Arar, October 15, 2024 — As the much-anticipated hunting season unfolds, falconers are putting into practice a range of techniques designed to enhance their birds' hunting prowess. Among these methods, the melwah technique has gained considerable popularity for its effectiveness in boosting the hunting fitness of falcons.
The melwah technique is an innovative training approach that simulates prey in a desert environment. Falconers attach feathers from birds such as the houbara bustard or curlew to a thread, creating a lifelike representation of prey. By skillfully maneuvering these feathers, falconers engage their birds, encouraging them to pounce and reinforcing their natural hunting instincts. This training not only sharpens the birds’ agility and responsiveness but also deepens the bond between falconers and their avian companions.
The Hammad Desert, located in the Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, has become a favored destination for falconers during this hunting season. Renowned for its role as a migratory route for various falcon species, the region offers an ideal backdrop for training and hunting activities. Here, falconers can observe and interact with high-value falcons, often leading to spirited auctions where exceptional birds are offered for sale.
The combination of traditional falconry practices and modern training techniques like melwah highlights the enduring cultural significance of falconry in the region. As falconers prepare for the season, they not only celebrate their time-honored traditions but also ensure that their birds are equipped to thrive in the wild, preserving the art of falconry for future generations.
