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The closed season in Austria meant that the only stalking I was able to do was with a camera…sporting Tevas, red shorts and a blue fleece enhanced the challenge. Having spotted a group of chamois moving across distant scree slopes earlier in the day, I was determined to get a closer look.
Late in the afternoon, we hiked to our accomodation, an alpine hutte, sat on the deck and scanned the hillsides for game. The Tirolean habit of outfitting livestock with tinkling bells made it easy to identify the brown lumps just below the summit of Honig as, well, other and probably chamois. Two hours later, having flushed a brace of black grouse, startled a roe, and knackered myself, I emerged on the slope above them (next time I am taking a camera with a stronger zoom lens). Well above all the highseats and blinds I had seen were two small groups of chamois enjoying the last of the evening light.
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Austrian game inhabits some of the most stunning scenery, and much of it within easy access of airports. An overlap with the skiing season makes it easy to combine passions or divert the family’s attention from your whereabouts. I find the opportunity to shoot a chamois without incurring NZ-style jetlag appealing, and from marmoset to alpine ibex, there are stalking opportunities for every purse. If you fancy packing your poles (no, not nordic walking) and scope, get in touch.
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