After hunting your Red-tailed Hawk for a season, your goal should be...

The goal of adding about twenty percent to the hawk's flying weight after hunting for a season is grounded in the need to maintain the bird's health, energy levels, and hunting efficiency during the molting process. When a hawk undergoes molt, it is an essential period of renewal for its feathers, during which the bird may require additional nutrients and care to support its physiological changes.

By increasing her flying weight by about twenty percent, the hawk is provided with the extra energy reserves necessary to cope with the demands of molting while still staying physically fit. This approach ensures that during this biologically stressful time, the hawk can maintain her strength and stamina, which are critical for her overall well-being and readiness for future hunting activities once the molt is complete.

This practice contrasts with keeping her sharp-set, where she might be underweight and not have enough energy reserves, or feeding her as much as she can eat, which can lead to obesity and health problems. Ensuring the hawk is at an optimal flying weight during this transition allows for a balance between health and performance in hunting.