According to the legislation, hunting for the red marmot is allowed only during specific periods—from July 3 to September 5, 2021. The hunter must be a member of a hunting society and obtain a license for hunting marmots, as this species is protected by law. A fine of 3000 soms is imposed for illegal hunting of marmots for each captured individual.
Hunting marmots attracts attention not only due to its conditions but also because of the surrounding nature, creating a special atmosphere for the sports hunter.
Ruslan Gaifulin, a sports hunter, shared his observations and secrets for successful hunting:
“Before starting the hunt, it is necessary to scout the habitats of the marmots to understand the features of the terrain. In the mountains, it is important to find out from which burrows and at what time the animals leave their shelters. Upon reaching the hunting area, one should take a position near the burrow.
I previously used smoothbore weapons, but this limited hunting to close distances. Now I prefer rifled weapons with a telescopic sight, which allows not only to hit the target accurately but also to observe it from a distance. One should not rush to shoot, especially if the marmot is at the edge of the burrow. If wounded, it may hide in the burrow, making it impossible to retrieve. Hunting is conducted on clear days when marmots are actively feeding. In rainy weather, they remain in their burrows and come to the surface every two days before hibernation.”
Ecologist Alexander Sosnovsky spoke about the biology of marmots:
“Marmots live in colonies in deep burrows and feed on plant material. In the fall, they begin to accumulate fat and enter deep hibernation. Marmot meat has good taste qualities, and the fat has healing properties. When quickly rendered, the fat does not harden in the cold and contains many beneficial substances, including fatty acids and vitamins. In autumn, it is snow-white, while in spring it takes on a creamy-yellow hue. The fat remaining after hibernation differs in composition and caloric content: it contains more water—up to 40%, while summer fat includes only 10-12% water and is rich in vitamins D and E, carotene. It can be used as an adjunct for treating lung, stomach, and liver diseases, as well as for strengthening the immune system.”
Attention! (It is not recommended to engage in trapping marmots, as it can be dangerous to health)
Marmots are carriers of the plague, thanks to the fleas and ticks that inhabit them.
The plague can lead to death within just a few days. The infection enters the body, and from the moment of infection to the appearance of symptoms, it can take from several hours to two days. The onset of the disease is always sudden and acute, accompanied by chills, high fever, severe headache, and other symptoms. Without timely treatment, the disease can result in death.
Gallery: Why is sport hunting for marmots popular in Kyrgyzstan?
In August 2013, a 15-year-old teenager died from bubonic plague at Issyk-Kul.
The Issyk-Kul regional emergency commission, led by the first deputy plenipotentiary Akylbek Janibekov, provided a timeline of the bubonic plague case involving a local resident.
15-year-old Temir Isakunov, who lived in the Kashka-Suu area of the Enilchek district, fell ill on August 17. The first symptoms included a sore throat, headache, and slight fever. Temir took antiviral medications. According to his father, his condition was satisfactory. The next day, he was taken home to the village of Ichke-Jergez.
Until August 22, he remained at home without seeking medical help, continuing to take medication. According to his sister, he had a high fever and worsening headache.
On August 22, he was hospitalized, and in the hospital, he was diagnosed with "hydroadenitis in the left armpit." His condition worsened, and he was transferred to intensive care, where a panel of doctors examined him. As a result, he was diagnosed with "sepsis."
Despite treatment, Temir's condition continued to deteriorate, and soon, after further examinations, a case of plague was suspected. Unfortunately, he passed away at 20:15.
In the following hours, an emergency team was organized to manage the situation, and a provisional hospital was set up in the infectious disease department of the hospital. Contacts were isolated, and necessary disinfection measures were carried out.
We remind you that in the 14th century, the bubonic plague claimed the lives of half the population of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, spreading from a natural focus in the Gobi Desert. The plague still exists today, transmitted by fleas on rodents and through airborne droplets when infecting humans. Symptoms of the disease include inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, and rash on the skin. The plague is still found on all continents except Australia.
