More than 200 years ago, the advance of the Russian Empire troops pushed Kazakhs to neighbouring countries. Southern Kazakhs were allowed to settle down in the remote parts of western Mongolia. Along with them, their long-lived tradition followed.
”I have been hunting with eagles for about 40 years. My father taught me how to master eagles when I was a child., now I am teaching my son how to become a respected hunter”, says Farathan Khavilhak.
He is one of the certified eagle hunters in the area. He explains that hunting with eagles is a lifestyle, a tradition dating 6000 years back. He estimate that he has been training around 140 eagles during his lifetime. Some eagles are easier to train for hunting than others. Those who are not quite as successful as hunters he releases back into the wild and the ones that can be trained in to perfection, he can sell or trade. One good eagle gives him a good horse in exchange.- -Last year during prime hunting season, which is between October-February, the eagle that we used today hunted down 20 foxes per day, says Khavilhak. It is during the coldest months of the year the hunt is at its best.
Foxes, hares, other small birds and even wolfs are among the target of prey for the eagle. With her magnificent eye-sight the eagle scan the wide landscape for prey. Once found, the prey has little chance to survive the soon-to-come attack. The eagle leaves the arm of the hunter and sets off. She uses her enormous wingspan and can accelerate up to a speed of 240 kilometres per hours. After a few seconds the attacked animal is struggling for its survival.
When I ask Farathan Khavilhak for how long he will be hunting with eagles. His answer is short but descriptive,
-As long as live.
Jimmy Linus is based in Oslo and works as a reportage photographer. His website can be found here: www.jimmylinus.com.
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