Hunting and Fishing

It was part of the nomadic way of life and hunting with eagles, in particular was a highly prized skill. The nomadic Kyrgyz sometimes also hunted with hounds – and a special breed (taigan) was particularly bred to this. 

Many species are hunted, (some 30 species of birds and 20 species of animals), but special licenses are required and the export of trophies may be illegal without specific permissions.  The lisences are issued in strict accordance with fixed quotas for the numbers and types of animals that can be killed and their prices reflect the rarity.  For example, only 70 Marco Polo licenses are issued each year – for animals older than 8 years old, (which “no longer participate in reproduction”), at a cost of USD5000.    

Apparently, something like 60 private firms offer Hunting activities – in hunting preserves which spread across 14 million hectares of the country.  Eight million are administered by the State Hunting Agency, and the remainder is split between the Military Hunting Association, The Kyrgyz Hunting & Fishing Association and private hunting firms. 

Commercial fishing is an important activity on Lake Issyk Kul and Lake Son Kul - but in recent years restrictions have been introduced in order to try and preserve stocks.  Fishing is not permitted in Lake Sary Chelek.

The waters of the fast flowing rivers and mountains streams offer numerous opportunities for fishermen of differing experience.  Angling takes place on a number of mountain rivers, Lake Issyk Kul, Son Kul and several of the reservoirs. It requires a permit and there are restrictions on the size of catch permitted (e.g. upto five kilograms per day and for some species – upto 5 fish). The permits are not expensive – although there are different rates for locals, citizens of CIS countries and citizens of other countries.  Fishing at night is not allowed.