What should I wear when hunting with birds of prey?


A Harris hawk in flight, approaching a man in outdoor clothing standing in a grassy field.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, hunting with birds of prey might excite and intrigue you. However, if this is your first time doing it, there are some important things to consider when deciding what type of clothing or gear to wear. We will cover everything from layering for warmth and protection against windy conditions to selecting the best colour clothing to wear so your bird can easily spot where you are in the environment. Following these helpful tips and tricks, hunters can safely enjoy their time in the wild with their feathered friends! 

You want your clothes to be lightweight but protective simultaneously; items like a falcon vest and sturdy protective shoes or boots are a must. Also, based on the weather, you may need eye gear to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays or extra clothes if the weather is cold and wet.

Above all else, make sure your clothing provides safety. At the same time, in the field – opt for thick denim or heavy canvas pants, boots designed specifically for outdoor activities, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from heat exhaustion or sunburns.

Bald Eagle with falconer

Comfortable Clothing:

I usually advise wearing cosy clothes that offer protection and warmth in colder climates when hunting with birds of prey. Layers that are lightweight can be readily shed if you start to get too warm. A windproof vest or jacket works wonders to insulate your upper body from the wind, I’ve discovered. Also, it’s important to pick the right colour for your attire because lighter hues increase your bird’s ability to see you. Use muted tones like pale khakis, tans, greens, or a combination of the three.

Long-Sleeved Shirts:

During a hunt with raptors, long-sleeve shirts are a crucial component of your wardrobe. Long sleeves can offer warmth, and protection from the elements, and are excellent for layering with other garments, thus I frequently wear them. Choose clothes with long sleeves that are both light and durable for your expedition during hunting.

Pants, long pants, or jeans:

For me a pair of Long pants, jeans, or other comparable attire are recommended while deploying birds of prey as a hunting tool. Although wearing shorts in hot weather is tempting and seems logical, doing so puts you in danger of cuts and scrapes from surrounding branches and other plants. Get a pair of long trousers that are suitable for outdoor activities and comfortable. Choose a pair of broad, breathable, robust, and weather-resistant pants.

A Cap or Sun Hat:

Everytime I go out especially during summer I deem a hat or sun cap as an essential piece of gear when hunting with raptors. Without sufficient protection from the sun’s harsh rays and UV burns, hunters may succumb to heat fatigue, sunburn, and in severe cases, a heat stroke when the top of their head becomes too hot. This is because, in certain locations, the sun can be quite intense. For this reason, you should take measures to provide for yourself and safeguard your health while out hunting

Sunglasses for eye protection from the strong sun:

When hunting with birds of prey, sunglasses are a necessary piece of gear since they offer protection from the sun’s strong rays. These not only shield your eyes from harmful UV rays but also make it easier for you to see wildlife and other objects clearly. Make sure to purchase sunglasses made for outdoor activities with polarized lenses to lessen the glare of the harsh sunshine when choosing a pair for a hunt.

Waterproof Boots:

For hunters who want to spend time outside with their birds of prey, waterproof boots are essential. Unpredictable weather conditions might occur when you’re out in the wilderness, so it’s crucial to have a pair of boots that can keep your feet dry and comfy. Waterproof boots are made to keep out moisture.

Glow Tape/High Visibility Clothing:

For hunters who want to remain visible and safe while out in the pitch with raptors, glow tape and high-visibility apparel are crucial. Because of the reflective material used in these outfits, even in low light, birds can detect hunters more easily.

A lightweight, vividly coloured material, such as neon yellow or orange, is frequently used to make high-visibility clothes. To improve visibility in the dark, garments can also be embellished with glow tape. These precautions are a crucial and required component of bird hunting.

bird on glove

Gloves and Socks:

Two crucial pieces of apparel for bird of prey hunting are gloves and socks. whenever I was out hunting I find that Gloves shield your hands from the talons, branches, and other dangers that may be present when hunting in the woods. As a result, choosing tough gloves is crucial for protection. For this, leather or synthetic fabrics work nicely.

Accessories and Tools:

whenever your out on a hunt my experience reminds me that It’s crucial to have the right gear and tools while going on a bird of prey hunt in order to guarantee a successful expedition. Binoculars are a crucial piece of equipment for birdwatching and enable hunters to spot their prey from a distance.

In addition to proper clothing, I suggest you carry small equipment like binoculars, a knife and a birdcall or whistle (if needed). This will help you stay safe and make the most of your experience. If you follow these tips, you can rest assured that you will stay safe and comfortable while hunting with birds of prey in the field! Happy hunting!

rick

Welcome to my falconry website! My name is Richard, and I have been practising the art of Falconry for over 15 years. My fascination with birds of prey began at a young age when I visited a falconry sanctuary as a kid. The experience was truly captivating, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to learn more about these majestic birds. So my dad and I started to adventure towards the possibility of one-day becoming falconers, and that's how my journey in Falconry began. I find birds of prey to be remarkable at hunting prey. Their strength, speed, and intelligence are truly remarkable, and I've always been fascinated by the relationship between a falconer and their bird. The first bird I started my falconry journey with was a Harris Hawk, as I knew these were the easiest birds to start with. Unfortunately, I lost my Harris Hawk during the early days of training, which was devastating. However, this loss only made me want to try harder and do better in perfecting the art of Falconry to ensure I never lose a bird. Over the years, I have mentored many apprentice falconers and shared my knowledge and skills along the way. I have experience with a variety of birds, including different species of Hawks, Falcons, and Owls. Although my Best choice of bird to hunt with has always been my Peregrine falcon Jules. I have also worked with many experienced falconers and bird trainers, greatly expanding my knowledge and skill set while observing and learning. Unfortunately, due to a lack of information on the web, I struggled to find what I needed when I started in Falconry. Thus, I created this website to make learning about Falconry easier and faster for those interested. Now with the information and experience, I will provide throughout this site, understanding Falconry should be much easier than when I started out.

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