Golden eagle trapping trip

This year I was drawn number 1 in the US to trap a golden eagle to be used in the sport of falconry. The trapping was to take place in Evanston, Wyoming on a private ranch where the eagles are killing lambs, starting in June and running for 90 days or until an eagle is trapped. The rancher had already lost 30 lambs to the eagles. We were there for 3 days before we trapped an eagle that met the conditions to remove it from the area. I was going to stay longer, but, my house in NM was evacuated because of the Trout Fire, so, I had to leave Wyoming and get back to my house to load all my stuff. The house did not burn. While I was in Wyoming, I took my 4Runner in to have the oil changed and when they were backing out of the bay, they backed into another vehicle. They have agreed to pay for the damage ($3825) which will be done on Wednesday.

 

We were trapping on the ridge right under these windmills. Below the ridge, there was hardly any wind, but, on top of the ridge the winds were blowing 40-50mph. You could understand why the windmills were up there. Plenty of eagles just hanging in the wind with lots of lambs down below them.

 

Wow, that's pretty darn cool having your own eagle!!! I'm amazed how docile the bird is perched on your arm. Please keep us updated regarding the training and ownership experience, I think it will be very interesting. Sorry to hear about your 4Runner and glad your home stayed safe.

 

Poncho65, the eagle is calm because of the leather hood it has on its head. When you put the hood on, the bird can’t see anything to be afraid of. I have been flying eagles for over 20 years and this is my 4th eagle. We have hunted jack rabbits all over the western states with eagles.

 

Very cool. How do you trap an eagle?

 

4runningman, sounds difficult, but, when eagles are hungry, they will come down to a baited trap. The traps are humain and do not harm the eagle, just grabs their toes or feet. Eagles are powerful, so, we add about 6 feet of chain so the eagles can’t fly away with the trap. Once they are trapped, you really have to be careful because it’s a wild animal. If you know what you are doing, you can avoid the talons of the eagle because that’s where their power is. In the pictures you can see that the traps and the chains are completely buried under the ground so that the birds can’t see them. The bait is usually part of a lamb that was killed by the eagle or a jackrabbit.

 

@Raptrlvr thanks for the explanation!