WAIDMANNSHEIL IN CARINTHIA: MY FIRST MARMOT

A LONG-AWAITED INVITATION

For several years now, we’ve maintained a cherished tradition with our Austrian hunting friends Bernhard and Alexandra: we meet twice a year to hunt together. Once, they visit us in Germany, and the other time, we head to Austria. This year, it was finally my turn to hunt a marmot, after my friend Frederic was lucky enough to take one last year. The anticipation was high, as I knew the incredible panorama that awaited me and the excitement of my first marmot hunt – an experience I’ll never forget.

Alpine Life and Hunting Joys

As with last year, we were at the Stangalm in the Nock-Mountains of Austria. On arrival, we were welcomed in a cozy little hut. The alpine hosts produce nearly all of their food themselves – butter, cheese, bacon. The rustic snack at the hut is a dream! Early in the morning, we set out – the weather forecast was excellent – heading up to the alpine pastures. We enjoyed breakfast together with our hunting friends and the alpine host. We tried "Storzen" – something new for us, simple and delicious, whether with milk or butter.

The Ascent

After breakfast, we made our way out. Climbing to the highest point of the pasture we got a good view. It didn’t take long before Bernhard spotted a large marmot. Now, all that was left was to ensure the right shooting distance. With my MINOX X-Range binoculars, I measured the distance in seconds – 98 meters. We got ready. But, as it often happens, the marmot either fell asleep or disappeared behind a rock. Eventually, the weather interfered, becoming too windy, so we had to relocate to a less exposed spot.

Tracking the Red Deer

We moved across the ridge to the next area, noticing red deer droppings everywhere along the way. High up in the alpine meadows, without any thick cover, red deer seem to regularly ascend from the valley into the mountains in the evening. We paused briefly and scanned the opposite slope. There, between rocks and small shrubs, lay eight red deer. Out of curiosity, I tried measuring the distance with the MINOX X-Range, but it was too far, well over 2,800 meters. Even so, I could see the deer clearly, something not possible with the naked eye.

Weather Dramas and Waidmannsheil

We continued on to a spot I recognized from last year, knowing it was promising. Like before, we settled on a small ledge, scanning for a suitable marmot. But the weather kept worsening. The wind quickly brought in a storm, and we couldn’t stay up there much longer as we watched lightning strike around us. A cow in the valley had been struck the previous night, a stark reminder of the danger. A marmot was out, but it stood at an awkward angle behind a large rock, making a shot impossible. It remained like that for what felt like an eternity. Meanwhile, Bernhard kept watch, hoping another marmot might emerge from its burrow.

The Decisive Moment

Then, Bernhard called out: “Doro – to the right, a marmot is emerging from the burrow, this one could be good.” I looked to the right and quickly had it in my scope. With the weather closing in, we didn’t have much time. I asked Bernhard if I should take the shot – YES! I fired, and the marmot dropped in its tracks. We were thrilled that it had worked out at the last minute. After the traditional hunting congratulations, we headed down to the burrow. Our Austrian hunting friends reached it first – they leap down the mountain like chamois – something we Germans can hardly keep up with.

Next came the breaking of a branch for a ceremonial trophy, and then we hurried down, as the storm had arrived. Once we reached the bottom, Bernhard showed me how to field dress the marmot and what to look out for. We wanted to utilize as much as possible. The pelt was sent to the taxidermist. I’m having a keepsake made from the rodent’s incisors by a goldsmith. Since my shot was precise, we were also able to save the marmot fat for a salve. If you want to use the fat, it’s important to choose the right ammunition and make a clean shot; if the stomach contents spill, the fat becomes unusable.

A fun fact: marmot stomach contents smell like Ricola due to their exclusive diet of herbs. Some people even dry the contents and make herbal tea from it.

With the marmot taken care of, we returned to the Stangalm hut. Together with Bernhard and Alexandra, we toasted to my hunting success with an alpine tequila. We sat for a while, reminiscing, and enjoyed our rustic snack.

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Tradition and Adventure

What I particularly appreciate about hunting in Austria is, that values like tradition and ethical hunting practices are upheld. The hospitality is akin to a familiar atmosphere.

Hunting in the mountains places special demands on both the hunter and their equipment. It’s essential to choose light, compact, and robust gear. In the mountains, every gram counts. My setup included the MINOX X-Range 10x42 with a rangefinder (lightweight at 990g), my Mauser 18 Pure Max with a MINOX RS-4 series scope, 2.5 – 10 x 42 (weighing only 635g). For precise shots, even at long distances, I use the fine illuminated reticle, adjustable in 10 steps. The adjustment knob is easy to handle and can lock between settings to quickly reach the desired brightness level. The binoculars offer outstanding image quality with sharp, high-contrast visuals, even in low light. The integrated rangefinder works reliably and is simple to use; a single button press reveals the distance to the target. This setup has proven itself ideal for mountain hunting.

Naturally, suitable clothing is essential as well. For mountain hunting, robust, water-resistant, windproof, and breathable clothing is a must, as it’s an active hunt and the weather can change rapidly. Sturdy footwear is also critical, given the diverse terrain – from steep rocky slopes to mountain streams and alpine pastures.

I’m already looking forward to next year, when we’ll share more memorable adventures. Many thanks to Alexandra and Bernhard for this wonderful experience.

Autor

Dorothea Bauer

My name is Dorothea Bauer, and I come from the beautiful South Palatinate region. Here, I hunt in the Palatinate Forest near the French border. To balance the dense forest hunting grounds, I also enjoy hunting in my partner’s lease, a pure field hunting area with a healthy population of small game.

I did not grow up in a traditional hunting family. However, my father has been raising fallow deer in an enclosure for over 30 years. Being close to nature and wildlife, as well as learning about slaughtering animals from an early age through my father, inspired me to attend a hunting school at the age of 15. I have held my hunting license since 2011.

What I love about hunting is its versatility. It not only offers the opportunity to harvest game meat sustainably but also allows us to live out our passion, create unforgettable experiences, and connect with new people who share this same enthusiasm.