, and the bird of prey is allowed to begin eating. Then, the hawk or falcon is scared away from its kill, and a flat panel covered in nooses is laid over the prey. When the bird returns to continue eating, it becomes trapped in the nooses. Since the bal-chatri is the most common type of trap, we'll cover how it's used in trapping. To trap a hawk or falcon with the bal-chatri, you'll need the following things:
- a license (if applicable)
- a trap
- bait (any rodent or bird, etc., that will fit in the trap, preferably one common to the area and the raptor's diet)
- a location with the bird(s) to be trapped (make sure you have permission if on private land, and know the laws about trapping near roadways if on public land)
- binoculars or a spotting scope
- a field guide to birds
- patience (perhaps the most important thing listed)