Treatise on Falconry

0,00 €

TopicAnimals

AuthorPatrick Morel

PublisherEditions Gerfaut

High Flight

Volume 1

Falconry hunting is a passion, a way of life, a search for aesthetics and a form of art. Falconers are the guardians of a tradition, a language, gestures and values that have earned the universal recognition of the Art of Falconry as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The work written by Master Falconer Patrick Morel does not only deal with the rich cultural heritage; it is above all a practical treatise, based on long experience and updated scientific knowledge that will allow the discovery of an art little known to those who would like to practice it but also to ornithologists, hunters and lovers of nature in general.

The author’s vast experience in falconry makes this first volume on high flight one of the books richest in knowledge, yet light and entertaining. It covers all aspects of modern falconry, from the traditions that have shaped the sport we know today to the ethics and philosophy that support it and continue to evolve in the 21st century. It takes the reader around the globe in search of the most sought-after game species, describing the methods and motivations through the falconry experiences of those who covet the most difficult flights as part of their art.

What is high flight? This hunt is practiced on the plain with only falcons. The falconer travels the plain with his hooded bird and a pointing dog. When the dog locates the game, it freezes and the falconer asks it to hold the point. Then the falconer unhoods the falcon and releases it. The falcon climbs to high altitude and when it is well “positioned” the falconer orders the dog to flush the game and the falcon descends on the prey in a stoop at a thunderous speed (between 300 and 350 km/h). By the force of the impact, the thunderous stoop allows the falcon to stun its prey in flight and also to take game much larger than itself.