What is the maiden voyage?

• A. Initial conditioning session
• B. Final hunting trip
• C. First free flight
• D. Introduction to hunting harness

Answer: (C)

The maiden voyage is the first free flight after training. It marks the bird’s initial unfettered flight, when it is released to fly on its own and then respond to cues to return to the handler. This step comes after initial conditioning with the trainer and before using the bird for hunting. It’s not about getting the bird used to people or equipment in a tame setting, nor is it the final hunting work, or the step of introducing a hunting harness. The maiden voyage tests the bird’s basic flight ability and recall in a controlled way.