If your imprint eyass red-tailed hawk attacks a member of your hunting party, what is the best approach to safely remove it?

The most appropriate approach to safely remove a red-tailed hawk that is attacking a member of your hunting party is to cover the hawk's feet. When an imprint eyass, or young hawk that has been raised around humans, becomes aggressive, it relies heavily on its talons to latch onto perceived threats. By covering its feet, you can effectively prevent it from using its primary means of attack while minimizing stress on the bird.

Engaging with the hawk in other ways, such as pulling its hallux backward or grabbing it by the head, can be dangerous for both the hawk and the person involved. These methods could provoke further aggression or cause injury to the bird. Likewise, tossing a lure to distract the bird might not be effective in a high-stress situation where the hawk is already engaged in aggressive behavior.

Understanding the best method is crucial not only for the safety of the hunting party but also for the well-being of the hawk. Proper handling techniques promote a positive interaction that helps maintain the bird's training and trust in its handler.