As the hunting season draws near in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia, falconers in Rafha Governorate are dedicating themselves to preparing their falcons for the wilderness.
These falconers employ a specialized technique known as “Al-Tilwah,” which involves using a decoy resembling a bustard’s wings, one of the falcon’s natural prey. The decoy, attached to a rope, is swung in the air, encouraging the falcon to swoop down, honing its skills and ensuring its readiness for the hunt.
Training sessions usually take place from late afternoon until sunset, aligning with the falcons’ natural hunting instincts. The training period, lasting anywhere from two weeks to a month, ensures that the birds are well-prepared for the hunting season.
Falconers closely monitor their falcons’ progress, working diligently until the birds are skilled enough to hunt effectively and return to their owners after each successful catch.
In addition to training techniques, falconers manage their birds’ diets carefully. Rather than feeding falcons full portions of meat, they provide small amounts to keep the birds hungry and motivated to hunt. This method ensures that the falcons remain sharp and responsive during their training sessions and the hunting season itself.
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