When should a falconer consider the hawk's readiness for hunting?

A falconer should consider the hawk's readiness for hunting primarily when its weight is stable. Weight plays a crucial role in a bird of prey's performance and hunting readiness. A stable weight indicates that the hawk is healthy, alert, and fully capable of focusing on the hunt. It also means that the falconer has managed the bird's diet and conditioning effectively during the training process.

While showing interest in prey, successfully flying free, and vocalizing are all signs of a hawk’s engagement and adaptability, they do not necessarily reflect its overall readiness for hunting. A hawk might display interest or vocalize, but if it has not been properly conditioned or is not at an optimal weight, it may not perform effectively while hunting. Therefore, monitoring the energetic state and weight is a fundamental aspect of ensuring the hawk's readiness for the hunting process.