Trapping birds of prey is one of the most traditional aspects of falconry, dating back centuries before captive breeding became possible. The process requires significant skill, knowledge, and careful attention to the welfare of both the raptor and any lure animals involved.
This comprehensive guide examines the various trapping techniques employed in falconry, proper handling procedures, and critical safety considerations for both the birds and handlers.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The trapping of raptors is strictly regulated worldwide. In the United States, anyone interested in trapping raptors must obtain appropriate state and federal permits.
Typically, new falconers must complete a minimum two-year apprenticeship under the guidance of a licensed falconer before being permitted to trap their own birds. These regulations exist to ensure the welfare of wild raptor populations and to maintain ethical standards in the practice.
Different countries have varying legal and ethical standards regarding which species may be trapped, the seasons during which trapping is permitted, and the specific methods that may be employed. It is essential for anyone interested in trapping raptors to familiarize themselves with all local, state, and federal regulations before attempting to trap them.
Permits Required
Most jurisdictions require multiple permits for the legal and ethical capture of raptors:
- Falconry permit
- Trapping permit
- In some cases, specific permits for certain species or methods
Ethical Standards
Beyond legal requirements, ethical trapping follows these principles:
- Never leave traps unattended (with very few exceptions)
- Ensuring the safety of the raptor is the primary concern
- Minimizes stress to both target birds and lure animals
- Use appropriate equipment designed to prevent injury
- Process captured birds quickly to avoid overheating or stress
Biological vs. Non-Biological Trapping Techniques
Trapping techniques can be broadly categorized as biological (using live animals as lures) or non-biological (mechanical traps without live lures).
Biological traps are generally more effective as they appeal to the raptor’s natural hunting instincts. Research in Pakistan found that biological trapping techniques were more commonly used by trappers than non-biological techniques. However, biological traps raise additional ethical considerations regarding the welfare of lure animals.
Non-biological traps include techniques like the sock-ball, adda, and nest-net, which don’t require live animals as bait.
Types of Traps
Bal-Chatri Trap
The bal-chatri is perhaps the most versatile and widely used trap for capturing raptors in falconry and research.
Description and History
The bal-chatri is a wire mesh cage (typically made from hardware cloth or chicken wire) with monofilament nooses attached to the top and sides. The name “Bal-chatri” was given by Craighead and Craighead in 1942, though the device was earlier called a “Shikra trap” by MacPherson in 1897. The design originated with traditional Indian falconers.
Construction
Modern bal-chatris often employ a “cage-within-a-cage” design, with an inner cage containing the lure animal separated from the outer cage by approximately half an inch. This design reduces the risk of the raptor’s talons coming into contact with the lure animal.
Usage Technique
The trap is placed in view of a target raptor with a lure animal inside. The raptor attempts to capture the lure animal and becomes ensnared in the monofilament nooses. The trap must remain under constant observation by the trapper, who should position themselves at a discreet distance that still allows for monitoring the trap.
The trap is weighted so that it can be dragged slightly by the raptor but not carried away. Weights typically range from 0.5-1.5 kg, depending on the target species.
Effectiveness
Bal-chatri traps have a success rate of up to 85% for most species attracted to them and can be used during all seasons. They have been effectively used to capture a wide variety of raptors, including hawks, hawk-eagles, falcons, owls, kites, accipiters, buzzards, harriers, and eagles across North America, India, Kenya, South Africa, Israel, and Guatemala.
Dho-Gaza Trap
The dho-gazza is another highly effective trapping method with roots in traditional Arab and Persian falconry.
Description
The dho-gazza consists of a mist net suspended between two poles. When struck by a raptor, the net detaches from the poles, entangling the bird.
Usage Techniques
The dho-Gazza can be used in different configurations depending on the season:
Breeding Season Technique:
During the breeding season, protective parent raptors will attempt to drive away potential threats to their nests. A great horned owl or other raptor is tethered as a lure in front of the nets near an active nest. The nesting raptor will swoop down to attack the intruder and become entangled in the net.
Non-breeding Season Technique:
During the non-breeding season, the dho-gaza net is set up between the raptor and the prey, with a lure animal placed on the opposite side to attract the raptor through the net.
Effectiveness
The dho-gazza is considered one of the most versatile and effective trapping techniques for raptor species.
Noose Carpet
Description
A noose carpet is a simple but effective device consisting of a piece of hardware cloth with monofilament nooses tied to it.
Usage Technique
The noose carpet is placed on a perch or other structure frequently used by the target raptor. When the raptor lands on the noose carpet, its talons become snared in the nooses. Like other traps, the noose carpet is weighted to prevent the raptor from flying away with it.
Box Trap
Description
Box traps can be built in various configurations but typically consist of a box-like frame covered with netting and featuring a collapsing top or falling ends. The frame can be made from wood or PVC, but the netting must be fabric or plastic—never wire mesh, which could injure the raptor.
Usage Technique
The box trap is placed in an area likely to be visited by raptors with a cage containing lure animals inside. When a raptor enters the trap to catch the lure, the top or sides close, safely containing the bird. Unlike most other traps, a box trap can be left unattended for 3-4 hours if placed in a shaded and protected area.
Sock-Ball Technique
Description
The sock-ball is a technique documented in Pakistan, used primarily to capture local falcons like the Laggar falcon and White-eyed Buzzard.
Construction
The sock-ball is made from old socks filled with cotton, with feathers of prey birds stitched to the surface to resemble a prey bird. Noose traps (7-8 cm in size) are installed on the surface among the feathers. The ball is typically 7-8 cm in diameter and attached to a long rope secured to a hook or nail.
Usage Technique
The sock-ball is positioned where falcons might see it. The falcons mistake the ball for a prey bird, attack it, and become entangled in the noose traps on the surface.
Laggar Falcon/White-Eyed Buzzard as Bait Technique
Description
This more controversial technique involves using a Laggar falcon or White-eyed Buzzard as bait to capture larger migratory falcons such as Sakers and Peregrines.
Usage Technique
In this method, the eyes of a Laggar falcon or White-eyed Buzzard are partially stitched with thread (a practice that raises significant ethical concerns). A ball with bird feathers and noose traps is tied to the legs of these baits, appearing as if they’re holding prey. When a migratory falcon attempts to steal the prey, both birds become entangled in the nooses.
It’s important to note that this technique is highly controversial from an animal welfare perspective and is not recommended or legal in most countries with modern falconry regulations.
Walk-in Trap
Description
Walk-in traps are particularly effective for burrowing owls. The trap consists of a screen mesh cage placed over the owl’s burrow with a one-way door entrance.
Lures and Baits Used in Trapping
The choice of lure animal is critical to the success of biological trapping methods. Different lure animals are effective for different target species and in different environments.
Common Lure Animals
| Lure Animal | Target Raptors | Best Environment | Usage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Mouse (Mus musculus) | Various species | Desert areas | 46.24% |
| Pigeon (Columba livia) | Larger falcons, hawks | Croplands and desert | Common |
| Quail (Coturnix coturnix) | Various species | Multiple environments | 66.67% |
| Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) | Medium-sized raptors | Multiple environments | 46.24% |
| Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Smaller raptors | Multiple environments | 34.41% |
| Myna (Acridotheres tristis) | Various species | Multiple environments | 21.51% |
Research found that quail was the most commonly used lure (66.67%), followed by mice and doves (both 46.24%).
Care of Lure Animals
The welfare of lure animals is an essential ethical consideration. Lure animals must be:
- Protected from actual predation by the design of the trap
- Monitor for signs of stress, overheating, or chilling
- Provided with adequate food, water, and shelter before and after trapping sessions
- Handled humanely and with care
Trapping should be immediately suspended if lure animals show any signs of distress.
Safe Handling and Restraint of Captured Raptors
Once a raptor is trapped, proper handling techniques are crucial to ensure the bird’s and the handler’s safety.
Initial Approach
When approaching a trapped raptor, moving decisively but calmly is important. As one experienced falconer advises: “When a bird comes down, don’t get excited and run up on it; wait until you see it jump and get pulled down by the trap. Once you see it’s caught, get to it ASAP.”
A trapped bird is vulnerable to other predators, so quick retrieval is essential, especially for smaller raptors.
Control Techniques
Control of the legs and feet is the primary safety concern when handling raptors. For inexperienced handlers, it’s advisable to have something ready for the bird to grip, keeping its talons occupied and away from the handler.
Use of Hoods
For diurnal raptors (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes), a falconry hood can significantly reduce stress by blocking visual stimulation. The hood is considered the most important piece of equipment in falconry.
Hoods are typically handmade from kip leather or kangaroo leather. The two standard types used in American/European falconry are:
- The Anglo-Indian hood (non-blocked)
- The Dutch hood (three-piece, blocked on a special mold)
The hood must fit the raptor comfortably, or the bird will reject it, making training difficult.
For owls, rather than using a falconry hood, a lightweight, dark cloth may be draped over the head to reduce visual stimulation and calm the bird.
‘Socking’ Technique
The ‘socking’ technique involves sliding a nylon or cotton stocking over the bird’s body, starting at the head. The tube-like structure restricts wing movement, making handling safer and less stressful for the bird.
For transport after trapping, this method is recommended: “You should have a sock or stocking to put the bird in for transport, roll it up and put it over the bird’s head (try not to get bitten) and then unroll it over the bird. It should be snug but not constricting.”
Equipment for Safe Handling
A properly equipped falconer should have the following items for the safe handling of newly trapped raptors:
Appropriate gloves
- Falconry hood or cloth (for owls)
- Jesses (leather straps attached to the legs)
- Cotton or nylon socks for transport
- Scale for weighing
- Basic first aid supplies
Safety Considerations
Safety of the Raptor
The primary concern in trapping should always be the handling and safety of the raptor. Key considerations include:
- Trap Design: Traps should be designed to prevent injury. The wire mesh should never be used where it might come into contact with the raptor’s head or feet.
- Attendance: Most traps should never be left unattended. A bird ensnared may panic and injure itself if left alone and is also vulnerable to other predators.
- Weather Conditions: Trapping should not be conducted in extreme weather conditions that could stress or harm the bird.
- Quick Processing: Captured raptors should be processed quickly and in the shade if available, as overheating is one of the greatest risks to a captured raptor.
- Proper Weighting of Traps: All traps should be weighted with a weight heavy enough that the bird cannot carry the trap away but should “give” slightly so that an ensnared bird does not injure itself when reaching the end of the tether.
Monitoring Health
When trapping a raptor for falconry, inspecting and weighing the bird before taking it home is important. This provides baseline health information and helps determine if the bird is suitable for training. The bird should be released at the capture site if it shows any signs of injury or poor health.
Equipment for Training After Trapping
Once a raptor has been successfully trapped for falconry purposes, specific equipment is needed for training:
- Jesses: Strips of strong leather (often kangaroo leather) attached to both legs, essential for proper handling.
- Hood: Used in the manning process (acclimatizing to humans) and to keep the raptor calm.
- Bell or bells attached to the legs via small leather strips called bewits, allowing the falconer to hear the bird from a distance.
- Identity band: Required on the leg in most countries.
- Telemetry transmitter: Often used so that the bird may be recovered if lost during free flight.
Conclusion
Trapping raptors for falconry is a practice rich in tradition and technique, requiring specialized knowledge, skill, and ethical consideration. The safety and welfare of the birds must always be the primary concern, from trap design to handling methods.
For those interested in falconry, it’s essential to understand that proper training under the guidance of experienced falconers is irreplaceable. In most countries, this is not only an ethical imperative but a legal requirement. The apprenticeship period provides crucial hands-on experience in trapping, handling, and caring for these magnificent birds.
“Ready to take your understanding of falconry to the next level? Explore our deep dives into raptor training techniques, raptor welfare standards, and how to house birds of prey. Your journey into responsible falconry doesn’t stop here—keep learning.”
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