My first chamois hunt in Slovenia

Hunting has never been just about the hunt for me. Above all, it is about respect for nature, about humility, and about the challenges that test us not only physically, but also mentally. Hunting a chamois had always been my dream – something I longed to experience. I had never hunted a chamois before, but the idea fascinated me for years.

Every hunt has its own story, but for me, the chamois hunt was something truly special. The thought of climbing steep slopes, gazing upon majestic peaks, and feeling the adrenaline rush sparked a deep desire in me – a dream I knew I had to one day fulfill. When I got the chance to go hunting in the stunning Slovenian mountains with Heming Hunting, I knew this would be an experience I’d remember for the rest of my life.

Preparing for the Big Adventure...

I know Slovenia very well – I hike there every year and admire its incredibly beautiful mountains. They are rough and unforgiving, yet stunningly beautiful. This time, however, I wasn’t just packing my hiking boots, but also my hunting gear. Chamois hunting is no ordinary affair – it’s a challenge that tests both your physical and mental resilience. It’s not the kind of hunt where you step out of a car, aim, and shoot. Here, you have to earn every success step by step. That’s why I knew that my preparation would be absolutely crucial. I chose the Sabatti Thumbhole rifle, caliber 6.5 Creedmoor, with high-performance LFB ammunition, because for long-distance shots I wanted to be certain that each shot would be accurate. I also went through long-range shooting training at the range, knowing that shots could reach up to 270 meters. Since I wasn’t used to shooting at such distances, I needed to be fully prepared. In addition to shooting practice, I also trained physically – I knew I’d be climbing steep mountain slopes, where every step could be decisive. I expected challenges: steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and tough conditions. But none of that discouraged me. On the contrary, I felt immense excitement and couldn’t wait to begin.

First Impressions and Expectations

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with lovely accommodation in a local guesthouse, where we could finally rest after the long journey and enjoy excellent local cuisine. The atmosphere was fantastic – great food, beautiful surroundings, and the company of people who loved nature as much as I did. In the evening, we had a briefing with the organizers and other hunters – everyone was full of anticipation. We eagerly listened to instructions and exchanged hunting stories. The instructions were clear: we set out at dawn! The hunt would be physically demanding, but the conditions were good. Everything now depended on us and our hunting luck. On the first day, we set off into the mountains at 6 AM. Cold morning light spilled across the peaks, the air was crisp and fresh. My guide was an experienced forester with a level of energy and endurance that many men would envy. It was an incredible first day – we saw many chamois, but the wind wasn’t on our side and the animals stayed at a distance. At the slightest suspicion, they vanished into the terrain. The hunting ground was vast and stunning, full of freely roaming chamois. Unfortunately, they sensed us before we could get close.We spent the entire day hiking steep slopes, wading through snow, and searching for the right shooting position. There was no opportunity for a clean shot. But every step brought me closer to my dream. When we returned to the guesthouse that  evening, some hunters had succeeded. Sadly, I had not. But I knew one thing – giving up was not an option.

The Moment I Had Been Waiting For

That morning, I was determined. Today it had to happen! Unfortunately, the weather changed – the sky was overcast, and the chamois were staying at lower elevations, mostly in the forest zone. We started our hike again at 6:00 AM, but even after several hours we hadn’t seen a single chamois. They seemed to have reacted to the change in weather and retreated into more inaccessible areas. But around 10:00 AM, we spotted a strong individual. My guide suddenly pointed into the distance and asked, "Do you see it?" I stared in that direction, tense, but at first, I saw nothing. And then, suddenly – there it was! A chamois, perfectly blended with the mountain terrain, standing still. My heart started racing and adrenaline surged through me. I quickly grabbed my GPO Rangeguide 8.5 × 50 binoculars with rangefinder to measure the distance. The chamois was 144 meters away, in a less-than-ideal position at a steep angle.

It was facing me head-on, which meant I had to aim for the chest or neck. I settled into a stable position, exhaled, and aimed. I had to be perfectly focused – even the slightest mistake could lead to failure. It was a huge challenge for me. I took aim, exhaled, and gently squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out! The sound echoed through the valley, and I saw the chamois roll over and stay down. My guide congratulated me, “Radka, that was a perfect shot!” The feeling of joy and relief was indescribable. That moment – when all your effort, dedication, and preparation come together in a successful shot – is beyond words. When we approached the animal, I paid my final respects. That’s always the most powerful moment of the hunt for me – a moment of deep humility and reverence. I realize what a great privilege it is to be part of nature, to stand in it not only as a hunter but also as its guardian, one who respects its laws.

After the traditional farewell to the game, we had to carry the chamois down into the valley. This was another physical test. Steep slopes, snow, and fatigue made the descent challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. I felt nothing but joy inside. My experienced guide then packed the chamois into his backpack and carried it down without hesitation. Slovenians are truly admirable people – with incredible stamina, determination, and deep respect for the mountains. This success didn’t come easily, which made it all the more valuable. When we returned to the guesthouse, the other hunters congratulated me, and over dinner, we shared impressions from this beautiful hunt. This experience showed me that chamois hunting is not just about the game. It’s about respect for nature, pushing your limits, and unforgettable moments you carry with you for a lifetime. The Slovenian mountains gave me more than I ever expected. If you want to experience a professionally organized hunt that’s not just about trophies but about a truly unique adventure, then Heming Hunting is the right choice. If you get the opportunity, don’t hesitate. For me, it was a dream come true.