Various wild desert areas across the country have started to see an influx of falconers over the past few days to train and prepare their birds for hunting trips in groups both within and outside the country, or participate in competitions organised by various entities.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that a number of Qataris are enjoying such falcon training trips in the desert as the weather started to improve.
Despite the high costs associated with falconry, they consider it as an activity that enhances their sense of challenge and competition, and gives them many positive qualities, patience in particular.
Despite the use of technology in falcon training, such as drones, all falconers still highly value the traditional method of using lures to call back the bird.
They consider it a way to strengthen the bond between the falconer and his falcon.
The Houbara bustard bird is the most sought after by falconers to hunt.
The season starts in October for these migratory birds to head out.
"Training falcons using traditional methods, such as using lures to call them, is what we have inherited from our fathers and grandfathers,” said Hamad al-Nuaimi. “This makes us keen to continue following this training method, in despite of using modern techniques, including wireless and vertical aircraft.”
“Traditional methods are very effective in taming and enhancing the skills of the falcon in proper way and strengthen the relationship between the falconer and the falcon,” he said.
Al-Nuaimi added that falcon training trips typically start after 4pm in the open desert areas or vacant ample places near the houses of falconers.
He said that training falcons using traditional methods only requires a few simple items, such as prey and lures to call the falcon in the initial stages of training, as well as simple protective gear.
Jassim al-Kaabi said that a significant number of falconers are eagerly awaiting the start of the activities in Al Janoub Natural Reserve to enjoy falconry and the breathtaking natural surroundings it offers.
He noted that they are currently heading to open areas to train their falcons in preparation for visiting the reserve.
In addition, they also engage in hunting activities outside Qatar, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, and Jordan.
Mohamed Abdullah explained that many falconers are keen on utilising modern technology and techniques in training their falcons, such as wireless aircraft.
This training method is suitable for places with limited spaces.
The falconer controls the environment around the falcon with the aircraft, which is connected to the prey.
However, he pointed out that the Houbara is a valuable target due to its difficulty to capture, and preparing the falcon to detect its presence during flight is crucial.
This allows the falcon to locate and swoop down on the prey.
Mubarak Nasser noted that falconry is a hobby that this generation has inherited from their fathers, who, in turn, inherited it from their ancestors.
It embodies the spirit of challenge and competition.
