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Why Alpine Grazing is Essential for Wildlife and Hunters
Alpine farming and hunting have been intertwined for centuries. Open mountain pastures provide essential habitat for chamois, roe deer, marmots, and countless other wildlife species. But what happens when these landscapes are no longer grazed? Discover why alpine farmers are among the most important stewards of the mountain environment—and why hunters benefit directly from their work.


Carbon Country: How an Austrian Mountain Hunter Is Making Hunting Gear Lighter
On Austria’s Flattnitz plateau, Christian Fleischhacker develops ultralight hunting gear for mountain hunters under the HEP Carbon brand. The Shot & Stillness team visited the passionate hunter and innovator in his workshop, gaining fascinating insights into the development of carbon shooting sticks, pack frames, backpacks, and hunting knives—purpose-built for precise shooting and demanding hunts in rugged alpine terrain.


10 Wild Boar Hunting Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them
African Swine Fever is closing in on Austria’s borders, wild boar are expanding into the alpine pastures of Carinthia, and thermal imaging technology is changing the game. Wild boar hunting has evolved dramatically in recent years. Eric Leitner, Wild Boar Coordinator for the Carinthian Hunters Association, reveals the ten most common mistakes hunters make—and explains why thermal and night vision optics have become essential tools for ethical and effective wild boar managemen


Forest Roads and Wildlife: When Animals Can No Longer Find Peace
Forest roads are becoming a growing source of conflict between hunters, mountain bikers, hikers, and landowners. As human activity in the mountains continues to increase, the remaining refuges for wildlife are steadily shrinking. Why the debate over forest roads is about far more than access rights—and why, in the end, nature may be paying the highest price.


Steel Action: German Straight-Pull Precision for Serious Hunters
The Steel Action Hunter Short Synthetic is one of the most intriguing straight-pull hunting rifles currently made in Germany. For Schuss & Stille, firearms expert David from Alpen Adria Jagd put the .308 Winchester rifle through an extensive field and range test. How does this rugged hunting rifle perform in real-world conditions, and can it compete with some of the most established straight-pull rifles on the market?


Are Climate Change and Drought Creating Smaller Roe Bucks?
Earlier springs, drier summers, and increasingly frequent heat waves are reshaping Austria’s natural landscapes. But what does climate change mean for roe deer? Wildlife biologists and hunters are already observing changes in behavior, habitat use, and perhaps even antler development. This article explores how Europe’s most widespread deer species is adapting to a rapidly changing world.


The Knife: Humanity’s Oldest Tool and Most Enduring Obsession
For more than 2.5 million years, knives have accompanied humankind and remain among the oldest tools ever created. From primitive Stone Age hand axes to handcrafted hunting knives, the blade has played a pivotal role in human history. Join us as we explore the enduring myth of the knife and visit Austrian bladesmith Thomas Schurian, whose work combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge metallurgy.


The Best Hunting Bullet in the World? Why the Answer Often Lives in the Hunter’s Mind
The search for the world’s best hunting bullet has occupied hunters for generations. Whether it’s the Hornady ELD-X, Norma Bondstrike, RWS HIT, or Sako Powerhead Blade, the selection has never been greater. But is ballistic performance alone really what determines success in the field? Hunting psychology suggests otherwise. More often than not, it’s not the bullet itself that makes the difference—it’s the hunter’s confidence in the ammunition loaded in the chamber.


Blaser R8 Professional 2.0: The Hunting Rifle Many Hunters Have Been Waiting For?
The new Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 is designed to be lighter, faster handling, and purpose-built for real-world hunting conditions. But is this finally the R8 many hunters have been waiting for, or does it remain an expensive tool despite the updates? Together with firearm expert David from Alpen Adria Jagd in Villach, Schuss & Stille took a deep dive into the rifle — including a full range test and hands-on field impressions in our latest video.


More Than Hunting: How Austrian Hunters Are Fighting for the Return of Storks
Hunters in Austria’s Carinthia region are working to bring white storks back to the Krappfeld valley. Together with local craftsmen, they built a massive artificial nesting platform in Althofen to create safe breeding habitat for the rare migratory birds — showing how modern hunting often goes far beyond game and into real wildlife conservation.


Antlers and Horns: The Forgotten Soul of Hunting
Hunting trophies are far more than just antlers or horns. This article explores why trophies have been part of hunting culture since the Stone Age and why many hunters view the modern reduction of hunting to meat utilization, population control, and wildlife management with growing criticism. A search for the cultural soul of hunting.


The Old Gentleman of the Alps: The True Story of the Legendary Bear of Tarvisio!
For nearly 20 years, an old brown bear has roamed the forests between Tarvisio, Austria, and Slovenia. Italian wildlife researchers have tracked the legendary mountain wanderer for years, while hunters from the Gail Valley know the massive bear well from countless trail camera photos. His story is a powerful reminder that true wilderness still exists deep in the Alps.


Tracking the Shift: Why More People Are Turning to Hunting
Why more people are turning to hunting: Across the U.S. and Europe, newcomers seek real-world experiences, self-reliance, and sustainable food. Hunting offers a direct connection to nature, responsibility, and mental focus—making it a powerful counterbalance to digital, fast-paced modern life.


Quieter, Sharper, More Deliberate: Why Female Hunters Often Hunt Differently
Why do female hunters often hunt more precisely and sustainably? This article explores how attention to detail, patience, and deliberate decision-making make the difference in the field. From observation to the moment before the shot, it becomes clear: it’s not about speed, but about timing, composure, and ethical hunting—and that’s often where the real advantage lies.


Kelten Arms Javelin J8 Review: A Modern Take on the Break-Action Rifle
With the Kelten Arms Javelin J8 chambered in .308 Winchester, a modern break-action rifle steps onto the stage—redefining a classic hunting platform. Lightweight, highly maneuverable, and equipped with an innovative opening system, it’s built for demanding mountain hunters. Firearms expert David Mischkulnig has put the Javelin J8 through an in-depth test.
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