For him, hunting is not a job but a beloved hobby. Local residents know him as a resilient and attentive person, earning respect among his fellow villagers.
Neighbors note that during hunting, Kubanychbek often outpaces even those who are 15-20 years younger than him and actively shares his experience with newcomers.
Almamotov emphasizes that the thrill of hunting is impossible to convey in words.
Additionally, he is one of the founders of a group of local hunters called "Zhashasyn Sila," which has established itself as a leader in culling jackals and wolves in the region.
During hunting, Kubanychbek walks up to 30 kilometers, and his physical endurance has never let him down—he always returns home after overcoming any mountain obstacles. Almamotov begins his hunting season after the snow falls, according to permits from the relevant authorities.
He has hunting permits in the Suzak, Bazar-Korgon, and Toguz-Toro districts, and last week, at the request of local residents, he and his team headed towards the village of Jiyde, where they successfully culled jackals.
According to the hunter, outings are often organized at the request of shepherds and local residents, as predators cause damage to livestock. Last year, their team culled 130 jackals, and this winter—27.
“Today we headed towards Achi to cull jackals. They reproduce as quickly as dogs. There are 2-3 days a week when hunting is prohibited. We currently have a permit to hunt partridges, which will expire on January 28. Why should we buy permits for predators? We are doing significant work to eliminate wild predators. Recently, our guys caught 4 wolves that could have attacked people's livestock,” noted Kubanychbek.
For him, hunting is one of the greatest sports. He believes that hunting skills are passed down to Kyrgyz people from their ancestors.
“Hunting develops willpower, strength, and endurance in a person. Sometimes deep snow hinders the horse, and it’s important to know how to handle the situation. Yes, it can be difficult and cold, but when you reach your prey, all the hardships are forgotten. We prepare the catch and share it among ourselves, at least a piece each. Usually, there isn’t much large game. The thrill of hunting is hard to describe in words. It is a craft passed down from ancestors. Only those who truly love this work and can endure should go hunting. Active movement also strengthens health,” said Almamotov.
Kubanychbek had his first hunting experience in 1989 when he shot a wolf. Since then, his interest has only grown, and he continues to hunt.
“In our village, there are hunters named Mardan and Kambar. Each of them had their own hunting style. Eight years ago, I, along with one of my fellow villagers, brought together everyone interested in hunting and who had permits, and we created the team ‘Zhashasyn Sila.’ We go out at the invitation of other villages to cull jackals. Each hunter buys a permit according to their means. I lived in Russia for about two years and became interested in hunting again after seeing ducks there.
In hunting, taigans play an important role, helping to find and catch prey. I had a smart taigan named Uchar, who never lost sight of the prey. Unfortunately, he died in a traffic accident. Now I have two taigans that jump into the car themselves when I take my weapon. For us, both the horse and the dog are our “wings.”
Hunting can only be done in permitted areas. The district officer checks our weapons twice a year, and they must be stored in a safe. I constantly remind the guys about the storage rules and explain the procedures to those who are interested. We are no longer young, and I believe we need to properly guide the younger generation of hunters,” he added.
Kubanychbek Almamotov is the father of three children and a proud grandfather of about 10 grandchildren.
