When is it appropriate to feel comfortable flying a well-manned Red-tailed Hawk free?

Feeling comfortable flying a well-manned Red-tailed Hawk free depends on the hawk's ability to demonstrate consistent and reliable responses to the falconer's commands and signals. When a hawk quickly comes back to the falconer's fist from a distance of 50 yards, it indicates that the bird has strong training, trust in the falconer, and an understanding of the cues given.

At this distance, the hawk is demonstrating not only a well-developed recall but also a level of confidence in its relationship with the falconer. This ability to return from 50 yards suggests the hawk is well-manned, which means it has been properly socialized and conditioned to follow the falconer's cues even at a significant distance.

Distances shorter than 50 yards may not provide the same assurance of the hawk's training and reliability, especially when considering that falconry often involves hunting scenarios where the bird may need to make a longer flight to return. Therefore, coming back from 50 yards means the bird is likely ready for a stronger level of flight, which is crucial when engaging in falconry activities in real-world situations.