Jagdreise -

(Lyrurus tetrix)

The black grouse belongs to the grouse subfamily (Rauhfußhühner). Similar to the capercaillie, the cock features a striking, ornate plumage, while the hen is modestly colored with dark barring over a consistently light brown background. The cock grows to a size of about 50 cm and weighs up to 1.5 kg, with hens being slightly smaller and lighter. A striking feature of the cock is the red wattles, or "combs" (roten Rosen), above the eyes.

The cock and hen differ significantly in appearance. The cock sports a glossy, bluish-black plumage with light-colored undersides on its wings. The hen, on the other hand, is somewhat smaller, and her plumage is yellowish-brown, densely interlaced with black bars.

During the lekking season in April and May, the black grouse gather at specific display grounds (Balzplätze). A strict hierarchy prevails among the cocks, which is established through numerous courtship displays, vocalizations, and territorial fights.

(Rupicapra rupicapra)

The chamois is a goat-antelope species native to Europe and Asia Minor. With live weights reaching up to 40 kg, they can achieve shoulder heights of up to 85 cm. Distinctive features for both sexes include the hooked horns (called Krucken) and the coat, which transitions from a pale yellow to yellowish-gray with a black dorsal stripe in summer to a dark gray or black in winter. In their winter coat, the bucks grow dorsal hair up to 25 cm long with light-colored tips (Reif), which is used to make the traditional Gamsbart.

The main areas of distribution are the Alps, but good populations are also found in other European mountain ranges stretching from Spain to Bulgaria, as well as in New Zealand. Depending on the subspecies and region, chamois live at altitudes ranging from 700 m (so-called forest chamois or Waldgams) to over 3,000 m.

The hinds (ewes) live with their kids in small herds of about 15 to 30 individuals. When danger threatens, they emit a whistling warning sound. The bucks are mostly solitary for the majority of the year, joining the hinds during the rut (mid-November to mid-December).

The chamois is an exceptional climber and possesses an excellent sense of sight, hearing, and smell.

(Marmota)

Marmots feature a body length of 40 to 50 cm, with a tail length between 10 and 20 cm. Adult males (referred to as Bär in hunting terminology) weigh between 3 and 4 kg, while females are slightly lighter. Mankeis, as they are commonly called in Austria, live in large family groups. Their burrows are often extensively branched with numerous chambers and tunnels. While summer burrows frequently go down only about one and a half meters, winter burrows can often reach depths of 5 meters or more. The hibernation period of the marmot lasts from late October to March.

(Cervus elaphus)

The red deer is a widespread species belonging to the true deer family. Its primary ranges extend across large parts of Europe, and it has also been successfully introduced into several regions of South and North America, as well as New Zealand. Due to the high adaptability of this game species, red deer inhabit many diverse environments. Strong populations can be found in densely forested low and high mountain ranges, the nearly treeless landscapes of Scotland, the damp river floodplains of Southeastern Europe, and the hot, dry lowlands of Spain.

Depending on the habitat and the availability of forage, red deer can reach live weights of up to 350 kg and shoulder heights of up to 150 cm.

The hinds (Alttiere) form female herds (Kahlwildrudel) together with yearling hinds (Schmaltiere), yearling stags (Schmalspießer), and calves. Younger stags also form smaller bachelor groups, whereas the older stags spend most of the year roaming alone or accompanied by a single, subordinate stag (Beihirsch). During the rut, the strongest stags claim and defend a harem of females. The distinctive roaring of the stags can be heard from afar during this time and is an impressive spectacle of nature. The antler trophy varies significantly in points and mass depending on the habitat. The red deer has a highly developed sense of smell, hearing, and sight.