Adventure Description

When it comes to hunting one of the most difficult and sought after species of Ibex in the world, there is no greater place than hunting the Austrian Alpes for the prized Alpine Ibex. With this premier outfitter, alpine Ibex hunting takes place in several free-range mountainous hunting areas that are roughly 150 km from Vienna, Austria. The total area of the hunting grounds is over 30,000 hectares and the altitude of these grounds does not exceed 2,000 metres above sea level. These breath-taking hunting grounds are largely covered by coniferous forests and meadows where excellent populations of Chamois, Red Stag, Alpine Ibex, and Mouflon can be found. Over the last 30 years, this premier outfitter has very carefully conducted management of these grounds in compliance with the hunting plans approved by the competent authority. These hunting areas are also characterized by the value of the trophies, which can reach gold medal classes as seen in the pictures below of ibex trophies hunted by their hunting guests in recent years. The professional hunter & guide that accompanies all the guest hunters has over 30 years of experience guiding and hunting in these mountains from which he was born. He is in charge of area’s management and game management throughout the year and makes numerous inspections to observe the animals, their state of health and movements. The organization and strategy of the hunt is adapted to the needs of the individual hunter and his or her level of physical fitness. The hunting guests usually appreciate the beauty of the natural areas, the richness of the games populations, and the high professionalism of the hunting guides. The professional hunter is usually helped by an additional hunting colleague, who in addition to being a passionate Austrian hunter speaks English and acts as an additional translator and guide for all hunters. For those who are looking for a specific trophy class of Ibex (Bronze, Silver, Gold), these areas also offer opportunities to hunt ibex with trophies from 80 to over 100 cm. The hunting period is extensive, running from August to January. October-November is chosen by many hunters and has always proved to be a good period. Nevertheless, a winter hunt in December has a special charm and has always delighted visiting hunters. Hunting days are organized according to the period and weather conditions. Due consideration is also given to the needs and wishes of the visiting hunter and their physical fitness. The day usually does not start before 6:00 AM with breakfast. After breakfast, the junior guide and guest hunter drive to the meeting point with the experienced professional hunter in one of the hunting areas, usually no more than a 20-30 minute drive from the hotel. After leaving the 4x4, the hunt begins. The hunting plan involves walking to vantage points. If from there it is possible to locate a part of the mountain where the ibex are to be found, the hunters moves on to strategic stands-blinds, usually overlooking alpine meadows surrounded by rocks and/or coniferous forests. If it is not possible to locate the ibex and their movements, the hunters moves to another spot in the altitude range where the professional hunter believes the ibex have moved, based on his observations in the days before the hunt and the weather conditions. The shooting distance usually does not exceed 250 metres. In recent years, it has happened that the hunter has had the opportunity to successfully shoot at a distance of 100-150 metres. After a successful shot, the ibex is recovered and honoured. One of the reasons why it is easier to hunt ibex in these areas than elsewhere is that the recovery of the hunted animal can be demanding, but not prohibitive. In other very inaccessible high mountain areas, it often happens that a hunter has a large trophy ibex in his sights, but cannot shoot it because the ibex would roll hundreds of metres down a ravine and it would be impossible to retrieve. In the areas where ibex are hunted, there are also very rich populations of chamois, red deer and mouflon. Every year many chamois, mouflon rams, and red stags are hunted there. The red deer population in particular is descended from red deer imported from Romania and Hungary in the early 1930s. These deer had an exceptional genetic quality which was passed on to subsequent generations and is the reason why stags with trophies weighing up to 12 kg (and even more) can be hunted in these areas today. The mouflon was introduced in the 19th century and found a good habitat due to the large presence of meadows and, of course, rocks on which the rams likes to rub their horns. Mouflon ram trophies can reach gold medal 210-215 CIC points, i.e. around 90 cm in length. As for the Alpine chamois, the richness of the population is matched by the beauty of the trophies. Every year there are a good number of bronze and silver medal trophies up to around 110 CIC points. Gold is less common for these chamois. Conveniently located in proximity to the hunting grounds, accommodations for this hunt is a typical Austrian hotel that offers comfortable sleep in wooden style rooms, delicious breakfast with local products, and a newly built spa with the view to the surrounding nature. The spa has different type of sauna and steam bath, relaxation space, and a gym. There is a restaurant for lunch and dinner serving typical Austrian cuisine accompanied by local wines. An alternative option is a newly opened hotel in the very proximity to the hunting area offers high standard accommodation. Located in a charming austrian town by a beautiful mountain lake, this hotel offers very comfortable rooms with king size bed and a garden terrace. Fine gastronomy is provided by the in-house restaurant and Salon lounge open 24/7 for drinks and delicious snacks. The hotel‘s program offers various activities such as wellness in the Garden cottage, yoga and other sport lessons according to the season. If you’re interested in learning more about this exceptional hunting adventure, give us a call today or schedule a consultantion.