For him, hunting is not a job but a passion that has earned him respect among the locals for his endurance and attentiveness.
Neighbors note that during hunts, Almamotov often outpaces those much younger than him and actively shares his knowledge with newcomers.
He emphasized that the feelings experienced during hunting are indescribable in words.
Kubanychbek is also the founder of the group "Zhashasyn Sila," which unites local hunters and is considered the leading team for culling jackals and wolves in the region.
During his outings, he covers up to 30 kilometers on foot, and he has never had to return home due to fatigue. He opens the hunting season as soon as the snow falls, following the obtained permits.
Kubanychbek holds licenses for hunting in the Suzak, Bazar-Korgon, and Toguz-Toro districts, and that is where he heads. Last week, at the request of local residents, he and his team went to the village of Jiyde, where they successfully culled jackals.
The hunter says that his outings are often organized at the request of shepherds, as predators threaten livestock. Last year, his team culled 130 jackals, and this winter — 27.
“Today we headed towards Achi to eliminate jackals. These animals, like dogs, reproduce very quickly. Every month we have 'quiet days' when hunting is prohibited. We have permission to hunt partridges until January 28, but why should we buy permits to hunt predators? Our team's contribution to the fight against wild predators is significant. Recently, our guys caught four wolves that could have harmed the livestock,” noted Kubanychbek.
For Kubanychbek, hunting is not just a hobby but one of the greatest sports. He believes that the art of hunting has been passed down to the Kyrgyz from their ancestors.
“Hunting develops strength, endurance, and willpower in a person. Sometimes, when the snow is too deep, the horse cannot move, and then it is important to know how to handle such a situation. Despite the sweat, wet feet, and cold, when you achieve your goal, all difficulties are forgotten. We share the catch, at least piece by piece, and then part ways. There usually isn’t large game. The thrill of hunting is a special feeling that is hard to convey in words. It is a craft passed down from ancestors, and only those who truly love this work can engage in it. Due to active movement, health also becomes stronger,” shares his thoughts Kubanychbek.
He first went hunting around 1989 and shot a wolf, which further intensified his interest in this activity.
“In our village, there are hunters named Mardan and Kambar, each with their own hunting style. Eight years ago, one of my fellow villagers and I decided to unite everyone interested in hunting and who had the necessary permits, and we created the group 'Zhashasyn Sila.' Now we go out together at the invitation from other villages to cull jackals. Each hunter buys a permit depending on their capabilities. I lived in Russia for about two years and there I became interested in hunting again after seeing ducks.
Taygans play an important role in hunting, helping to find and catch prey. I had a very smart taygan named Uchar, who never let go of the prey until I approached. Unfortunately, he was hit by a car last year. Now I have two taygans that jump into the car themselves when I take my weapon. For us, the horse and dog are like wings.
Hunting is only allowed in places where there is a license. Our weapons are checked by the local officer twice a year and must be stored in a safe. I constantly remind the guys about the storage rules and explain to newcomers how to handle weapons properly. We are no longer young, and I believe it is important to guide the youth interested in hunting,” he adds.
Kubanychbek Almamotov is the father of three children and the grandfather of ten grandchildren.
