Quote Originally Posted by wyodjm View Post
I've heard the same thing when backpacks were put on goshawks for research in other parts of the country. The worst thing you can do is put a backpack on a wild goshawk. In my opinion. Goshawks just seem to die if they have backpacks on.
I disagree that its the worst thing. There can be some very valuable data gathered this way. However, its not something to be done lightly.

There were studies done on the Tongass, also working with QC goshawks, where the mortality rate was quite low. It wasnt zero, but I believe that some level of mortality is an acceptable trade.

The thing that really kills me about the Bloxton studies is that several falconers, including myself, offered to let him practice his tecnique on captive birds that could be monitored. He pointedly told us that he knew what he was doing.

I have been using backpacks for 5 years on my falconry birds, and will never go back. They are great. IF they are properly fitted, which just takes knowing what your doing and keeping an eye on things after the fitting.