A tradition of the far west
Eagle hunting, or falconry with golden eagles, is practiced by some Kazakh families in the far west of Mongolia, most famously in Bayan-Olgii province. Kazakhs are the largest ethnic minority in Mongolia and are mostly Muslim, with their own language, dress and customs. Hunters are often called berkutchi, a word based on the Turkic word for the golden eagle. Falconry of this kind is found in parts of Central Asia, and the Kazakh tradition in Mongolia is among the best known. How far back it goes is hard to state precisely, and it is safest to describe it as a long-standing practice passed down in families.
Eagle hunting is not one of the three manly games, which are wrestling, archery and horse racing, but it is closely linked in many people’s minds to Mongolian sporting culture and often featured at competitions.
The hunter and the bird
Hunters typically use female golden eagles, which are generally larger and stronger than males. Many hunters take a young bird from a nest or acquire one from a family, then spend months or years building trust. The bird is handled daily, fed by hand and gradually trained to come to the glove and to chase prey on a signal. A hunter commonly carries the bird on a thick leather glove, resting the arm on a support attached to the saddle when riding.
Hunters generally describe a close working bond, but it is worth saying that this is a managed relationship with a wild raptor, not a pet. Many families reportedly release the bird back to the wild after several years of hunting, so it can breed, though practice varies and it is unclear how common this is today.
What the eagles hunt
The hunting season is usually winter, when fur-bearing animals such as foxes are easier to see against the snow and their coats are thickest. Hunters ride out onto high ground, search for quarry and release the eagle when an animal is spotted. The pelts have traditionally been used for warm hats, coats and trim. Because winters in the region are severe, hunting has historically been a way to add to family income and clothing alongside herding. For the broader context of cold-season life, the Mongolian winter article explains the conditions.
Not every hunter uses the eagle for hunting in the same way today. Some now keep the tradition more for festivals, demonstration and tourism than for daily subsistence, and rules on wildlife and pelts may apply.
Dress and equipment
At festivals, hunters often wear heavy fur-trimmed coats, fox-fur hats and tall leather boots. The clothing is practical but also shows pride in the craft, and the style differs somewhat from the traditional deel worn by many Mongol groups. Embroidery is a notable feature of Kazakh textiles, and felt and embroidered wall hangings are common in Kazakh homes. These textile traditions are part of why a visit to the west can feel distinct from central Mongolia.
Equipment includes the leather glove, a hood used to calm the bird, and a perch. The hood covers the eyes and is used to keep the eagle quiet while traveling.
The eagle festivals
The best-known gathering is an fall festival held near the provincial capital, where hunters present their birds and compete in events. Typical contests include judging the birds and the riders’ dress, tests of how quickly an eagle responds to the call, and sometimes a lure race in which the eagle is released to fly to a lure dragged by a rider. There are often also horse games, folk music and other Kazakh competitions around the main event. A smaller festival is also commonly held in late winter, closer to the hunting season.
Exact dates change from year to year, and none are given here. Anyone hoping to attend should check with local official sources or the festival organizers well ahead. The Golden Eagle festival period is popular and accommodation in the provincial capital can fill up, so early planning helps. The article on best time to visit has more on seasonal choices.
Other Kazakh traditions
A visitor to the west will notice that Kazakh families and Mongol families share some customs but differ in others. Kazakhs have their own language, and families usually practice Islam, which shapes food and daily routines. Kazakh hospitality is warm, and tea and food are typically offered to guests. Winter dwellings in towns and villages often replace the ger that is common elsewhere, although many families still use a ger or Kazakh-style felt dwelling when migrating with their herds to summer pastures. The idea of seasonal migration is common across Mongolia, though the specific routes and timing differ. More on the people of the region can be found in the article on ethnic groups.
Visiting respectfully
If you meet an eagle hunter, treat the encounter as you would any visit with a family. Ask before photographing the person or the bird. Do not touch an eagle without the owner’s permission, and keep your distance if the bird is excited. Many hunters accept a modest payment or gift for a demonstration or photographs, but customs differ, so ask the guide or the family. The bird is a working animal and should not be handled as a prop.
Tourism has raised the profile of eagle hunting, which can support families, but it also brings pressure. Responsible visitors can choose to book through local community channels and avoid anything that appears to stress the birds. For the wildlife side of the story, the article on birds of prey introduces the species you may see on the steppe, and the article on responsible travel covers general ethics.
Getting there
Western Mongolia is remote. Travel typically involves a long flight or a long overland journey, and conditions vary by season. Check current information on routes and entry requirements before you go, as these can change.