Eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan

Everybody knows the village of Bokonbaevo located on the southern shore of the Issyk Kul lake. In this village you can encounter the best hunters with eagles in the country. One of them is Arstan baike who practices this tradition being the 8^th in his generation. He will give you lots of useful information about hunting with eagles and can organize an eagle show upon request.

Kyrgyzstan is considered to be one of the homelands of eagle hunting along with other countries in Central Asia. Ancient Kyrgyz tribes started to tame the birds of prey many centuries ago and continue this tradition to these days. This occupation was essential for getting food and fur during difficult winter times. Nowadays it is not as crucial as before but still important to preserve as a significant element of nomadic culture.

Kyrgyz people preferred to train golden eagles over hawks and falcons. Golden eagles are considered to be the most intelligent and powerful. They are able to kill hares, foxes, lynxes and even wolves! Eagle hunters are called berkutchi in Kyrgyz and were always highly respected in the society.

The training of eagles takes lots of time and patience. Berkutchi must spend a lot of time with the eaglet to create a strong bond between them. Within 3-4 years he sings and talks to him and feeds the eagle. In order to train the eagle to hunt, the eagle hunter uses a fox fur fastened to a rope which he pulls in front of him and the eaglet must catch it. The hunting season starts in Kyrgyzstan in October and ends in February. The eagle stays with berkutchi for 20 years more or less and becomes like a part of family. After this he lets him go into wilderness.

Arstan baike has received many international and local prizes in eagle hunting. He is also a member of Salburun Federation that takes care of revival and development of eagle hunting. If you plan to travel on the southern shore of Issyk Kul, make sure to stop over at his house.