Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia

Footage of Kazakh eagle hunters riding on horseback across the vast landscape of Mongolia’s Altai Mountains inspired gasps of awe when shown as part of the BBC’s Human Planet series in 2011. Clad in animal skins to ward off the sub-zero temperatures, the weathered-faced father and son each rode with one arm outstretched and a huge, blindfolded golden eagle perched on their hands. As a fox sprinted across the plains below, the blindfolds were removed and the eagles soared down to hunt the prey – the ultimate test of the eagle handler’s skill. The scene barely looked real, much less like something you might find in the 21st century.

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 travellers 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.

Many tours in Western Mongolia offer the chance to meet or stay with Kazakh eagle hunters. Responsible holiday companies will know this region well, are friends with the Kazakh families, and offer very small group tours in a way which benefits the eagle hunters, rather than disrupting their lives. They will employ local guides who have personal connections with these communities, and can check with the families to ensure they are happy to host tourists at certain times. They also safeguard the wellbeing of the younger eagle hunters, which includes a new generation of girls who are taking up the practice for the first time.

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."