Falconry has often been a sport associated with the medieval nobility. Yet its roots are much older, the Hittites (now in modern Turkey), were recorded to have used birds for hunting over 3000 years ago. A thousand years before that, however, there is evidence of birds of prey being used for hunting. This is a common trend when looking at the origins of things; its first inception is often difficult to pinpoint. Ever since, birds have been used to hunt prey.
Many of us are familiar with the nobility making use of birds to hunt small game for sport, often to show the lord's vast lands and wealth, yet falconry was often a necessity as well. In more nomadic tribes, where the archaeological and literary records are patchy, to say the least, falconry was most likely more a way to gain food rather than to show off. Although, there was also a lot of showing off.
So what is falconry exactly? Well, a bird of prey is specially trained and bred for the sport. How are they trained? The bird must be used to its trainer and his leather glove, to stop the claws hurting his hand. The animal has its weight monitored, if it is overweight then it might not be hungry and decide it can fend for itself. The trainer then feeds the bird with meat in his hand. As time goes on, the trainer throws the meat a short distance and the bird runs after it. Eventually, the trainer can use commands, certain types of whistles, or visual cues, walking in the direction he wants the bird to fly to, in order to maintain control. Once the bird has made a kill, the training is over. The trainer will then go to a place where they can see small game (such as a rabbit). They will then motion for the bird, a peregrine falcon is a favourite for falconry, to fly to and kill the animal. Often they wear a hood, which stops them flying off, and when it is removed they will quickly attack their prey.
Do people still do falconry now? Well yes, but not for food as much (although in some parts of Mongolia, this is still somewhat the case). The introduction of shotguns and the slow disintegration of the feudal system in the Early Modern Period (roughly 1500 to 1750 or 1800ish), meant that falconry was no longer fashionable. The nobility preferred shooting birds and nomadic lifestyles became less common as peoples, such as the Mongols, sought to become more sedentary in their lifestyle. Yet, in the late 19th and early 20th century, some people had a change of heart. A sort of nostalgia came back and this is why falconry is still practiced today. It has also found a home in the noble families in the Middle East such as as in the UAE and Saudia Arabia.
With this all said, is this sport good for vegans? Probably not...
Comments