Eagle hunter mongolia

Eagle hunting in Mongolia is a millennia-old tradition practiced by nomadic herders in the Altai Mountains, where golden eagles are trained to hunt foxes and hares.

About this subject

Eagle hunting, known as berkutchi, is an ancient practice of the Kazakh Mongols, primarily in Bayan-Ölgii province in western Mongolia. This tradition is estimated to date back over 2,000 years, when nomadic tribes of Central Asia began domesticating golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) for subsistence hunting. Unlike European falconry, which uses falcons, Mongolian hunters prefer female eagles, which are larger and more aggressive, reaching a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters and weighing 7 kilograms.

The training process is rigorous and requires deep knowledge of animal behavior. Hunters capture eagle chicks around 4 years old, after they have learned to hunt in the wild, and keep them in captivity for up to 10 years. Eagles are hand-fed and conditioned to return to the hunter's arm after capturing prey. During winter, from November to February, hunters ride horses with their eagles in search of foxes, hares, and occasionally wolves. The annual Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii attracts tourists and competitors from across the region.

Eagle hunter culture is deeply tied to Kazakh identity in Mongolia. Although the practice declined in the 20th century due to urbanization and firearms hunting, it has experienced a revival in recent decades, driven by cultural tourism and UNESCO recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, there are about 400 active eagle hunters, mostly in the Bayan-Ölgii region. They wear traditional clothing made of sheepskin and fox fur hats, and carry a wooden rest called "baldak" on their left arm to hold the eagle.

An interesting fact: eagles are not kept in permanent captivity. After about 10 years of partnership, hunters release them into the wild, allowing them to live freely and reproduce. This relationship of respect and symbiosis is a remarkable example of coexistence between humans and wild animals. The image of a hunter with his eagle perched on his arm, against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, has become a photographic icon of modern Mongolia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of eagle hunting in Mongolia?

Eagle hunting, or berkutchi, originated among the Kazakh Mongols over 2,000 years ago as part of the nomadic culture of Central Asia.

How are eagles trained for hunting?

Hunters capture chicks around 4 years old and condition them to return to the arm after catching prey. Training includes hand-feeding and gradual exposure to real hunting.

Is the tradition still practiced today?

Yes, there are about 400 active hunters in Bayan-Ölgii. The practice has been revitalized by tourism and UNESCO recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage.