Russian fighters in summer uniform Strelets-288

During the Napoleonic Wars, Russian hunters (Russian, егеря, “yegerya”) were light infantry troops, central to the army of the Russian Empire. These soldiers, trained to operate in difficult terrain such as forests and mountains, were adept at guerrilla tactics, scouting and skirmishing. Their role was to harass the enemy, protect the main lines and conduct reconnaissance. Formed in the late 18th century, the hunter regiments gained prominence during the 1812 campaign against Napoleon. They wore green uniforms with black and gold details, camouflaged in wooded landscapes. Their bravery in battles such as Borodinó consolidated their reputation as skilled and loyal fighters.