How are Cooper's hawks most commonly hunted?

Cooper's hawks are often trained to hunt by using the method known as "from the fist." This approach involves the falconer holding the hawk on their glove, allowing the bird to become acclimated to its handler and the surrounding environment. When released, the hawk can then pursue prey effectively from close range. This technique capitalizes on the natural hunting instincts of the Cooper's hawk, which is known for its agility and ability to navigate through dense vegetation to capture smaller birds.

Utilizing "from the fist" allows for close monitoring of the hawk’s behavior and reactions, ensuring that the falconer can intervene if necessary. Other hunting methods, such as hunting from power poles or a commanding pitch, are generally more applicable to other species of hawks, which hunt differently based on their own unique characteristics and hunting styles. Thus, the emphasis on training Cooper's hawks to hunt from the fist is grounded in their specific hunting behavior and the close relationship developed between the falconer and the bird.