Complete online course - Certifcate will be required to purchase

A Net Launcher is an amazing tool to capture flight-capable compromised birds that are unable to be captured by other conventional methods. With this training we hope to give you the confidence to use them effectively in the field.

Here is a breakdown of how these devices work and why they are essential for rescue operations.

How it Works

A net launcher is essentially a handheld or tripod-mounted device that uses compressed air or a small pyrotechnic charge to propel a weighted net over a target.

• The Power Source: Most modern rescue launchers use CO2 canisters (similar to those in paintball guns) or compressed air. This makes them quiet—a huge plus when trying not to spook an already stressed animal.

• The Projectiles: The net is packed into a canister. Attached to the corners of the net are weighted "slugs" or brass weights. When fired, these weights pull the net open into a wide square or hexagon mid-air.

• The Netting: For small animals, the mesh is typically made of fine, high-strength nylon or dyneema. The "mesh size" (the gaps in the net) is chosen based on the species to prevent the animal from slipping through or getting its limbs dangerously tangled.