Our set of Dutch Hood Blocks was developed over 35 years ago by hood makers from Colorado . I made the first block from sketches I made of one of Robert Widmeier’s blocks on a visit to Robert’s home in Minnesota in 1962. The following hood makers contributed to making these blocks: Jack Stoddart, Dave Myhre, Yancey Cox, and Jerry Craig. In the beginning, we made each block to fit a specific native or exotic raptor. When these hood blocks were first available for sale, there were 22 hood blocks in the set. Prior to captive breeding a hood maker’s life was much simpler. If we trapped 20 Prairie Falcons, one hood would fit 19 out of 20 of those falcons. One of those Prairie Falcons would require a larger hood or a smaller one. Lou Woyce experienced the same situation trapping Tundra Peregrines on Assateague Island . One hood size would fit almost every Peregrine Falcon they trapped. When captive breeding and hybrids came along, Dave Myhre and I made eight more hood blocks, filling in the gaps for Hybrids. So, for 25 years, there were 30 blocks in a complete set. I have shipped sets of hood blocks all over the US , Canada , Europe, and one set to South Africa . Many well-known commercial hood makers use these hood blocks to make their hoods. Also, there are many fine hood makers who use these blocks that have never sold a hood.

At this point, I can make 55+ different sizes of hood blocks, which cover female Golden Eagles on down to Sharp-shins or Kestrels. Now, with falcon crossbreds, falcon hybrids, falcon tribrids, and hawk hybrids available in North America, plus eagle hybrids produced in Europe , no hood maker can claim to know what hood will fit every raptor. A hood block to make a hood which will fit that raptor is in this set somewhere. Each order for 10 hood blocks includes a set of patterns and an awl, which is used to make the hidden stitches. If you are not making hoods commercially, ten blocks will serve most falconers well. Each set of patterns includes a bibliography for books and periodicals, which contain the best information about making Dutch Hoods. I give a 10% discount for any order of 30 blocks and another 10% for any order of 50 or more hood blocks. Often, two or more falconers get together to order hood blocks.

I answer any questions and coach anyone who purchases hood blocks from me. Some beginning hood makers have visited our home to receive hands on coaching and view many hoods and hood blocks made by other hood makers from the US, France and Holland. Others simply call to ask questions. One hood maker learned the process from the other side of the world through emails.

From the raptors side of the equation, pretty hoods are of no value. A hooded raptor only needs a lightweight hood that fits well. Despite this most important fact, making nice hidden stitches is important to many beginning hood makers and I coach them to achieve that goal. Whether the hood is glued or stitched makes no difference to the raptor. These hood blocks are used to mould Arab or Syrio hoods as well, and they are used to refurbish hoods that are worn or have lost their shape.

If Dutch Hoods were easy to make, everyone would make their own hoods. I do not claim to be able to teach everyone how to make Dutch Hoods, but if the prospective hood maker can make good Indian Hoods and/or are experienced craftsman, the process works well. Beginning hood maker’s learning curve increases rapidly with their successes. If they get stuck, a phone call or an email can get them back on track. Why purchase hood blocks from a distributor who has never made a hood? Order your hood blocks from someone who can be of some value in teaching you how to make hoods.

Jack Stoddart Web page Dutchhood.com

17710 U Road Email 1 dutchood@hotmail

Mayetta, KS 66509 Email 2 dutchood@aol