CARNIVORE 3 A Wing and A Prayer Amy Woods Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Photos by Chris Heising Debunking the Sport of Kings Colloquially known as the sport of kings, falconry is a sport that can be traced easily back to the Middle Ages, if not further. The current public perception of this ancient pastime is riddled with myriad misconceptions, and given the relatively small number of knowledgeable practitioners, it’s easy to understand why. The bottom line is that falconry is about working as a team to hunt with a bird of prey. The falconer provides the proper husbandry for the bird and works in the field to help the bird pursue small game. The wellbeing of the bird comes before all else in the sport. For the first two years as a falconer, you must have an experienced falconer willing to mentor you. Although a lot can be taught within two years, the learning never truly stops, and you're encouraged to continually seek information. A large part of that is based on facilitating new experiences with different birds, filling up your bookshelves with reliable reading material, and staying connected with the falconry community. Some of the most common misconceptions tend to be associated with the bird’s relationship/bond with the falconer, the treatment the animal receives, and how the hunt is played out between the bird and the falconer. The Pet Hawk It’s not uncommon to be approached by someone while you’re out hunting with your bird. People have a lot of questions and are understandably curious. But one that almost always comes up usually goes something like, “So … that’s your pet?” While I look stupidly at my hawk, who’s perched on a tree branch waiting for me to flush a rabbit out of a bush, I do my best to convey the reality of what’s going on and how a bird of prey isn’t “pet” material. Don’t get me wrong; a chance to educate someone on falconry always puts a smile on my face. Unfortunately, people don’t always hear the information the way they want to hear it. Also, my time in the field is devoted to my bird. A lot of people want to hear warm and fuzzy stories about befriending birds of prey, so they tend to keep steering the conversation in this direction. This is what usually leads to the stupid look on my face — frustration that sometimes people aren’t so much seeking education as validation of a story they’ve already told themselves. To read the rest of this article, click here to purchase a copy of CARNIVORE 3 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
