Before hunting with a Red-tailed Hawk, what should be the main focus during its training?

Before hunting with a Red-tailed Hawk, the primary focus during its training should be on building a relationship between the falconer and the bird. Establishing a solid bond is crucial as it fosters trust and ensures effective communication during hunts. A strong relationship enhances the hawk's responsiveness and willingness to cooperate with the falconer, which is essential for successful hunting.

While conditioning for aerial agility, aggression, and regular field exercises are important components of a hawk's overall training, they are secondary to the foundational relationship built during the initial training stages. Without a strong bond, the effectiveness of technical skills and conditioning is diminished, as the hawk may be less engaged or reliant on its falconer in the field.