If the austringer adopts the following method of tethering and carrying the hawk, the chances of losing the hawk with the leash are negligible. Far too many hawks are lost carrying leashes. It's unnecessary and tragic. The concept I employ was proposed by Heinz Meng decades ago, but is used by a minority of austringers. The principal rule is: DO NOT carry a perch leash that is attached to the hawk. Even better, don't tether your hawk in the open i.e. without netting or roof.

For years I have used variations of this system with three Harris's Hawks, a Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Red-tailed Hawk. My apprentices employ this system. For me it began with the triple swivels, then I added the U perch, ceased to carry the perch leash, and replaced the Sampo swivels with SPRO. With reasonable monitoring and maintenance, it is many times safer than the traditional system, which I began to move away from in 2006. The apprentice can't go wrong with either of two similar systems described in The Harris's Hawk Revolution, by Jennifer and Tom Coulson.

My current preferred swivel system consists of one SPRO #7 Heavy Swivel, two SPRO #6 Heavy Swivels, one SPRO #8 Power Split Ring (for leash), one SPRO #6 Power Split Ring, and two snap clips (S-403 UMX Spring Hooks). I have used various SPRO swivels and rings for years; all components are readily available online. The #7, #6, #5 and #4 SPRO swivel ratings are 860, 560, 380, and 240 pound test respectively, comparable to much bulkier Sampo swivels. The split rings are 255, 150, and 90 pound test. Avoid the #3 Heavy Swivel except for micro hawks. If you can pass the leash through, you can use a #6 or #7 ring at end, instead of #8. The #6 is often tight for leash.

Binding the leash are three 1/2", 300 series stainless steel hog rings, which bind very safely, permanently, and securely. The rings and installation pliers are available online. The rings are .65" wide before crimping. The leash is permanently attached to the perch, NEVER carried with the hawk.

Hog rings, when correctly crimped, are tedious to remove; make sure that your leash length is correct before crimping. There's a little art involved, so practice beforehand on a scrap leash such that the hog rings tightly and squarely grip the leash and don't slip. A way to remove set hog rings is to use a heavy pointed cutting tool or a Dremel with a wheel. Wear eye protection as the small chunk may fly. Removing them will demonstrate to you how secure they are. Essentially permanent.

When tethered, hawks wear 5" or 6" jesses, effective length. The apprentice should fly hawk without jesses as soon as possible after training.

The reader will notice that there is no sliding ring on this perch, a separate topic. Link:: U Perch , is made out of a large U-bolt. The leash is bound with hog rings after a round turn (full wrap). The leash length is 24" maximum from tie point on perch to end of snaps. For this 3/4" diameter perch, a finished leash length of 31" including clips and swivels works well. To preserve the life of the leash and protect the leash from abrasion, encase the section with the round turn in thin wall plastic tubing.

Maintenance: Whenever the SPRO swivels get sloppy, replace the swivel set, which is inexpensive and easy to assemble. As SPRO swivels wear, they stretch out, though they may last years in that condition. However, unlike the ball bearing Sampo, the SPRO swivels can part suddenly. I trust them because they are dependable, but the apprentice may use Sampo swivels, which warn of failure as bearings wear. The penalty is a bulkier swivel set. If employing Sampo, use the exact Coulson system which contains an intermediate leather thong with swivels at each end.

Two extremely robust systems are found in the Coulsons' book. Bulkier than I prefer, they are safer than any system I am familiar with. Also that bulk may decrease twisting of leashes and jesses. The large swivels should last your lifetime, but periodically check them, along with the other components. The Coulsons' system incorporates physically larger Sampo swivels with comparable breaking strength as the SPRO swivels of my system. If using the Coulsons' system, make a leather thong and swivel set for each perch that you use (not portable!). The other system described in the book is Toby Bradshaw's. It employs large SPRO swivels (#'s 10.5 and 9), with a layout very similar to mine. I purchased and tested Bradshaw's exact swivel set, which I currently employ with my Harris's Hawk's outside perch to ameliorate her twisting jesses. Additionally I have stiffened her leash with tightly wrapped electrical tape or heat shrinkable tubing.

A closeup of the swivel components described above

A closeup of the hog rings binding leash

U perch with permanent leash with swivels

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