Das Jagdmagazin mit Weitblick

For decades, Oberland Arms has been a fixed point of reference when it comes to precision-built AR-15 systems Made in Germany. Too often, however, the company is pigeonholed as a manufacturer for competition shooters and government agencies. Schuss & Stille spoke with founder Matthias Hainich about why modern semi-automatic rifles can offer real advantages in the field - and why, in his view, advanced technology and ethical hunting are not mutually exclusive.

How this compact centerfire cartridge clearly distances itself in real-world ballistic performance from the globally popular .17 HMR rimfire—and why that distinction matters in the field. We break down velocity, energy, effective range, and terminal impact to determine which hunters truly benefit from stepping up to the modern, faster, and more capable .17 Hornet.

When one hunting year comes to an end and a new one quietly takes shape during the closed season, many hunters enter a time of reflection and assessment. Landowners, wardens, hunters, and visiting sportsmen gather in community halls, local inns, and shooting ranges for game exhibitions and district meetings. These are evenings without the crack of gunfire—but with real weight to them, professionally, socially, and ethically.

There are few wild animals in Europe that polarize opinion as sharply as the wolf. To some, it is the ultimate symbol of wilderness reclaiming lost ground. To others, it represents a hard, daily conflict for alpine farming and grazing operations – and increasingly a topic that cuts straight to the core of hunting identity itself: Are we managing a population – or are we losing control of the debate?

With the turn of the year, a quiet yet consequential change has taken place at the top of Austria’s national hunting organization. As of January 1, 2026, Anton Larcher has taken over the rotating presidency of the Conference of State Hunting Commissioners—sending a clear signal about where Austrian hunting is headed. The future, Larcher says, rests on solid knowledge, open dialogue, and a deep sense of responsibility toward wildlife, habitat, and society at large.

Over the past few years, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) has become a fixture in the headlines of Europe’s conservation and hunting media. What was once dismissed as a biological curiosity at the continent’s fringes has evolved into one of the most remarkable wildlife expansions of our time. The species is steadily pushing north, west, and south—moving through dense forests, crossing vast agricultural plains, and even edging into suburban and urban environments.

When a company like Carl Walther—long associated primarily with handguns and competition rifles—returns to the hunting rifle market with a clean-sheet design, it deserves a closer look. At Jagd & Hund 2026 in Dortmund, Walther will present the new RS 3 to a broad hunting audience for the first time—and it’s already clear why this rifle is likely to spark serious discussion.

Held in late January 2026 in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show once again confirmed its status as the primary global trendsetter for the hunting and firearms industry. It is where manufacturers showcase what they plan to sell as “new” for the coming season—and, occasionally, what actually represents meaningful progress.

With the new Balance series, Swarovski Optik elevates the classic spotting scope to an entirely new level. For the first time, the Tyrolean premium manufacturer combines uncompromising glass quality with electronic image stabilization—solving one of the most persistent real-world challenges in hunting optics: fast, steady target identification without a cumbersome support or tripod.

Thermal clip-on optics have become a go-to tool for night hunting. They allow for confident target ID, better overall awareness, and smarter, safer shot decisions—as long as the unit is mounted correctly. Get the adapter choice or alignment wrong and you won’t just end up with a poor image; in the worst-case scenario, you can even affect point of impact. This guide breaks down, step by step, how to mount a clip-on the right way—and what hunters absolutely need to watch for.

Modern thermal technology is no longer a gadget—it has become an essential tool for responsible hunting. Clip-on thermal devices provide control, reliable target identification, and well-founded decision-making. Two units currently in high demand were tested extensively in real hunting conditions by experienced hunters and the Schuss & Stille team over several weeks: the ThermTec Hunt 650L with integrated laser rangefinder and the ThermTec Hunt635 PRO.

Food for Thought: For decades, he served the mountains as a professional gamekeeper—guarding wildlife and guiding guests. Now, just before retirement, he is laying down his rifle—not out of weakness, but out of conviction. “Many who come to hunt today only want to shoot at long range, like on a shooting line. They know little about the game—and even less about tradition.” His departure leaves us with a question: What remains of hunting when its soul is lost?

When every movement matters in the high country—and when the wind exposes even the most solid stance—a steady view can be the difference between success and a missed opportunity. With the new AT/ST Balance, SWAROVSKI OPTIK opens a bold new chapter in premium spotting-scope technology, promising nothing less than a rock-steady image without the need for a tripod.