Under unsafe hunting conditions, when should a falconer transfer or release the hawk?

• A. Never
• B. Only after sunset
• C. When necessary
• D. Only if the quarry escapes

Answer: (C)

The guiding idea is safety and welfare. If hunting conditions become unsafe—for example, severe weather, risky terrain, low visibility, or you can’t safely manage or control the hawk—you should transfer the bird to another licensed falconer or release it. Acting when it’s necessary protects the hawk and people, and it aligns with ethical and legal responsibilities. It wouldn’t fit to say never transfer, or to wait for after sunset, or only act if the quarry escapes, since those scenarios don’t address the immediate safety concerns involved.