Hunting with Eagles

Hunting with golden eagles is an ancient tradition that dates back to the Mongol conquests of Central Asia in the 12th and 13th centuries. During this time, both a fine eagle and a good horse were considered of equal value, and owning them conferred a great deal of prestige.

While the practice is slowly fading in certain regions, eagle hunting remains alive in parts of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Westerners often associate this with falconry, though hunters in these areas distinguish between the two. Hunting with hawks and falcons is considered less prestigious, often viewed as a pastime for children or beginners, while hunting with eagles is seen as the true mark of skill.

The hunt is conducted on horseback, riding a specially trained steed called a «bercut.» A unique device, the «baldak,» is attached to the saddle to support the hunter’s arm while carrying the eagle. Once released, the eagle hunts for animals like fawns, foxes, and small game, diving swiftly to kill its prey. These powerful birds are even capable of taking down young wolves when the snow hinders their movement. In some cases, eagles work in pairs, mimicking their natural hunting behavior in the wild.

A well-trained duo, known as the berkutchi (hunter) and the eagle, can catch an impressive amount of game during the four-month hunting season, which starts in late autumn. A single pair can typically bring down 50-60 foxes, a dozen badgers, a couple of lynx, and up to five wolves in a season. Eagles rarely miss their target, and they usually kill swiftly by breaking the prey’s neck with their powerful talons.

Capturing, training, and maintaining eagles is a highly ritualized tradition, one in which both the Kazakh and Kyrgyz people excel. They train the bird to strike its prey without damaging the fur, a valuable skill when hunting for pelts. Training takes about 3-4 years and requires daily, dedicated attention by a single person to forge a strong bond with the eagle.

Most eagles, which can live up to 40 years, are captured young. They are hooded and placed in a cage with a constantly swaying perch. Throughout this process, the berkutchi sings and chants to the bird, imprinting his voice and establishing a deep connection. Over time, the eagle learns to recognize human voices and will only obey the call of its master. The berkutchi is solely responsible for feeding the bird during training.

As the eagle matures, it is introduced to the hides and furs of the animals it will eventually hunt, helping it become familiar with the scent and texture of its prey. This is all done using specific commands. Training continues with exercises like dragging a fox fur behind a galloping horse to simulate a real hunt. Not all eagles can be trained successfully, but those that are form a strong bond with their trainer, returning faithfully after each kill despite being untethered.

In Kyrgyzstan, the eagle hunting season runs from October to February, as larger eagles molt during the summer and do not hunt. During the tourist season, demonstrations of eagle hunting may be limited to showcasing the birds or flying smaller falcons. These exhibitions can be arranged in areas such as Issyk Kul, the Naryn region, and near Bishkek, offering visitors a glimpse into this ancient and revered art.