For those who want to be part of a 4,000 year old sport, where making your own traps, jesses, anklets, and other falconry equipment was a key step to becoming a successful falconer, we offer some helpful links and suggestions.

DISCLAIMER: This page is only meant to serve as a resource for licensed falconers or prospective apprentices who wish to learn more about the sport of falconry and the rich tradition of craftsmanship that has been integral to the sport. When it comes to equipment always have your sponsor give their seal of approval on homemade items and never hesitate to ask for advice. Finally, a reminder that while a large amount of information about trapping and training a raptor is widely available to the public via the internet and published works, it is a felony to possess or trap a bird of prey with without proper licensing and permitting.

DO IT YOURSELF FALCONRY GUIDES:
There are many websites dedicated to DIY Falconry, including:
DIY Falconry on Facebook
DIY Falconry on Modern Falconry Equipment

YouTube can also be a great resource, there are plethora of videos giving overviews of equipment and tutorials, a good place to start is the DIY Playlist by Falconry Told. However, as with any web-platform, when it comes to finding good advice and tutorials use common sense and take everything with a grain of salt to ensure that you are receiving only quality information.

LEASHES, JESSES, PERCHES, and MORE:

Making Your Own Falconry Equipment – this Squidoo site offers ways to make multiple types of leashes, jesses, anklets, perches and more

The Modern Apprentice: Equipment Page – Lydia Ash offers an extensive list and pics of falconry equipment.

FALCONRY HOODS:
Makin’ Hoods – article by Dave Perfetti in American Falconry magazine

The Modern Apprentice: Hoods – Lydia Ash covers proper fit, styles, and links for hood designs

RAPTOR TRAPS:
The Modern Apprentice: Traps – Lydia covers many types of traps and bait

Wild bird capture techniques – this article covers multiple bird trapping techniques, ending with raptors

BOOKS AND GUIDES:
Falconry Equipment – a guide to making and using falconry gear by Bryan Kimsey and Jim Hodge

Trapping Essentials – covers seven different types of trapping by Ben Woodruff

Bird Trapping & Bird Banding – covers raptor trapping and bird traps from around the world by Hans Bub

WORKSHOPS:

The OFA offers a variety of workshops open to members only at our annual field meets. Topics in the past have included, a DIY telemetry set up, basic field medicine and what your avian first aid kit should include, and a presentation on ridge trapping. Head over to our membership page to check your membership eligibility.