What is the primary purpose of 'manning' a falcon?

The primary purpose of 'manning' a falcon is to get the bird used to being around people. This process is vital for familiarizing the falcon with human presence and ensuring it feels comfortable in a variety of social environments. By exposing the bird gradually to different stimuli, such as sounds, sights, and interactions with the falconer, the bird learns to associate humans with positive experiences, which is essential for successful training and handling in the long term.

Manning lays the groundwork for the future training of the falcon, making it more adaptable and responsive to commands, which is crucial when preparing the bird for hunting and other activities. Without this initial step, a falcon may remain skittish and difficult to train, which would hinder its performance in the field.