What is the primary goal when training a newly captured hawk?

The primary goal when training a newly captured hawk is to establish trust and communication between the bird and the handler. This foundational relationship is crucial for successful training and hunting. Building trust encourages the hawk to feel secure and comfortable around the trainer, which facilitates the learning process. Effective communication helps the bird understand cues and commands, allowing for better cooperation in training sessions and while hunting.

While making the bird reliant on humans, increasing hunting efficiency, and ensuring it doesn’t escape are elements that may come into play during training, they are secondary to the primary goal of fostering trust and communication. Without this essential bond, the hawk may not respond well to training or perform effectively during hunting, rendering any other goals less significant.