Falconry: Quail hawking with Merlins vs Sharp Shins

This falconry video specifically discusses comparisons of hunting quail with Sharp-shinned hawks versus Merlin falcons. The video describes some of the differences between the two species and compares the strengths and limitations of hunting quail with each species. Other falconry species such as Cooper’s hawks and aplomado Falcons and even male goshawks, may outperform merlins and sharp shinned hawks in chasing quail. But this video is specifically a comparison of the two species in quail hunting, not a video to tout either one as the greatest quail hawker.
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[@birdman5197]

I really like the comparison videos like this. If a viewer is a first year general who's just dying to ditch their RT/AK and try something new, or a falconer who is just in between birds at the moment and considering a new species, these videos can really help someone make a decision and plan for future seasons. I also really love species spotlights no matter what species

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

Love quail hawking, I miss the days hunting them with Cooper's Hawks. 😎👍

[@TheUltraBeast1]

I joined my state falconry club here in Austin last week. Even though I've studied birds of prey and wildlife science in college and read book on falconry, I still find this channel to be the most helpful resource as I prepare for my test. I'm holding off on building my mews even though I could now because I want to see the designs and size of what people are doing around me. Still haven't made up my mind on what specific type of falconry I wanna get into as well. Thanks for the videos love the content Ben!

[@grrrit1]

I would love love love to hear more about flying the medium to smaller long wings on wild/feral pigeons and doves. This is something I really want to pursue in falconry in the future.

[@brushwolf]

I've been a falconer for 26 years but I always learn something new from Ben Woodruff.

[@alex-sd]

Thanks so much for this video. I was able to determine that I had a Sharp-shinned hawk rather than a Merlin on my neighbor's chimney.

[@abirbirdsnew]

Sir, till far i have seen almost all your videos. Your videos are so much precious and full of information and so much helpful. Sir, please never stop making this kind of videos...❤❤❤

[@benwoodrufffalconry]

Thank you for your support!

[@happybee7725]

Very interesting video Ben. As always. I dont think i have saw one of your videos i didnt enjoy so on that note if you think its a subject worth making a video about i will almost certainly find it interesting. I find these comparison videos extremely interesting. Keep em coming ben. 👍

[@AboveTheBigSky]

Love the comparison Ben. Bring on more!

[@rogerlau4932]

Wonderful information, weaving hunting experience and the biology of the bird as it relates.

[@CycleKat]

This is fascinating! I love the detail you went into regarding the physiology of each species.

[@jportal001]

Keep doing what your doing very informative.

[@mp9070]

If I were to ask Ben for a video, I would be interested to see something addressing Prairie Falcon hunting on a verity of quarry and maybe some comparisons with other species on similar prey. Also, even though they are at the lower end of the falconry scale, Red Tales and Buteo hunting and their veriety of game. I know they aren’t as flashy, but for those just gaining experience in the sport with these species of bird, it would be extremely useful and interesting. Thanks for making these videos.

[@mp9070]

I enjoy the game and hunting technique comparisons of species and where they can overlap. Also how a species is traditionally used versus their capability envelope and how some falconers have adapted their traits on different quarry. I also find it curious how some species seem to be very narrowly focused specialists while being successful and others more broad ranging and equally successful or more so. All very interesting.

[@johnyork5138]

BEAUTIFUL,love them.

[@HopeF749]

Great video, Ben!!!

[@caryboyd2181]

I love Merlin's. I wish you would have a video specific to hawking with Merlin's. Do you train them to the lure? My friend Dan Hillsman says he just lets them fly off to a perch until they spot a prey item, and then follows them. I am wondering can you train them to the lure, and hunt with them like you do with a Perigrine?

[@benwoodrufffalconry]

Merlins are incredibly versatile. Where I live, most people let them hunt flocks of starlings from long distances. But I usually hunt pigeons, doves and quail with them. Most of my style is closer to perhaps many of the Saker falcon styles, directly off the fist.

[@EliteClinicalResearch]

Your videos are excellent!!

[@Martin-il5bq]

I really enjoyed this video. Would love to see more videos of this sort. Also wondering if you could feature red-tail hawks in a future episode, just because I feel they are overlooked as a "beginner's bird". Awesome video!

[@sigitwellsa]

My accipiter badius Aka Shikra, the most famous Accipiter in India, Had alot of hunting Quail, she is just like meant for Hunting quail, you can check out a few videos on my channel. And i think Ben is True, 10 of attempts but not all of them is succeed to get it down. I think there are some reason why, 1.Momentum 2.Lucky (I mean, the quail didn't notice if they are in chase) 3.The stamina of Accipiter 4.The weight of our bird (If we hunt with ideal weight the more succesful we will have to catch the quail but yes, they often find the nearrest branches to take the breath, and if we hunt with a few grams up from the ideal weight, they will catch them succesful but they don't brave enough to stoop or dive to the bush when quail do it or even they don't really hold the quail so quail can escape from their foot) The point is depending of 4 reasons above. And that's my opinion so far hunting quail with my shikra. Also thank you so much For Ben, your channel is amazing and full of knowledge of falconry. I hope you can do more videos about accipiter and especially Small accipiter❤️

[@mac-y.n.v.-me7043]

I enjoy this kind of video.

[@FRamirez1A]

Great video, new subscriber for sure!!!

[@greyghost1223]

Enjoy all Your videos

[@diacanthusreef3609]

Great one 👍

[@DanielDauphin]

Definitely like this topic area. Anything involving hunting strategies is appreciated.

[@matthewmullenix3120]

Interesting stuff!

[@jakethebirdnerd5411]

I enjoy these kind of videos

[@AtlantaFalconry]

Flying a sharpie this year, didn’t plan on it but she fell into my lap. 1st hunt was 9 days after trap. She is fast learner.

[@markmoore4088]

How is she doing? I hope you still have her. There's a passage female this winter that was regularly killing quail on my property. I would see her on the fresh kills but never was able to see her catch one. The valley quail here panic when badly frightened and often kamikaze into buildings and fences, resulting in them either dying outright or at least being stunned momentarily. My pointer pup was catching them occasionally in this manner and I wonder if that's how the sharpie was doing it? I've only seen her with female quail that average around 170g, never males. Males are probably a bit heavier and I suspect put up more of a fight. Perhaps she's intentionally targeting the females? I trapped her in the morning last week (I'm a licensed falconer with valid state-issued raptor capture permits) and she weighed a fairly stout 190g with no crop and was likely empty.

[@brianpowell467]

Cool video

[@buttholio88]

Very interesting and surprising result! Loving this type of video. I would be interested in videos on hunting techniques e.g. I am struggling to get my goshawk started on ducks although we have a lot of opportunities. I am also interested in your opinion on hybrids and their threat to wild populations if they escape and mate with wild birds.

[@antlerking69]

Very cool Thank You

[@jasongustafson1824]

Nice vid. Can you do a vid on game you’ve chased with a tiercel passage Prairie Falcon?

[@johnstwistedego1]

I love this break down. Would love to see one on less traditional quarry, comparing using various raptors. (Hey Ben, hypothetically- is there anything out there can could reliably take Canada geese that isn't a Golden Eagle?)

[@LordDaymien]

Female Ferruginous

[@johnstwistedego1]

@@LordDaymiengood point. I would LOVE to see good footage! Feels like this quarry is rarely covered

[@justinstevens6779]

As an apprentice falconer from Ga, with no other experience than RTs on squirrel I do enjoy these videos. Its nice to learn about other spices and what they are good at.

[@Aprenticefalconer]

Off topic but did you stick with it. You should be a general now. I’m a first year apprentice. What bird are you flying

[@justinstevens6779]

I did stick with it and make general, but this year my schedule would not allow me to put in the time a bird deserves so I sat this season out. I'll be back at it next year, however. @@Aprenticefalconer

[@phillipwasson2980]

.👌 Not a falconer but still very interesting, Subscribed.

[@danhughes3626]

Hey very interesting...im like you do things different then others...i have been soooo interested In pygmy owl...im not sure how to proceed trap breeders..but i have brain injury..the rules are not so good So i need assistance Im master..on paper.. Lol i want to go over things.. what is the best way of communicating with you thanks

[@johnkersey3460]

Nice - retired from hunting I did it when there were no laws or fees . You do a good job.

[@kritti1]

What a lovely an tasteful Interieur decoration 🤮

[@SocraticMethodGuy]

this video is leGiT