Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia
Meet the Kazakh hunters in Western Mongolia
Indeed, the Kazakh practice of hunting with birds of prey is hardly a modern one. Cave paintings depict falconry practices dating back to the Bronze Age, Genghis Khan was said to be a fan, and Marco Polo described eagle hunting with Khan’s grandson in the 1100s.
Any intrepid travelers who were awestruck by the Human Planet footage will be thrilled to learn that the Kazakh eagle hunters (berkutchi) are now opening their doors to guests, who can learn about their lives and observe these falconry skills. And modern festivals in Western Mongolia showcase the unique relationship between the hunters and their eagles, along with traditional horsemanship and other aspects of the Kazakh culture.
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Why are eagles used for hunting?
Eagle hunting in Mongolia
How to catch & keep an eagle
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2021: 21 Aug
Hunting with the berkutchi
Join a Kazakh eagle hunter in Mongolia
Responsible tourism in Western Mongolia
We have been made aware recent of reports on hunt companies which are arranging for prey (foxes, rabbits, young wolves) to be pre-captured and then released on demand of the photographers. It is typically the larger tour companies with 'well-heeled' or luxury tourists visiting in the summer/ early spring that are creating this situation. Their tourists are spending big money and want 'results'.
Our operator Eternal Landscapes offers the following advice: "For those concerned about the welfare of the eagles, the Kazakh eagle hunters have a respectful yet practical approach to their eagles - they have a close connection with their eagles - they are virtually family members although it is sometimes hard for outsiders to recognise this. The eagle hunters only hunt in the winter months (early November through to February) as they hunt specifically for the winter coat of the prey. The eagles are released back into the wild after about ten seasons so that they can breed. Once released, the birds are observed to make sure they successfully reintegrate back into the wild."