What term describes the process of letting a hawk fly freely in order to catch prey?

The term that describes the process of letting a hawk fly freely to catch prey is "hacking." This practice is integral to falconry, as it allows the bird to demonstrate its natural hunting abilities in the wild. Hacking typically involves releasing the bird from a secure location, where it can hunt and learn to fend for itself, often while still being trained by the falconer.

This method is particularly beneficial for young hawks or those that are newly trained, as it encourages them to build their confidence and develop their skills in a more natural setting. Through hacking, the hawk can also establish familiarity with its hunting ground and learn to recognize potential prey.

In contrast, training refers to the overall education process of the bird, including teaching it to respond to commands. Baiting involves enticing the bird with food as a way to train or retrieve it, while striking refers to the action of the hawk attacking its prey. Each of these terms involves different aspects of working with birds of prey, but hacking specifically emphasizes the freedom of the hawk to engage in hunting behavior independently.