Partnership
In Episode 74 of ‘Fat Bird, Ugly Dog,’ Ed Pitcher speaks about his evolving philosophy of falconry - a shift away from control and coercion, toward trust and partnership. It’s not just a perspective I admire - it’s one I share deeply, particularly as we work with eagles and bring in tools like the Bull X lure machine to support our training.
Pitcher discusses mantras he once lived by - “being touched by the Angel of Death” and “a sharp hawk is a smart hawk” - and how, over time, those phrases began to ring hollow. What once seemed profound now feels misaligned with the responsibility we hold as falconers, as trainers, and ultimately as stewards of these birds.
A Partnership, Not a Power Struggle
At the heart of Pitcher’s message is this: the relationship between a human and a bird of prey is not one of dominance, but of interdependence. The falcon cannot hunt effectively without the human; the human cannot hunt at all without the falcon. Each is incomplete without the other. It's not hierarchy - it's a collaboration.
This truth becomes clearest during training. It’s tempting, especially early on, to expect immediate compliance or obedience. But what if we reframe our expectations entirely? What if, instead of forcing the bird to submit, we simply show it that success - a kill, a reward - comes from engaging with us?
That’s where reliable tools like the Bull X lure machine become more than just gear - they become bridges. They let us build that bond of trust by offering a positive, controlled outcome. The bird flies. The lure appears. The reward is real. There’s no confusion. No deception. Just the beginning of a true working relationship.
No Animal Should Be Punished
Pitcher’s firm stance - “no animal should be punished” - resonates across species. Animals aren’t misbehaving when they don’t comply; they’re communicating. They're learning. Something external is happening that we can’t see or understand as to why they aren’t doing what we want them to do. They aren’t robots. These birds don’t forget. They don’t trust lightly. If we want to partner with them, we must earn that right through patience and consistency, not pressure and punishment.
Obstacle or Asset
After listening to the episode, what I took away was that positive reinforcement isn’t about spoiling or softening wild animals - it’s about honouring the ancient intelligence within them. When a bird succeeds and is rewarded, it learns that hunting with you leads to success. Not because you force it, but because you aid it. The eagle begins to understand that you’re not an obstacle - you’re an asset.
And this trust is not incidental. Eagles are among the few birds that mate for life - they are deeply loyal, highly bonded animals. That capacity for devotion isn't just reserved for other eagles; it's part of how they relate to the world. If we train with respect and consistency, that same loyalty can extend to us, as partners in the field.
I believe understanding that lies at the heart of true falconry.
Walk with Confidence
Ed Pitcher embraces tools that support clarity and consistency - not just in equipment, but in mindset. His mantras distil something complex into a repeatable truth that keeps you anchored. A personal favourite will always be: “Walk with confidence, don’t run with hope.” It’s a reminder to stay in your lane, to train with clarity, consistency, and purpose - because that’s what builds confidence. Be calm. Be prepared. Be intentional.