In the Land of the Red Cliffs
For me, equipment I can rely on is the most important thing when travelling. Not having to think twice about whether everything works is essential.
Ilka Dorn
If I had to name one type of hunt that especially appeals to me, it would be hunting chamois in the mountains. Rarely are one’s hunting skills and physical abilities challenged as much as by hunting this fascinating game species. It is not only a matter of personal fitness and condition, but also of stamina, surefootedness, and, depending on the terrain, a certain degree of freedom from vertigo. In addition to the personal challenge, however, it is above all the beautiful surroundings and the impressive mountain landscapes that quickly make you forget the arduous climb and turn this hunting experience into something very special.
Early Morning in the Maritime Alps
I followed an invitation to visit the French Maritime Alps north of the Côte d’Azur. I took my small, practical Leica Geovid Pro 8x32 with me, and had the Leica Fortis 2–12x50i mounted on my rifle. Rasmus, my hunting guide, picked me up in Nice and drove me straight to the hunting ground at the foot of the nearly 2,000-meter-high Tête de Rigaud. Tired from the journey, we briefly discussed the plan for the next day, and I soon fell into a deep sleep.
The alarm clock woke me at four o’clock. It was still pitch dark outside as we drove to the hunting ground. Dawn was breaking, the first contours of the mountains appeared, and a narrow orange strip glowed on the horizon. It promised to be a beautiful day.
A Day Full of Challenges
Rasmus parked the pickup on a high plateau. In front of us stood the striking Tête de Rigaud, surrounded by valleys and rocks – already an impressive panorama. “We should get going,” whispered Rasmus. We planned to circle the mountain and search the valleys from above.
The climb was strenuous, the terrain rocky and challenging. The red slate was porous, and every step had to be carefully placed. As the sun rose, it grew warm, but the landscape made up for every effort. Rasmus wanted to reach the red slate terraces – bizarre, wind-shaped protrusions covered with dense boxwood. They provided good cover for us, but made spotting game very difficult.
