Hunting with eagles

Steppe falconry and terminology

Across Central Asia, falconers distinguish between general raptor handling and the specialized craft of eagle hunting. In the Kazakh language, an eagle hunter is known as a bürkitshi, derived from the word for golden eagle, while general falconers are called sayatshy or qusbegi. The title qusbegi translates to lord of birds and historically belonged to respected court advisors among early Turkic rulers. In Kyrgyz, eagle falconers are called bürkütchü, while general handlers are known as münüshkör. Though golden eagles are the most celebrated companions, hunters also train northern goshawks, peregrine falcons and saker falcons.

Ancient roots and nomadic history

Archaeological evidence traces falconry traditions across Central Asia back to the first or second millennium BC. Over the centuries, successive steppe cultures maintained this practice. During the tenth century, the Khitan people of Manchuria retained eagle hunting even after expanding into northern China and absorbing aspects of Chinese society. Later, Kyrgyz nomads preserved their eagle handling traditions following their submission to Mongol rule in 1207 under Genghis Khan's son Jochi. These practical hunting methods formed a core component of daily survival and pastoral life across the steppe.

Winter hunts on horseback

Active hunting takes place during the coldest months of the year. Deep snow makes it easier for mounted hunters to spot the reddish coats of red foxes, corsac foxes and hares against the white landscape. Falconers ride into the mountains on horses, balancing the heavy eagle on an arm supported by a wooden rest. When quarry is sighted, the handler releases the eagle from an elevated vantage point to swoop down upon the prey. Today, around 250 Kazakh eagle hunters maintain this lifestyle in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia.

Mongolian diaspora and festivals

In the twentieth century, many Kazakh families migrated to Bayan-Ölgii Province in western Mongolia to escape Soviet collectivization and preserve their nomadic way of life. They brought their birds, horses and hunting customs with them. Although modern initiatives have sought to bring these falconers back to Kazakhstan, a strong community remains in the Mongolian Altai. Every October, practitioners gather to demonstrate their skills and display their eagles at the annual Golden Eagle Festival, keeping the centuries-old art visible to younger generations and visitors alike.

How Hunting with eagles is kept

During the freezing winter season, a mounted hunter rides into high terrain with an eagle perched on a gloved arm. The falconer scans the landscape for foxes or hares, which stand out clearly against the snow. Upon spotting prey, the hunter releases the raptor from a high ridge. The eagle dives to capture the animal before the rider reaches the site to secure the catch.

When and where

Hunting occurs throughout the cold winter months, when snowy ground provides high visibility for tracking animals. Falconers also gather annually every October for the Golden Eagle Festival.

This tradition thrives primarily across the Eurasian Steppe, notably in the Altai Mountains of Bayan-Ölgii Province in western Mongolia, as well as in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang in northwestern China.

Days Hunting with eagles is marked

Questions people ask about Hunting with eagles

See also

KurashCentral Asian traditional upright folk wrestling using cloth belts or towelsNowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnicsTraditional tattooingThe ancient custom of marking the skin for protection, healing, status and sacred ritesPostpartum confinementA period of rest, nourishment, and seclusion for mothers after giving birth.

Good reading and sources

• Hunting with eagles on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.