Golden eagles can indeed be trained for hunting, a practice known as falconry. However, training golden eagles is a significant undertaking that requires a great deal of time, resources, and expertise.
The Challenges of Training Golden Eagles
One of the most significant differences between training hawks and falcons versus golden eagles is their size and strength. Golden eagles have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds, making them much larger and more powerful than hawks or falcons. This means that all equipment used to handle and train golden eagles must be significantly larger and stronger than that used for smaller birds of prey.
Another important consideration when training golden eagles is their long maturation period. Golden eagles do not reach sexual maturity until they are 4-5 years old, and their temperament can be quite aggressive during their adolescent years. Training a golden eagle requires a significant investment of time and resources, as well as a deep understanding of their behavior and needs.
In addition to their size and temperament, golden eagles also require a significant amount of space to fly and hunt. Golden eagles are birds of open spaces and require large, flat areas to hunt and soar.
The Rewards of Training Golden Eagles
Despite the challenges of training golden eagles, many falconers find the experience to be deeply rewarding. The experience of flying and hunting with a golden eagle is unlike any other in falconry, and many falconers find it to be a profoundly spiritual and connection-building experience.
Training Techniques for Golden Eagles
There are many resources available for those interested in training golden eagles. For example, the YouTube video “Falconry: How to best prepare for training a Golden Eagle” provides a detailed overview of the steps involved in training a golden eagle, from building an appropriate aviary to selecting the right equipment and training methods. Another YouTube video, “How to train eagle for hunting,” provides a step-by-step guide to training a golden eagle for hunting, including tips on imprinting, manning, and hunting techniques.
Conclusion
While training golden eagles is a significant undertaking that requires a great deal of time, resources, and expertise, it can be a deeply rewarding experience for those who are up to the challenge. With the right resources and training techniques, anyone can learn to train and fly a golden eagle, and become a part of the rich tradition of falconry.
References:
– Has anyone here trained golden eagles? : r/Falconry – Reddit
– Falconry: How to best prepare for training a Golden Eagle – YouTube
– How to train eagle for hunting – YouTube
– Training a golden eagle – YouTube
– Hunting with eagles – Wikipedia
