Das Jagdmagazin mit Weitblick

The Steyr Mannlicher SM12 blends a classic walnut stock, manual cocking system, set trigger, and proven Steyr engineering with the demands of modern hunting. For Schuss & Stille, firearms expert David Mischkulnig of Alpen Adria Jagd in Villach takes a closer look at the Austrian hunting rifle in .308 Winchester and explains its key strengths—and the details that set it apart.

Marmot hunting in Austria remains open into October in some regions. But new research on the Alpine marmot shows that hunting pressure, climate, family structure, and even the way populations are counted may influence colonies more than previously thought. Here’s what hunters should know about marmots, sustainable harvest, and modern research.

When the red deer rut begins in October, the mountains become the stage for one of Europe’s most spectacular wildlife events. But new research shows that hunting pressure, outdoor recreation, climate, migration patterns, and refuge areas influence red deer far more than once believed. Here’s what modern science is revealing about the rut—and about red deer life in the mountains.

The Mauser M25 brings the straight-pull action back to the Mauser lineup. Schuss & Stille firearms expert David tests the M25 Max in .308 Winchester, fitted with a Minox RS-4 scope and a Svemko suppressor. How good are the action, stock, trigger, build quality, and accuracy — and where does Mauser’s new straight-pull rifle show its weaknesses?

African swine fever has not yet reached Austria—but it is moving closer. The nearest confirmed case in wild boar was recently reported just around 100 kilometers from the Austrian border. For hunters, that means greater responsibility: report carcasses, clean and disinfect equipment, and take extra precautions when hunting abroad.

The Sauer 202 Highland remains one of the most intriguing hunting rifles ever built in Isny: lightweight, modular, and highly accurate. Firearms expert David from Alpen Adria Jagd in Villach explains what makes this classic special, where its weaknesses lie, and why well-preserved examples are still highly sought after on the used market.

Ticks are moving higher into Austria’s mountains — and hunters are following them. Once considered a lowland problem, the castor bean tick is now being found above 1,500 meters. Milder temperatures and wildlife hosts are pushing its range uphill, bringing Lyme disease and TBE into places where mountain hunters once felt safe.

Two hunters in Austria’s Gail Valley suddenly find themselves just 20 meters from a large brown bear. The animal keeps coming, rises onto its hind legs, and the hunters ready their rifles. Then, at the last moment, the bear turns away. How close did the encounter come to disaster — and when would shooting a protected bear in Austria be legally justified as self-defense?

The new Sako 90 Finnlight Black chambered in 7mm PRC combines Scandinavian rifle engineering with digital ballistics and modern suppressor technology. For Schuss & Stille, firearms expert David Mischkulnig of Alpen Adria Jagd puts the Finnish hunting rifle to the test with a Burris Veracity PH 4–20x50 and the new Hausken HX-Ti³ titanium suppressor—a purpose-built setup for mountain hunting and longer-range shots.

Wild boar are pushing deeper into Austria’s alpine country. While hogs have long been a familiar part of the hunting landscape in Germany and Hungary, their growing presence in the Alps is creating a different kind of conflict. Entire sounders are rooting up high-elevation pastures in search of roots, tubers, insect larvae, and other food hidden beneath the sod—sometimes leaving large sections of grazing land looking as if they had been worked over with a plow.

How good is a roughly $300 long-range riflescope? “Schuss & Stille” firearms expert David puts the Aquilifer EP 5–25×56 FFP through its paces on a Ritter & Stark SLX chambered in .308 Winchester. We take a close look at image quality, the MRAD reticle, turrets, and tracking consistency—and find out whether this budget-friendly scope has what it takes for hunting.

Sauer 101 GTI Review: How Good Is This Classic Bolt-Action Rifle Today? Schuss & Stille firearms expert David takes a close look at the laminated stock, bolt action, trigger, and accuracy of the .308 Winchester hunting rifle—and asks whether the Sauer 101 GTI is still worth its price despite lacking manual cocking and a quick-change barrel system.

Do tactical knives work for hunting? We put the Extrema Ratio Satre, Versa, Vipera, Venatus F, and BD4 Lucky Desert to the test in real hunting use. Schuss & Stille firearms technician Marcel Tisal explains what really matters when it comes to blade shape, grip, weight, and game processing—and why the Vipera stands out for him.

Why do even experienced hunters start shaking before the shot? Hunting without fear doesn’t mean hunting without nerves. Psychologist and hunter Nika explains why tension, buck fever, and fear of failure are part of the experience—and how hunters can learn to handle pressure, responsibility, and emotion while still making safe, ethical decisions.

How quickly do chamois really age — and what role does the mountain itself play? A new study of more than 31,000 harvested chamois suggests that limestone, gneiss, schist, and other rock types can influence vegetation, tooth wear, and ultimately the age at which chamois begin to decline physically. For hunters, the findings offer fascinating new insights into age, body mass, and harvest management.