Hi Tony.Originally Posted by tony123abc
This is the first time I have actually used this method of getting a bird into condition. It basically is connecting a section of rope to the bird's swivel, making the bird drag the rope when you call it to the fist. I have a couple of eagle hunter friends in Scotland and Austria that told me about it.
I have modified it just a bit. I have a 10 foot section of braided nylon rope connected to a three foot section of plastic coated chain. I've been going to a different place every night. When I call the eagle to the fist from across a football field the eagle drags the rope and chain behind him. It looks pretty pitiful in the beginning. But in just two weeks, my eagle can now fly a dozen 75-80 yard reps to my fist and he can fly with the chain in the air dangling. He did that last night for the first time. I think it is time to add another section of chain! Wind can be a big help also. I call him to me into the wind and he really has to fight to get to me. The whole thing is based on resistance training. In just two weeks my eagle is already a different bird physically.
The real clue, however, is to observe his recovery time. By the time he gets to the fist for the food reward, his mouth is wide open and breathing hard. He only does that for a minute or so now and is back to normal.
I'm going to try and get 25-30 reps out of him with the chain and rope everyday for a couple of more weeks before I turn him loose for the first time.
Traditionally, I understand this method originated in Asia. Falconers would use this conditioning method on intermewed goshawks. They would attach a rope to their goshawk's swivel. They would tie a series of knots in the rope. They would soak a few knots in water to add weight to the rope. As the bird's conditioning progressed the falconer would soak additional knots on the rope to keep adding weight. Similar to jump-ups, the falconer can find a small hill and actually fly the bird uphill to the fist. I like this method better than jump-ups anyway. Especially with an eagle. Can you imagine the conditioning over time when you fly your bird uphill dragging a rope? That's basically what I'm doing, but I'm using a section of chain and a shorter section of rope. I also don't have to use a creance. At least I'm not.
I can't believe I've never heard of doing this before now. The nice thing is it can really get a bird into condition fast. I am also flying my eagle three ounces heavier now than I was two weeks ago. He also seems to like doing it now that he has the hang of it.
I hope this explains the concept a bit. However, I'm still very much a student concerning this method. My friends in Scotland and Autstria are still coaching me.They have been using the method to get eagles into condition for years.
My best,
Dan McCarron
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