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Falconry Telemetry & Trackers: VHF, GPS & Satellite Systems

Telemetry is arguably the most critical piece of falconry equipment after the glove. Losing a bird without a transmitter can mean losing the bird permanently. This guide covers every telemetry type, how to choose the right system, and what to expect on price and performance.

Why Telemetry Matters

A raptor in pursuit can cover miles in minutes. Red-tailed hawks regularly chase quarry over ridges and into valleys where visual contact is impossible. Falcons stoop at speeds exceeding 100 mph and can end up miles from the slip point. Without telemetry, recovering a bird after an extended chase relies entirely on luck.

Every experienced falconer has a story about telemetry saving a bird. Equipment failures, broken jesses, spooked birds sitting overnight in trees — telemetry turns these from potential tragedies into manageable recoveries. Most falconry clubs and sponsors consider telemetry non-negotiable for apprentices.

Types of Telemetry Systems

VHF (Very High Frequency)

The traditional standard. A small transmitter on the bird emits a radio signal that the falconer picks up with a directional receiver and antenna. The falconer rotates the antenna to find the strongest signal direction and walks toward it. VHF is reliable, lightweight, and works in any terrain without cell coverage.

Pros: Proven technology, lightweight transmitters (3–8g), no subscription fees, works anywhere, long battery life (6–18 months).
Cons: Requires skill to triangulate, limited range (1–15 miles depending on terrain), manual tracking only.

GPS Trackers

GPS units log or transmit the bird's coordinates. Some use cellular networks to relay position data to a phone app; others store waypoints that download when the bird is within Bluetooth range. GPS gives you exact coordinates instead of a directional signal.

Pros: Exact location on a map, easier for beginners, some offer real-time tracking.
Cons: Heavier (8–15g), shorter battery life (days to weeks), cellular models require coverage, subscription fees on some models.

Satellite Trackers

Satellite-based units transmit position via satellite networks (Iridium, Globalstar). These work anywhere on Earth regardless of cell coverage. Primarily used for long-wing falconers flying peregrines and gyrfalcons in open country where birds may travel 20+ miles on a flight.

Pros: Global coverage, tracks birds at any distance, ideal for long-range flights.
Cons: Heaviest option (12–25g), expensive units ($400–$1,200), monthly subscription fees ($15–$50), shorter battery life.

Telemetry Comparison

Feature	VHF	GPS (Cellular)	GPS (Bluetooth)	Satellite
Range	1–15 miles	Unlimited (cell coverage)	300 ft download	Global
Transmitter Weight	3–8 g	10–15 g	5–10 g	12–25 g
Battery Life	6–18 months	3–14 days	2–6 months	1–8 weeks
Subscription	None	$5–$30/mo	None	$15–$50/mo
Unit Cost	$150–$400	$200–$500	$150–$350	$400–$1,200
Receiver Needed	Yes ($200–$600)	Phone app	Phone app	Phone/web app
Best For	All falconers	Urban/suburban	Short-wing hawks	Long-wing falcons

Mounting Methods

Transmitters attach to the bird in several ways, each with trade-offs:

• Tail mount — Attached to a central deck feather with a strip of electrical tape or a dedicated tail-mount clip. Most common for VHF. Easy to apply and remove. Lost when the bird molts the feather.
• Backpack harness — A lightweight harness positions the unit between the shoulders. More secure, stays through molt, but requires careful fitting to avoid restricting flight. Common for GPS and satellite units.
• Leg mount — Attached to the bewit or anklet area. Simple but can snag on branches. Less common.
• Neck mount — Used primarily on larger raptors for research. Rarely used in falconry.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a telemetry system:

• Bird size — Transmitter weight should not exceed 3–5% of the bird's body weight. A 1,000g red-tail can carry up to 50g; a 150g kestrel is limited to about 7g.
• Flying style — Short-wing hawks (Harris hawk, red-tail, Cooper's) typically stay within 1–2 miles. VHF is sufficient. Long-wing falcons may travel 10–20+ miles on a single flight. GPS or satellite is recommended.
• Terrain — VHF struggles in deep canyons and dense forest. GPS works better when you need exact coordinates in difficult terrain.
• Budget — A complete VHF setup (transmitter + receiver + antenna) runs $400–$900. GPS setups start at $200 but may have ongoing subscription costs.
• Redundancy — Many experienced falconers use both VHF and GPS simultaneously. VHF as the primary tracker with GPS as backup.

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