Eagle Hunting in Mongolia: A Glimpse into the Traditional Life of Eagle Hunters

Eagle hunting is an ancient art that has been passed down through generations in Mongolia. This method of hunting involves training eagles to catch prey and has been practiced for centuries. Although the tradition is fading away, there are still a few hundred eagle hunters left, and photographer Leo Thomas had the privilege of capturing their lives on camera during his visit to the Alta region in Western Mongolia.

The Lives of Eagle Hunters

Leo Thomas was able to capture some stunning pictures of eagle hunters during his visit. The eagle hunters he met were mostly male, but he did have the chance to meet one of the only ten female hunters left, Zamanbol. Zamanbol belongs to the Kazakh nomad family and trains her bird along with her brother Barzabi on the weekends. She also attends school in the city to further her education.

Leo described Zamanbol as a young girl who enjoys life with her family and environment. Her brother and Leo are the same age, and they spend their time in the outdoors, away from the screens that dominate modern life. The pictures Leo captured depict a way of life that is vastly different from what most of us are accustomed to.

The Art of Eagle Hunting

Eagle hunting is not just a method of hunting for the Mongolian people, but it is also a form of art that is deeply rooted in their culture. The eagle hunters train their birds from a young age, and it takes several years for the eagle to be fully trained. The hunter and the eagle develop a bond that is unique and unbreakable.

During the hunting season, the eagle hunters go out into the wilderness in search of prey. The eagles are released to hunt, and they soar through the sky, scanning the terrain for prey. Once the eagle has spotted its prey, it swoops down and captures it with its sharp talons. The hunter then retrieves the prey and rewards the eagle with a piece of meat.

Preserving the Tradition

The tradition of eagle hunting is slowly fading away, and there are only a few hundred eagle hunters left in Mongolia. Efforts are being made to preserve this tradition, and schools have been set up to teach young people the art of eagle hunting. These schools also teach students how to care for and train the eagles.

Leo Thomas's pictures provide a rare glimpse into the lives of eagle hunters and the traditions that they hold dear. The stunning images capture the beauty and the hardships of a way of life that has been passed down through generations. It is important to preserve this tradition so that future generations can also appreciate the art of eagle hunting and the unique bond between humans and eagles.

In conclusion, eagle hunting is a tradition that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Mongolia. Although the tradition is fading away, there are still a few hundred eagle hunters left who continue to practice this art. Leo Thomas's pictures capture the beauty and hardships of this way of life, and it is important to preserve this tradition for future generations to appreciate.

More info & Photo courtesy: Leo Thomas | Instagram