In western Mongolia, Kazakh eagle hunters have preserved a remarkable form of falconry using trained golden eagles. The tradition is especially associated with Bayan-Ölgii Province, where knowledge about handling and hunting with eagles has been passed between generations. Training a golden eagle is not simply about teaching a bird to attack prey. It involves gradually building familiarity between a wild raptor and its handler, preparing the eagle to respond during a hunt, and maintaining a working relationship through repeated practice.

The eagle-hunting tradition most associated with Mongolia today belongs mainly to the country's Kazakh community in Bayan-Ölgii, in the far west. Kazakh families have lived in this region for generations, close to the Altai Mountains and the borders of China and Russia.

Kazakh migration into western Mongolia began during the 19th century, with many early migrants arriving from areas that are now part of western China. The community's eagle-hunting tradition forms part of a much wider Central Asian falconry heritage.

Falconry is also recognized by UNESCO as living cultural heritage shared by several countries, including Mongolia.

Female golden eagles are traditionally preferred because they are larger and heavier than males. Their greater size makes them well suited to hunting prey such as foxes.

Golden eagles are powerful birds, but they are not as heavy as some older descriptions suggest. Adults generally weigh about 3 to 6.1 kg, while their wingspan can reach around 2.2 metres.

Golden eagle facts:

Kazakh eagle hunters have traditionally obtained birds in different ways. Some eagles were taken from nests while young, while others were captured later as juvenile or adult birds.

The choice of eagle depends on the hunter's experience, the bird's condition, size, temperament, and hunting potential.

This part of the tradition has also changed over time. Modern tourism and commercialization have affected how some eagles are obtained, kept, and trained, making responsible handling increasingly important.

Training starts by familiarizing the eagle with the hunter and its surroundings. The goal is not to teach the eagle how to become a predator, because hunting behavior is already natural to the bird.

Instead, the hunter develops a working relationship so the eagle accepts handling, responds to signals, and cooperates during a hunt.

1. Building Familiarity

The eagle gradually becomes accustomed to regular contact with its handler. Hunters may spend long periods near the bird, speaking to it and helping it become comfortable with human movement and sound.

This stage is important because a golden eagle remains a powerful wild raptor. Calm, consistent handling is essential.

2. Getting Used to Falconry Equipment

The eagle becomes familiar with equipment such as the hunter's glove, perch, and hood.

A hood reduces visual stimulation while the bird is being transported or handled. It is a traditional piece of falconry equipment used in many parts of the world.

The eagle must also learn to remain steady on the hunter's arm and while the hunter travels on horseback.

3. Learning to Return to the Hunter

A trained eagle needs to respond reliably when called or shown a familiar signal.

Training usually begins over shorter, controlled distances before the eagle is expected to work across large open landscapes.

The relationship between bird and handler is one of the most important parts of successful eagle hunting.

4. Preparing for Hunting

The eagle gradually moves from basic handling and response exercises to situations that resemble a real hunt.

Golden eagles already have excellent eyesight, powerful feet, and natural hunting instincts. The hunter's role is mainly to develop cooperation between bird and human.

Foxes are the prey most strongly associated with traditional Kazakh eagle hunting in western Mongolia.

Red foxes and corsac foxes have historically been important quarry because their fur was valuable and useful in cold climates.

Hares and other small animals may also be hunted.

Golden eagles are sometimes associated with wolf hunting in popular media, but wolves should not be described as normal or typical prey in traditional Bayan-Ölgii eagle hunting.

Watching an eagle at a festival is different from watching a traditional winter hunt.

The Golden Eagle Festival has helped increase awareness of the tradition, but festival performances should not be confused with everyday hunting practice.

Traditional release is one of the most interesting parts of Kazakh eagle falconry.

Historically, some hunters released their eagle after several hunting seasons so the bird could return to the wild and reproduce.

One documented tradition involved releasing an eagle after around four or five hunting seasons. However, practices differ between hunters, and not every eagle follows exactly the same path.

The older system of capture, training, hunting, and eventual release has also changed as tourism and commercialization have grown.

Eagle falconry in Bayan-Ölgii today is primarily a Kazakh cultural tradition practiced within Mongolia.

It is more accurate to describe it this way than to present it simply as a tradition shared equally across all Mongolian ethnic groups.

Falconry itself has very old roots across Eurasia and has been practiced in different forms for thousands of years.

The exact form practiced by Kazakh eagle hunters in western Mongolia developed within a much wider history of Central Asian nomadic and falconry traditions.

Bayan-Ölgii is the main destination for travelers interested in Kazakh eagle culture.

The best-known public event is the Golden Eagle Festival, usually held in early autumn. It gives visitors an opportunity to see eagle hunters demonstrate their skills and celebrate Kazakh traditions.

Traditional hunting usually takes place during the colder months, when fox fur is at its thickest and snow can make prey easier to track.

A genuine hunt is different from a festival performance. It depends on weather, wildlife, the eagle, and the hunter rather than a fixed schedule.

Discover Mongolia has worked with travelers in Mongolia since 2004 and can include Bayan-Ölgii and local Kazakh cultural experiences in a wider Mongolia itinerary.

A visit should focus on understanding the people and tradition rather than treating the eagle simply as a photo opportunity.

When visiting Bayan-Ölgii:

The most meaningful experience comes from understanding the relationship between the hunter, the eagle, the landscape, and Kazakh culture.

How are golden eagles trained to hunt in Mongolia?

Golden eagles are gradually accustomed to their handler, falconry equipment, horses, and repeated recall exercises before working in real hunting situations. Traditional knowledge is usually passed from experienced eagle hunters to younger generations.

Why do Mongolian eagle hunters use female eagles?

Female golden eagles are preferred because they are generally larger and stronger than males. Their size makes them especially suitable for hunting foxes and other traditional prey.

How much does a golden eagle weigh?

Adult golden eagles generally weigh about 3 to 6.1 kg. Females are usually larger and heavier than males.

Do golden eagles hunt wolves in Mongolia?

No, wolves should not be described as normal prey in traditional Bayan-Ölgii eagle hunting. Foxes, especially red foxes and corsac foxes, are much more closely associated with the tradition.

Are Mongolia's eagle hunters Mongolian or Kazakh?

Most eagle hunters associated with Bayan-Ölgii are ethnic Kazakhs who are citizens of Mongolia. Their eagle-hunting tradition is an important part of Kazakh culture in western Mongolia.

Are trained golden eagles eventually released?

Yes, traditional Kazakh practice has included releasing some eagles after several hunting seasons so they can return to the wild. However, the timing and practice can vary between hunters.

When is the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia?

The Golden Eagle Festival is usually held in Bayan-Ölgii in early autumn. Exact dates can change from year to year, so travelers should confirm the current festival schedule before booking flights.

Can tourists learn to train an eagle in Mongolia?

No, visitors should not expect to become eagle trainers during a short trip. Travelers can meet eagle-hunting families, observe demonstrations, and learn about the tradition, but genuine eagle training requires specialist knowledge and long-term experience.

Discover Mongolia has organized tailor-made tours since 2004.

We handle flights, accommodation, guides, vehicles — you focus on the journey.