After hunting your Red-tailed Hawk for a season, what should your goal be during the molt?

The goal during the molt for a Red-tailed Hawk is to add about 20% to her flying weight. This adjustment is necessary because, during the molt, the bird is undergoing a significant physiological change as it replaces old feathers with new ones. This process can be quite energy-intensive and may lead to a temporary decrease in the hawk's body condition.

By increasing her flying weight by around 20%, you are providing the bird with the necessary resources to support molting, ensuring that she has enough energy and nutrition during this demanding time. It helps to maintain her overall health and allows for proper feather growth, which is crucial for her performance when she returns to hunting after the molt.

The other choices do not align with best practices during the molt phase. Keeping a hawk sharp-set or excessively feeding her could lead to health issues, while enseaming her is not a standard practice commonly recommended during this period.