When is a red-tail hawk considered ready for free flight?

A red-tail hawk is considered ready for free flight when all the specified criteria are met, indicating a well-prepared bird that is confident and responsive. First, the approval from a sponsor is vital, as they have the experience to assess the bird's readiness based on training progress and behavior. This mentorship plays a crucial role in ensuring both the falconer and the bird are prepared for this significant step.

The hawk's ability to come to you with minimal hesitation from a distance demonstrates that it has formed a strong bond and trust in the falconer, which is essential for successful free flying. This trust allows the bird to feel secure enough to respond quickly and can often be indicative of its comfort level with the surroundings.

Additionally, if the hawk comes to the lure instantly, this reflects its eagerness and training effectiveness. Quick response to the lure suggests that the bird understands the training cues and is likely to perform well in a free flight scenario.

Each of these factors—approval from the sponsor, minimal hesitation, and an instant response—ensures that the hawk is not only well-trained but also mentally prepared for the challenges of free flight. Hence, when all these conditions are satisfied, the hawk is truly considered ready