What could happen to a hunting hawk if allowed to lick a live lure?

Allowing a hunting hawk to lick a live lure can have detrimental effects on its hunting instincts and behaviors. The primary concern is that it may cause the bird to develop undesirable habits or become too accustomed to the lure. This interaction can create confusion between the too-playful or non-threatening engagement with the lure and actual hunting scenarios, impairing the bird's natural instincts. As a result, the hawk may lose its drive to chase and capture prey effectively in the wild, which is critical for its survival.

In falconry, maintaining the bird's natural predatory instinct is crucial, and allowing contact with a live lure inappropriately can undermine this. Therefore, this choice highlights the potential risks associated with improper training or handling of hunting hawks, ensuring that their instincts remain intact.