Hunting has always been a huge part of my life, thanks to growing up in Alaska. The weeks spent on the tundra each year hunting with my father were some of the best memories of my life. As such, I always thought the only way to have truly wild experiences was to travel as far out in the bush as a Super Cub could take you.
However, through my years as a hunting consultant visiting some of the world’s finest hunting operations, I have realized one thing: the size of the tent doesn’t correspond to the greatness of the adventure. Sometimes you don’t need a tent at all. Sometimes an Alpine hut or a medieval castle will do the job.
For the past five years, I have spent about three weeks every hunting season with clients in the Austrian Alps. The hunting has been predominantly in three valleys in the southern state of Carinthia, or Kärnten as it is known in Austria. The valleys of Malta, Gail, and Möll have produced many great trophies over the years, as well as being the valleys from which the Alpine chamois gifted to New Zealand originated. The valleys offer a completely rural experience to hunters, even though they are within a 1 ½-hour drive of both Salzburg, Austria and Venice, Italy. The hunting takes place from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level and provides hunters with some truly special views. These valleys have wonderful history around every corner and are to this day producing loads of Celtic and Roman artifacts. It is the geography and the hunting that has drawn many to these areas. And it’s a major reason why I also call this region home.
The main game species for these valleys is the Alpine chamois, however the possibility to harvest roe deer, Alpine red stag, and marmot also exist and make for wonderful hunt combinations. The Alpine chamois is one of many subspecies of chamois that reside on the European continent, with their range spreading from France through Italy and Switzerland and ending in Austria and Slovenia. There are also small groups in Germany. The size of the Alpine chamois depends on available local minerals, and therefore large trophies can be found in all the countries listed above. That is one of the reasons why WTA offers hunting in all of the European countries.
The roe deer and red stag of the Alps also make for very nice trophies, not necessarily because of their size, which is smaller than those found in the lower plains, but due to the hunt itself. The harsher life of all alpine animals means that a massive trophy for the mountains looks like a nice representative elsewhere. However, a combination of management and conservation has produced very nice trophies in recent years. For many sportsmen and women it is the traditional growth of the antlers that excites, and in the mountains you find trophies that fit this description.
The hunting areas of the Malta, Gail, and Möll valleys are all privately owned, so hunting takes place with the owners. Hunting areas extend up from the valley floor to the very peak of the mountain ranges. These massive areas mean a variety of hunting tactics and methods are used. For those looking for a real challenge, choose to hike up from the valley before reaching the upper valleys the chamois call home. For those who don’t mind the help of a vehicle, the superior road network allows access to the upper areas quickly and easily. The chamois and red stag are always on the move, so a spotting scope is a must when looking for your desired trophy.
The length of the season as well as the diversity in terrain requires a combination of hunting tactics. The early season sees the hunter entering the area once the sun has risen, where late fall hunts start before daylight. The relative high latitude of Austria makes the days and weather comparable to Montana. Comparisons can also be made to the nature of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming, though those of us in Austria would never fully admit it.
Along with Alpine Chamois, Roe Deer, and Red Stag, Austria also is home to three of the most sought-after game animals around the world: Alpine Ibex, Capercaillie, and Black Grouse. The Alpine Ibex is in a class of its own, considered the King of Europe by many. The Black Grouse and Capercaillie hunt more like big game than anything else, wonderfully combining the cunning of turkey hunting with the challenge and scenery of mountain hunting. Whether in the mountains or in the lowlands, Austria has many hunting possibilities, and I have even failed to elaborate on the opportunities for Wild Boar, Mouflon, and Fallow Deer, which dot the rolling hills. And wonderful fly fishing also exists in the valleys below the towering peaks.
The hunting is further complemented by the quality of accommodations. As mentioned at the outset, tents are not used except if specifically requested. Hunters stay in truly special guesthouses, or have the option to stay high in the mountains in hunters’ cabins, some dating back 200 years. The Austrian cuisine can best be described as hearty, which is exactly what is prescribed for long days on the mountain. The hospitality of your guide and time shared after the hunt are some of my clients’ most cherished experiences.
Europe is widely considered the best place to bring non-hunting observers since available activities are numerous. Whether joining for the hunt or doing a separate non-hunting package, participants will have a hard time deciding who had more fun. The three-day itinerary of most Alps mountain hunts mean that a week-long trip is a perfect way to see the area. Within a two-hour drive you will be treated to Mediterranean, Bohemian, Balkan, or Alpine cultures, and by the end of the trip the only question remaining will be “When are we coming back?”
If you would like to join me next fall, I will be hosting an Alpine Chamois Hunt from October 2–6, 2023.
As WTA continues to work with the finest hunting destinations, we invite you to contact us about hunting in the Austrian Alps. Hunting in Europe has long been under the radar for some, but top of the list for others. We look forward to providing your next favorite hunt, with offerings in Europe from Spain to Finland, and Bulgaria to Scotland. As always, we continue to offer you the best of European outdoors.
For more information about this hunt or other hunting opportunities throughout the world, give WTA a call at 800-346-8747.
