What can happen if a passage hawk becomes overly tame?

When a passage hawk becomes overly tame, it can lose its hunting instinct, which is critical for its success as a hunter. This tameness can lead to a dependency on the falconer for food and guidance, decreasing the hawk's natural behaviors associated with hunting, such as stalking, chasing, and capturing prey. The instinct to hunt is vital for a bird's survival, especially if it were ever to be released back into the wild or if it is intended to work effectively in hunting scenarios.

In contrast, while a more responsive demeanor might seem beneficial for commands and training, excessive tameness generally leads to a detrimental effect on the hunting skills that the hawk naturally possesses. Therefore, fostering a balance between tameness and maintaining those essential hunting instincts is critical for successful falconry.