We’ve gathered the latest scientific findings about one of the Alps’ most iconic game species — the chamois. Few wild animals embody alpine life like the chamois . Agile, resilient, and graceful, it has become a symbol of the high mountains. Yet, as new studies show, we still don’t know everything about this “Queen of the Cliffs.” In recent years, research into the species has accelerated — spanning genetics, climate impacts, and even newly discovered viruses. And in Austria especially, both scientists and hunters are offering valuable insights into what’s changing in our high-altitude ecosystems. The Genetic Code of the Alpine Chamois In 2025, researchers achieved a milestone: for the first time, the complete reference genome of the Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) was decoded. The international platform Biodiversity Genomics Europe described it as a “genetic map” that will help us better understand — and protect — mountain populations (Biodiversity Genomics Europe, 2025).  the chamois “We can now see how closely individual herds are related and where genetic bottlenecks may occur,” explains wildlife biologist Luca Corlatti, co-author of a major review on chamois research ( Wildlife Biology , 2022). This is especially significant for Austria , where mountain ranges naturally divide populations. Herds in Carinthia, Tyrol, or the Salzkammergut differ genetically — an insight that has implications for reintroduction efforts, management, and long-term conservation . Climbing Higher: Climate Pressure in the Alps Climate change is no longer theoretical — it’s visible on the slopes. Long-term studies confirm that the chamois is moving upward in search of cooler ground. A Swiss dataset covering over 5,600 yearlings revealed that animals today weigh about three kilograms less on average than they did decades ago ( Royal Society Open Science , 2024). The key period lies between May and July , when young chamois grow and alpine vegetation flourishes. Warmer conditions during this time alter plant composition, reducing nutritional value. The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) reports that chamois are now retreating to “cooler, wind-exposed elevations” to escape the heat ( CIC Wildlife , 2024). In Austria, these changes are already measurable. In regions like the Nockberge and Hohe Tauern , professional hunters observe that herds now roam 200 to 300 meters higher than they did twenty years ago. Meanwhile, red deer and roe deer are pushing upward as well — displacing the chamois from its traditional habitat. Because of climate change, chamois now live at higher elevations than they did twenty years ago. At the Vetmed University Vienna , an interdisciplinary project called “GamsKlimaMensch” is studying this shift using satellite data, GPS collars, and vegetation mapping to understand how chamois behavior and habitat use are changing under climate stress. Pathogens: Old Enemies, New Threats When it comes to chamois diseases, one name still dominates: mange — a centuries-old foe responsible for periodic population crashes. Historical records show the first major Austrian outbreak occurred around 1870 in the Maltatal Valley (Carinthia) ( Unterköfler et al., 2023 ). The disease still flares up today — most recently in the Gailtal Alps and along the Tyrolean main ridge . A Yearling Chamois More recently, scientists have identified a new viral threat : the Alpine Chamois Encephalitis Virus — a previously unknown tick-borne flavivirus discovered by researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna in collaboration with Italian colleagues ( Viruses , 2025; PubMed ID 39861911). It causes neurological symptoms and brain inflammation similar to Louping Ill . Whether it can infect other species is still under investigation. Another concern: parasites such as Sarcocystis spp. , which embed in muscle tissue. A German study found traces in 78% of examined chamois ( Parasitologia , 2024). Usually harmless, these findings nonetheless underline how tightly the species is woven into its mountain ecosystem. Diet, Stress, and Behavior The impact of the environment on chamois can now be measured — quite literally — through stress hormones in fecal samples . A study from the University of Trento found that nutrient-rich diets correlate with lower cortisol levels ( PubMed , 2023). In other words, good forage soothes not just the stomach, but the mind. Meanwhile, a paper in Movement Ecology (2024) documented how chamois actively adjust behavior to changing weather: seeking shade during heat and moving to breezy ridges when heat or insects become overwhelming. Even microbiology adds new layers of understanding. Researchers at the University of Innsbruck analyzed the chamois’ gut flora and found seasonal shifts depending on whether their diet consisted of fresh grasses, herbs, or winter browse ( Frontiers in Microbiology , 2023). This delicate microbial balance is key to maintaining both health and fitness. The chamois feels at home on steep mountain slopes. What It Means for Hunting in Austria The research paints a clear picture: the chamois ecosystem is becoming increasingly sensitive . And it shows that modern hunting must be guided by knowledge, not just tradition. Today’s mountain hunter should think beyond trophies or quotas — and consider body weight, age structure, parasite load, and habitat dynamics . Genetic sampling from harvested animals can feed vital data into local biodiversity monitoring . Climate information helps adjust hunting seasons to new vegetation cycles. And health surveillance — in collaboration with institutions like Vetmeduni Vienna — can help prevent disease outbreaks from going unnoticed. The chamois remains a symbol of wilderness, strength, and adaptation . But its world is changing — quietly, steadily, and in ways we’re only beginning to grasp. New research gives us the tools to understand these shifts: from genome sequencing to GPS tracking to virus diagnostics. If hunting is about responsibility, then with the chamois, it means one thing above all: applying knowledge . Because only those who understand how it lives can ensure it will continue to do so.

The finishing shot is the toughest chapter of hunting — and far from being a “random shot". The finishing shot is the harshest part of the hunt. It’s the moment when experience, calm, technique — and ultimately the hunter’s decision — determine success or suffering. Jörg Burgstaller, veteran hunter, firearms expert and Austrian importer for SIG Sauer , speaks from decades of experience: “The finishing shot is not a random shot. Anyone who thinks you can just pick up a handgun and it’ll work out is gravely mistaken.” Handguns only with sense and training Legally, handguns in Austria are carried under strict conditions — and in hunting they are primarily used for tracking and finishing shots. Burgstaller emphasizes: “A weapons license and a valid hunting license are of course the legal prerequisites. But being legally allowed is not the same as being prepared.” The reality: a finishing shot is dynamic, hectic, often in twilight — and at extremely short ranges. Burgstaller cites clear numbers: “In tracking scenarios we usually talk distances between 0 and 5 meters. Anything beyond that — ten meters, for example — is already a lot and can massively change the effect.” That means: the handgun is, from a hunting perspective, a specialized tool that requires intensive practice. “Handguns are demanding — both in handling and in danger potential,” Burgstaller warns. “Anyone who never trained with a pistol will hit their limits quickly under stress.” Hunter and firearms expert Jörg Burgstaller explains to ‘Schuss und Stille’ what matters in a finishing shot. Dangers of point-blank shots A shot at point-blank range carries its own, often underestimated risks : overpenetration and pass-throughs can endanger bystanders or reveal your position; bone or tissue fragments can create dangerous ricochets. Muzzle blast and recoil are felt much stronger at very short distances, and accuracy suffers from frantic movement and adrenaline. There’s also a higher risk of merely wounding and not killing immediately. Practically, that means only take the shot when the firing line is absolutely clear, companions and dogs are at a safe distance, there’s a suitable backstop (or sufficient earth/vegetation to absorb the bullet), and the chosen caliber and bullet performance are suited for a reliable instantaneous hit at very close range. Several pistol calibers compared with a .22 LR (far left): 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto and .45 ACP. Caliber choice - stopping power over fireworks A central issue for finishing shots is ammunition selection. Burgstaller: “9mm has very limited reserves for finishing shots. My practical recommendation leans toward .45 ACP or 10mm Auto — because these calibers offer more stopping power and greater chances of success.” Bullet choice is also important: full metal jacket versus expanding bullets — each has pros and cons in penetration and energy transfer. Burgstaller: “There is no miracle solution — but you should choose ammunition that reliably performs at short range without needlessly overpenetrating.” Technique - modular, quick, reliable SIG Sauer models like the P320 offer a practical advantage for hunters, Burgstaller says: modularity . “You can swap barrel, grip and modules — one firearm can be configured as a tracking gun or a training/sport gun depending on need . The Fire Control Unit is SIG’s heart.” Practically, that means a versatile solution for different tasks — provided you master every configuration. Essential gear for a hunting handgun, according to Burgstaller, includes reliable aiming. A red dot or laser is often superior to simple iron sights for close-range work, plus a strong flashlight for low light , and a secure holster/carry system. “If you’re searching in the dark, you need light and aiming guidance — not experiments.” Psychology - the invisible trajectory More important than technique is the headspace. The psychological factor is huge. On a tracking mission stress rules: adrenaline, racing heart, time pressure. The decision to deliver the finishing shot is highly charged — not only technically but emotionally. Its consequences range from relief to long-lasting psychological strain. That’s why the advice is clear: mental preparation: Mental training and realistic practice scenarios on the range. Deliberately following a routine: visual contact, a safe shot line, withdrawal options, emergency communication. After the shot: stay calm, secure the firearm, provide proper care for wounded game — and talk openly with hunting colleagues. Anyone who feels overwhelmed emotionally should not hide it: talking helps. Many hunters underestimate how much a dramatic finishing shot can stick with them. SIG Sauer pistols with integrated flashlight (left) and aiming sight (right) Practical tips from the handgun expert Train, train, train — especially under time pressure and in changing light conditions. Close-range drills: targeted shooting at distances under 5 m, followed by tracking drills (safety first). Reconsider caliber choice: 9mm is easy to handle; .45 or 10mm offer more stopping power. Equipment: red dot/laser module + strong, reliable torch. Holsters that allow fast, secure access. Ammunition: choose bullets matched to your goals — balance penetration vs. expansion. Law & documentation: always act legally. If something goes wrong, document all measures after the shot and follow official/rescue protocols. The bottom line for handgun use is practice, practice and more practice. Preparation preserves dignity The hunting finishing shot is more than a technical act ; it’s profoundly human. Burgstaller puts it bluntly: “ Anyone who takes tracking seriously prepares — technically and mentally. Then the handgun is a sensible tool. Without preparation it becomes a danger.” In practice it’s not the gun that decides, but the shooter’s responsibility. Those who train, reflect and ready themselves psychologically give the game a quick end — and themselves the peace of knowing they acted rightly. Which SIG Sauer models suit hunters? SIG P320 (Modular) — the all-rounder for tracking & finishing shots SIG P320 Modular, adaptable, easy to train with. The modular system lets you swap frames, barrel lengths and caliber modules — ideal if you want one platform that can be built for different tasks (tracking vs. stand hunting). Recommended calibers/setups: .45 ACP or 10 mm for better stopping power. Compact variants (Compact/XCompact) are easy to carry. Top choice for hunters who think modular. SIG P220 / SIG 1911-Serie (.45 ACP) — heavy stopping power SIG P220 “Old-school” power with strong stopping effect. .45 ACP platforms deliver much more mass transfer than 9mm, increasing chances of a clean finishing shot at very short ranges. The P227 is a modern alternative; the 1911 is classic with a crisp trigger. Good when your focus is on maximum stopping power — though weight and recoil must be considered. SIG P226 (service-caliber variants) — proven and rugged SIG P226 Long-time workhorses, easy to handle. Solid construction, many caliber options (.357 SIG, .40 S&W, 9mm). The P229 in particular is a compact service-style option. Rugged and reliable — useful when caliber and bullet choice are sensibly matched. SIG 1911 -Modelle (Custom/.45) — precise, if carried and trained with SIG 1911 Fine trigger, high hit potential for practiced shooters. Ergonomic, clean single-action trigger, excellent short-range accuracy. For those who love the handling and don’t mind the weight.

Hunters can benefit from the Habrok HQ50LN both by day and by night, as it allows them to detect game early. When it comes to modern optics, hunters today are witnessing a revolution. Where once glassmakers battled physics to squeeze every last lumen of twilight through precision-coated lenses, the race has now shifted toward multispectral technology —combining thermal imaging, digital optics, and laser rangefinding in one rugged unit. One of the most talked-about examples of this new generation is the HIKMICRO Habrok HQ50LN . Built for stalks, sits, and nighttime scouting alike, this flagship model promises a clear view—whether under blazing sun, thick fog, or total darkness. Schuss & Stille put it through its paces in the Austrian highlands, testing it not in theory, but where it counts: in the field. The large flagship model from HIKMICRO: the Habrok HQ50LN. Built for Rough Country The first thing you notice about the Habrok HQ50LN is its heft. At nearly a kilo (about 2.2 pounds), it feels substantial—rubberized, sealed to IP67 standards, and clearly designed for real-world hunting, not the showroom shelf. This isn’t a fragile gadget. It’s a tool for long nights in the rain , when fog drapes the mountains and you’re waiting for movement at the treeline. Image Quality and Field Performance The Positives Sharp contrast and detail: In thermal mode, the HQ50LN displayed crisp silhouettes up to roughly 300 meters. Limbs, vegetation breaks, and animal outlines were cleanly separated—an impressive feat in mixed cover. Smart processing: HIKMICRO’s new Image Pro 2.0 algorithm genuinely improves the picture, reducing digital noise and enhancing fine detail—especially noticeable at mid-zoom. Weather resistance: Fog, drizzle, or mist might dull visibility, but the device itself shrugged off the elements. IP67 sealing means dust and splash protection you can count on. Room for Improvement Zoom trade-offs: Push digital magnification to the limit and you’ll lose sharpness and contrast—an unavoidable side effect of digital zoom. Firmware quirks: Some users report that certain units show slightly less thermal clarity than previous Habrok generations (like the HQ35L), with minor haloing or edge blur. Weight and fatigue: That solid build comes at a price. After an hour of steady scanning, your arms will feel it. Dedicated stalkers may prefer a lighter optic for all-day hunts. Battery life: The claimed seven hours of runtime is optimistic. In real-world use—laser rangefinder active, mode-switching, frequent scanning—expect closer to 4.5 to 5 hours . Bring a spare battery or two. Thermal Vision in Low Light Twilight is where thermal truly shines. Long before the naked eye can pick out shape from shadow, the HQ50LN reveals glowing forms at the forest edge—red deer grazing unseen by conventional optics. Through the Habrok’s viewfinder, they appear not as vague motion, but as living heat , each body a signature of life against the fading cool of dusk. Red deer herd during the rut, captured with Habrok HQ50LN – reduced resolution Owning the Darkness On moonless nights, the Habrok comes into its own. Targets out to 200–300 meters are identifiable, and motion pops instantly from the background. The integrated laser rangefinder is a welcome feature: one press, and the exact distance appears in the digital view—no guesswork, no fumbling for a separate device. The 640×512 thermal sensor and image optimization deliver impressive clarity, even through fog or drizzle. Still, digital zoom softens the image, and power drain remains a limiting factor for marathon hunts. An Encounter to Remember One night during testing, the Habrok turned an ordinary stalk into something unforgettable. We were crouched at the dark edge of a meadow, where forest melts into pasture. To the naked eye, nothing stirred. Then—on the Habrok’s display—a herd of red deer ignited against the cool backdrop. A heavy stag stood apart, every breath visible, his antlers etched in heat. We dropped low, hearts pounding, as he moved closer. Step by step. Until barely five meters separated us. For a moment, time froze. Only the silent glow of the screen connected us—unseen, yet utterly present in that wild, electric stillness. Clarity Beyond Darkness Even in daylight, the Habrok’s hybrid design has its advantages. In the mountains, where slopes roll endlessly and game blends seamlessly with rock and grass, thermal imaging quickly reveals where animals bed or feed—long before a glass scan might catch movement. Paired with binocular observation, it allows a careful, ethical approach. It’s like seeing the mountain with new eyes —clearer, more honest, and more respectful of the wildlife whose world we step into. This stag kept coming closer and closer to us. Handling and Ergonomics The Habrok allows independent focus adjustment for both thermal and digital channels—done through the eyepieces. It works well, but for older hunters or those accustomed to traditional glass, brands like Nocpix may offer a more intuitive, binocular-like focusing system. On the Habrok models, focus is adjusted at the eyepiece — separately for thermal and night vision modes. The focusing system on NOCPIX models, however, is designed better, especially for older hunters, as it feels much more like using a traditional pair of binoculars . The Habrok Family at a Glance The Habrok line includes several models to fit different budgets and hunting styles: Habrok HE25L/LN: Compact 25mm thermal lens with 4K digital channel — ideal for day/night stalking. Around €1,500–2,000 . Habrok HQ35L/LN: Upgraded 35mm thermal module (640×512 sensor) and 4K optics — a balanced all-rounder around €3,250–3,300 . Habrok HQ50L/LN: The flagship model tested here, with a 50mm thermal lens and 4K digital channel — €3,700–4,200 range. Habrok HX60L/LN: Top-tier powerhouse featuring a 1280×1024 sensor and 60mm optics — among the most advanced on the market, roughly €6,000 . Who It's For Digital multispectral binoculars like the models in HIKMICRO’s Habrok series are increasingly replacing traditional binoculars — because in addition to day and night vision with magnification, these devices also feature thermal imaging and laser rangefinding capabilities. Multispectral binoculars like the Habrok series are steadily replacing traditional optics among serious hunters. They combine daylight magnification, night vision, thermal detection, and rangefinding —all in one unit. They’re not toys. They’re precision tools for hunters who take responsibility seriously—those who want to act confidently even when the human eye fails. The Habrok HQ50LN brings clarity to the night, insight to the day , and helps preserve the reverence that defines real hunting. Whether you’re a backcountry stalker, a stand hunter, or a professional guide, there’s a Habrok built for your terrain—and your hunting style. Available through select dealers and at Waffendoc Gregor Unterberger , Paternion, Carinthia (Austria).

For many hunters today, the smartphone has become just as essential as the rifle or binoculars. Hunting has always been the counterpoint to daily life: a place of silence, a moment of release, a school of patience. Whoever took the rifle into the woods entered another world—one where seconds stretched into minutes, and minutes into hours, all carried by the rhythm of nature. But that rhythm is disrupted now. Few hunters step into the field without a smartphone. A device no larger than a hand now dictates how we perceive, decide—and how much tension we still allow ourselves to feel. Tool and Temptation There’s no denying it: the smartphone has become a powerful tool. Digital maps clearly show property boundaries, mark game trails, and locate blinds. Weather apps give us temperature, wind direction, and moon phase at the touch of a button. Ballistic apps calculate holdovers more precisely than most of us could in our heads. And once an animal is down, a quick click informs the hunting party or shares a photo instantly. Yet hidden in that “quick click” is a danger. A glance at the screen tears us away from observation. We no longer perceive with sharpened senses but are led by artificial impulses. Every incoming message, every scroll through trail-cam images, every check of the forecast chips away at the inner tension that makes hunting so unique. The anticipation, the patient waiting, the feeling of being part of the forest—all of it dissolves the moment our eyes leave the wild and turn to the display. The Psychology of Distraction From a psychological perspective, the smartphone is a classic disruptor. It taps into our brain’s reward system — every signal, every message, every new image sparks a brief dopamine rush. We reach for the phone because we expect something. But that very expectation runs counter to the hunting experience, which thrives on patience, uncertainty, and endurance. Many hunters say they feel less nervous when their phone is within reach. At first, that sounds positive—less restlessness, less anxiety. But that restlessness, that inner tremor, is part of the hunt. It is part of the fascination, part of the psychology of the chase. Rely too much on your smartphone, and you dull that edge. Hunting becomes a mere process, with technology replacing the senses. Between Tradition and Modernity Created with an AI image generator: The smartphone distracts hunters from what really matters. This is not about demonizing technology. Smartphones can save lives in emergencies, whether it’s an accident or a wrong step in rough country. For tracking wounded game or coordinating among hunters, they have become indispensable. But the question remains: What happens to our hunting identity if we trust the screen more often than we trust our instincts? Our forebears had only the sky above them, the sound of the wind, and the tracks in the soil. They knew every rustle could carry meaning. Today we check an app instead of wetting a finger to test the wind. It saves time—but it also strips away depth. A Case for Conscious Restraint Perhaps the solution is not to banish the phone, but to use it consciously. No one needs to leave it in the truck — but turning it off when climbing into the stand can make a difference. Promising yourself to use it only in emergencies or after the hunt restores immediacy. Tension builds again the way it has for centuries: through uncertain waiting, through listening, through reading the signs. Because hunting is more than technology. It is a psychological experience, a test of our senses, a surrender to the unpredictability of the moment. And it is precisely that tension, that deep, electric thrill, that makes hunting what it truly is: a school of patience, a mirror of our instincts—and, in the end, a return to ourselves.

huntress savors a beautiful autumn day in the mountains, trusting her instincts. Waiting. Silence. Listening. For generations of hunters, this was the very essence of the hunt – a time of pause, of focus, of complete devotion to the moment. Those who pursued chamois, red deer, or roe deer knew: not the rifle, not the binoculars, and certainly not technology determined success or failure, but patience. The art of waiting was more than a means to an end – it shaped the hunter’s character and defined his or her relationship with nature. In the Past: Time as the Core Resource Older hunters speak with shining eyes of the hours, sometimes even days, they spent quietly in the hunting grounds. Every whisper of wind was noted, every crack in the undergrowth sharpened their ears. A shadow might be nothing more than a squirrel darting past – or the first sign of the long-awaited quarry. This vigilant, mindful waiting honed the senses and allowed the hunter to become one with nature. Patience was not a burden but part of the adventure of hunting. Those who learned to endure the tension experienced the hunt in its purest form: a dialogue with nature that allowed no shortcuts. Today: Technology as an Accelerator Modern hunting looks different. Time has become a scarce resource. Work, family, obligations – the hours in the field are often reduced to a minimum. What used to be a long sit in the hide is now a “quick round” after work. . And with this shortage of time, technology has stepped into the foreground. Thermal imagers and night-vision devices have revolutionized the stalk. A quick glance through the scope – and the game is identified, without long periods of scanning, without the uncertainty of waiting. Yet with every technological advance, a piece of the hunting thrill fades away. The pounding heart at a faint crack in the thicket, the guessing game whether that silhouette in the dusk is a buck or just a branch – all of it vanishes. The Psychological Dimension: The Loss of the Senses Sometimes, one should leave the smartphone and all the other technical tools at home, simply to rediscover the honest, raw essence of hunting. Waiting is not a passive state. It demands patience, discipline, and the ability to sharpen one’s senses. Those who spend hours in the hunting stand learn to distinguish sounds, interpret movements, and attune themselves to the rhythm of the forest. This tuning into nature has not only hunting value, but also psychological significance: the mind finds peace, and the hunter becomes part of the greater whole. If this school of waiting is lost, so too is a measure of hunting intuition. Technology replaces instinct, the senses grow dull. Instead of trusting one’s own eyes and ears, dependence on screens and batteries takes hold. Between Tradition and Modernity NOf course, no one wishes to condemn technological achievements outright. They can make hunting safer and, in some situations, indispensable. But the core remains: hunting is more than just quickly spotting and shooting game. It is a way of learning patience, practicing humility, and encountering oneself. Young hunters in particular should not see the art of waiting as “wasted time,” but as a treasure worth preserving. Only those who can endure silence and patience will experience the full depth of the hunt. The Silent Test The art of waiting is a silent test imposed upon us hunters – one we should not skip out of convenience. Technology may make many things easier, but it cannot replace the feeling that has accompanied us for centuries: that tingling in the stomach, that quickened heartbeat, when somewhere in the thicket an animal takes a cautious step. It is precisely these moments that make hunting unique. Moments that cannot be rushed. Moments that teach us that true hunting does not lie in the pull of a trigger, but in the endurance of the moment. And sometimes, it does good to simply leave the thermal imager and the smartphone at home – to rely once more entirely on one’s own senses and to experience the hunt as it was always meant to be: primal, honest, and rich with every facet of silence.