For centuries Bürkitshi (eagle hunters) have been hunting with their eagles during the frigid winter months for subsistence and fur (foxes, wolves, and hares). Eaglets are captured from their nests high in rocky crevices. Only female birds are selected, as they ultimately grow to be larger than males, giving them an edge as hunters. The bond between hunter and bird is deep; she answers only to the hunter’s voice.
During the long winters, eagle hunters leave their homes and head into the mountains on horseback with their eagles. Almost all the hunting takes place in winter. Fox, hare, and wolf tracks can easily be seen in the snow and when the animals are found, they have nowhere to hide in the vast whiteness. Sixteen foxes are needed to make one traditional fur hat. Wolves’ fur is the most valuable fur, but if the hunt is not done properly, wolves could kill the hunter’s eagle.
