Falconry—the ancient art of hunting wild game with trained birds of prey—is more than just a method of taking quarry. It’s a partnership between human and raptor, built on trust, instinct, discipline, and a shared drive to hunt. Practiced for thousands of years across continents and cultures, falconry remains one of the purest expressions of a bond between man and the wild.
Whether you're flying a lightning-fast falcon, a clever Harris hawk, or a powerful eagle, the essence of falconry is the chase. The bird doesn't just want to be fed—it wants to fly, to hunt, to test itself. But not every day in the season lends itself to a successful outing. That’s where modern tools like the BullX Pro. Training lure machine come into play.
We, ourselves, fly a six-year-old golden eagle—a strong, focused male who hunts his own food from October through early February, mainly hares, with the trade-off on chicks. His recall to the glove is solid, his flight is powerful, and for a young eagle, he’s already showing exceptional promise. But even the best birds have days where getting to the right ground just isn’t feasible. That’s when we bring out the lure machine.
The Role of Lure Training in Modern Falconry
The BullX Pro lure machine was originally designed for working dogs—but it has become an incredible asset for falconers looking to condition and challenge their birds in a safe, controlled way. While some use lures primarily in the off-season, we integrate the BullX Pro into our hunting season, particularly on days when field hunting isn’t possible.
That’s because during moult, when the eagle is resting and growing new feathers, he isn’t flown at all. His weight is naturally increased to support feather growth, and we avoid any unnecessary stress. But once the hunting season begins, he’s ready to fly—and ready to chase.
Why Use a Lure Machine?
The BullX lure machine allows us to replicate the dynamic, high-speed chase of live quarry without needing to locate and flush wild game. When used
correctly, it:
- Builds and maintains peak fitness
- Strengthens strike timing and technique
- Keeps the bird mentally stimulated
- Provides a reward structure that reinforces hunting drive
After a successful run, our eagle trades off from the hare lure to the glove with a chick—keeping the training loop satisfying and instinctually fulfilling. While nothing replaces the experience of a live hunt, this method ensures our eagle is always tuned, strong, and confident in the field.
Not Just for Eagles
The benefits extend well beyond golden eagles. We’ve seen firsthand how valuable lure machines are for a variety of species:
Harris hawks, who thrive on movement and intelligent problem-solving, respond brilliantly to lure work. It taps into their social hunting instinct and keeps them responsive.
Bonelli’s eagles, known for their aggression and agility, benefit hugely from controlled sprints and sharp turns the machine allows.
Falcons, with their high-speed stoops and tail chases, stay razor-sharp when flown to a fast-moving lure that mimics fleeing prey.
Each species may fly differently—but what unites them all is the instinct to pursue. And when the field is quiet or unreachable, a lure machine offers the next best thing: a real chase.
Built for the Field: Why BullX Pro?
We use BullX Pro machines because they’re built to handle the real demands of raptor work:
Speed & power – Fast enough to challenge an eagle, responsive enough for tight hawk work.
Rugged design – Weather-resistant and built to withstand rough terrain and heavy talons.
Customisable runs – Set your lines for different environments, and control the lure pattern, speed, and intensity.
Our setup typically runs across open ground, simulating how a hare might move across a slope or field edge. Each session is fast, intense, and ends in a clean
trade-off. The result? A bird who feels like he’s won—even when the day didn't allow for wild game.
Falconry in the Modern World
The heart of falconry hasn’t changed in a thousand years—but the tools around it has.
The BullX Pro lure machine doesn't replace the wild hunt, but it supplements it—giving falconers a reliable, rewarding way to train, even when the field won’t cooperate.
For us, flying a golden eagle isn’t just about success in the field—it’s about honouring what the bird is made for, on the days we can’t hunt, the BullX Pro keeps us connected to the spirit of the chase.