Throwing hawks in backyard?

F

Frontiersman101

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
192
Do any of you practice throwing your hawks in your backyards? I am really looking for someone who practices in a small backyard with close neighbors. Have you had problems with your neighbors for it? Also for those of you that don't live in the woods, where do you get your targets?
 
Easiest first: go on craigslist and see who's selling firewood. Call them up and ask if you can get a large unsplit round for a target. You will probably want to build an easel style holder for it, here's a pic. Hang some old carpet or netting or some such as a backstop for misses and glances.

Next: check your local city ordinances to make sure it's legal. (It should be but some towns have odd laws on the books)

Finally: go chat up your neighbors. Let them know that you'll be practicing throwing hawks and tell them about the awesome backstop you built so that the hawk will never ever fly into their backyard and kill their dog/ kid/ etc. Maybe bring them cookies/ beer/ moonshine as appropriate. Show them what a nice, reasonable fellow you are and do what you can to make them feel comfortable coming to talk to you if there's a problem rather than calling the cops about the scary guy swinging axes around in his backyard.

If you end up having an "difficult" neighbor just make sure that you've set up a safe target and backstop so if the cops do drop by you can show them what a conscientious axe enthusiast you are and how your neighbors complaints are groundless.

Edit: an afterthought; and I'm sure you'd never do this but in case some less responsible chap reads this; If you happen to have a party where you and your guests get a few sheets to the wind DO NOT decide that an impromptu demonstration, competition, or even general horseplay with the hawks is a good idea. Even if you've done all the above, one hawk going through the neighbors window at 11:30 at night may earn you criminal charges.
 
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When the neighbors start paying part of my taxes and mortgage I'll worry about what they think..in the mean time I just bought a house at South Mountain and will be throwing in my back yard soon.
I would think it wouldn't be a problem in Cave Creek.
 
I'm about to move out of the mountains and into my drummer's old place. He's got about an acre I think, but my range will be facing the neighbor's place. I'll probably leave a good 20ft between the target and fence, and if they still complain the cops already know they're white trash pieces of shit from all the other times they've tried to get us in trouble for no reason.


Anyway, in your situation it would depend on your relationship with the neighbors. Try to at least approach it really friendly and everything as suggested above. If they decide to be pricks about it and you've made sure everything is totally safe then they can deal with it. If you're not breaking any laws there's jack they can do about it, and if they try to do something more direct, you ARE the one with the tomahawk you know how to hit a target with.
 
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