Is there a restriction on capturing wild adult hawks for falconry?

The correct answer reflects regulations in falconry that often prioritize the protection and conservation of hawk populations. In many jurisdictions, including California, capturing only juvenile hawks is encouraged to help maintain adult populations that are essential for breeding and sustaining the species.

Capturing adult hawks can disrupt the natural breeding cycle and negatively impact the population dynamics of the species, as adult birds are typically part of established breeding pairs and territories. Furthermore, juvenile hawks are typically more adaptable to human training and may have a greater chance of acclimatizing to falconry, making them more suitable candidates for the sport.

Choosing to restrict the capture of wild adult hawks helps ensure that the population remains stable and that conservation goals are met, aligning the practice of falconry with wildlife management principles.