Ancient Tradition of Hunting Wolves with Trained Golden Eagles Still Alive in Mongolia

Hunting Wolves with a Golden Eagle in Mongolia

In western Mongolia, an ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles is still alive. We know from history that Genghis Khan had 1,000 hunting birds - eagles, falcons and gyrfalcons - and so did Kubla Khan. There were protected areas in the steppe marked with stones where only the khans were allowed to hunt. The Kazakhs of Mongolia train their eagles to hunt and here the bird of prey is often considered a family member. The Berkutchi is a falconer who hunts with the Golden Eagle. The training of this bird was seen as difficult and even perilous even by the experienced Synchy. the bird is never a slave of its owner, only a partner in hunting. From ancient times, berkutchi-falconers in the nomadic herder societies had the role of preserving and stocking furs. The high social status of the berkutchi and his family was conditioned by the climate, as warm strong and durable clothing for the people during the winter seasons was a vital necessity. Best-suited for this were the pelts of wolves and foxes.

Wow, I've heard of hunting with birds of prey but I didn't know it existed to this extreme. It's interesting to think about how vital animals have been to our evolution, prior to the modern age especially. They've been essential as a way to fill in the gap that exists between nature and our limited strength, endurance and speed. Need to travel a long distance with speed? Welcome the horse. Need power and endurance to tow a load? Welcome the ox. Need to send a message somewhere? Welcome the pigeon. Need a guard, hunting assistant, sheep herder or best friend? Welcome the dog. Need an aerial assault on your prey? Welcome the eagle. You get the point...