Alpine chamois hunting in Italy
Published On: Ottobre 5, 2023

Alpine chamois hunting in the Piedmontese Alps

Under the watchful eye of Monviso, the towering sentinel of the Cottian Alps, lies the enchanting realm of Val Maira. This stunning valley is a hidden gem, where the beauty of nature unfolds in myriad forms. Here, amidst verdant slopes and rocky outcrops, the agile chamois roam freely, embodying the untamed spirit of the high mountains.

Val Maira is an extraordinary expanse, teeming with a rich variety of alpine wildlife. The air is alive with the calls of nature, where the haunting roar of deer reverberates through the lower valleys, creating a symphony that echoes against the mountainsides. Higher up, in the rugged terrain, chamois play their timeless game of chase, their nimble movements a testament to their dominion over this wild landscape.

For the hunter, chamois hunting in Val Maira is a journey of profound contrasts. It is an experience where physical exertion meets the deep-seated thrill of the chase. The hunter’s soul is a canvas painted with the sweat of effort, the sharp edge of commitment, and the vibrant hues of emotion and passion. Every step taken on the steep paths is a testament to dedication, each ascent a labor of love.

As the day draws to a close and the sun begins its descent, the realization dawns that the true reward lies not just in the hunt, but in the journey itself. The panoramic vistas, with their breathtaking beauty, offer a sense of fulfillment that transcends the physical. The peaks and valleys, bathed in the golden glow of dusk, speak to the heart in a language only the mountains can convey.

We invite you to join us in this magnificent adventure, to hunt chamois in a setting that is both fascinating and profoundly evocative. Val Maira is more than just a hunting destination; it is a place where nature’s grandeur and the thrill of the hunt converge, creating an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

Hunters chasing chamois with Sako rifles

The day of the hunt

The alarm clock rings early on hunting days, signaling the start of an adventure before the break of dawn. As the first light of day pierces the darkness, we set off in four-wheeled vehicles, navigating the rugged terrain as far as they can take us. The rest of the journey is on foot, climbing the steep paths in search of the elusive “Rupicapra,” or chamois, in its natural habitat.

Preparation is key for such an expedition. Stiff-soled boots are a must, providing the necessary support and grip on the rocky paths. Gaiters help keep out debris, and a sturdy hiking stick becomes an invaluable companion, offering balance and support on the uneven terrain. Clothing should be layered in the “onion” style, especially during the early hunting season, allowing for adjustments as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

The landscape unfolds in a breathtaking panorama of open valleys and majestic peaks. Here, it is not uncommon to secure excellent trophies, whether male or female chamois. For those less focused on trophies, yearlings are also abundant, offering a different kind of challenge and satisfaction.

Equipped with rifles featuring good optics, preferably with turrets or ballistic reticles, and grazing calibers ranging from 6.5mm to 30mm, hunters are well-prepared for the precision required in alpine hunting. Each step taken in pursuit of the chamois is imbued with the thrill of the hunt and the promise of a rewarding experience.

After the day’s adventure in the Alps, we make our way back to the hunting lodge, a sanctuary of comfort nestled in Val Maira. This extraordinary accommodation exudes an ancient charm, with characteristic rooms and caves carved into the mountain itself. Here, the hunter is welcomed with the soothing vapors of a spa and the delightful cuisine of the lodge’s restaurant.

The lodge offers every comfort a hunter could desire after a strenuous day on the mountain. There is nothing better than unwinding in a sauna or jacuzzi, perhaps with a good glass of local wine in hand, to ease the muscles and recount the day’s exploits.

Chamois hunting in the Piedmontese Alps is one of the most beautiful and exhilarating experiences a hunter can undertake. The pristine nature of this region, with its rugged beauty and serene landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for such a thrilling pursuit. Here, in Val Maira, nature reveals its best, making it an ideal setting for a chamois hunting adventure that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake.

Our hunting lodge in Val Maira full of every comfort

Habitat of the Alpine Chamois

The Alpine Chamois is a mountain goat that is found in the Alps and other mountain ranges in Europe. It is a well-adapted animal that is able to thrive in a variety of habitats, from high alpine meadows to lower-lying forests.

Summer Habitat

In the summer, they are found at high altitudes, typically between 1,000 and 2,800 meters (3,300 and 9,200 feet). They prefer open meadows with abundant grasses and herbs. These meadows provide them with plenty of food and shelter from predators.

Winter Habitat

In the winter, Alpine Chamois descend to lower altitudes, typically between 800 and 1,500 meters (2,600 and 4,900 feet). They prefer forests with dense undergrowth, which provides them with protection from the cold and snow.

Habitat Selection

They are selective in their habitat selection. They are particularly drawn to areas with the following characteristics:

• Abundant food: Alpine Chamois are herbivores and their diet consists primarily of grasses, herbs, and leaves. They prefer areas with a variety of plant species to provide them with a balanced diet.
• Secure escape routes: chamois are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and other predators. They prefer areas with rocky outcrops or other terrain that can be used as escape routes.
• Optimal exposure: this goat prefer slopes that receive plenty of sunlight. This helps to keep them warm in the winter and dry in the summer.

The Chamois are versatile animals that are able to thrive in a variety of habitats. Their habitat selection is influenced by a number of factors, including food availability, predator pressure, and climatic conditions.

Hunting Considerations

When hunting chamois, a deep understanding of their habitat preferences is essential to increase the likelihood of a successful hunt. These agile and elusive creatures are masters of their mountainous domain, and their behavior is closely tied to the changing seasons and the diverse landscapes of the Alps.

In the verdant warmth of summer, chamois are drawn to the open meadows that stretch across the high altitudes. Here, among the alpine flora, they graze on the abundant vegetation, their sharp eyes ever watchful for predators. These open spaces offer them the dual advantage of plentiful food and a clear line of sight to detect approaching threats. The high mountain meadows, with their breathtaking vistas and crisp air, become the stage where hunters must carefully plan their approach, using the natural cover of rocks and sparse trees to get within range.

As the seasons shift and the first hints of winter begin to touch the peaks, the chamois gradually descend to lower altitudes. The dense undergrowth of the forests provides them with the shelter they need to survive the harsher conditions. Here, in the shadowy depths of the forest, the chamois find both food and protection from the elements. The thick foliage and rugged terrain offer them a sanctuary where they can navigate with ease, while hunters must contend with the challenges of limited visibility and difficult footing.

Understanding these seasonal migrations and habitat preferences is key to becoming an adept chamois hunter. In the summer months, scanning the high alpine meadows with binoculars can reveal the presence of these graceful animals as they move in small groups or solitary pairs. The challenge lies in the stealthy ascent, often requiring a pre-dawn start to position oneself advantageously before the chamois begin their morning forage.

In winter, the hunt takes on a different character. Tracking the chamois through the forested lower slopes demands patience and a keen eye for signs such as tracks in the snow or broken branches. The dense underbrush and the quiet of the winter woods require a different kind of strategy, one that blends silence with the ability to move quickly and surely over difficult ground.

By immersing oneself in the rhythms of the chamois and the landscape they inhabit, hunters can greatly enhance their chances of success. This knowledge, combined with the physical and mental preparation for the rigors of alpine hunting, creates a deeply rewarding experience. Each hunt becomes not just a pursuit of game, but a journey into the heart of the mountains, where every step and every sighting is a testament to the intricate dance of nature and the timeless challenge of the hunt.