Austria is an often overlooked hunting destination passed over by US hunters in favor of Spain, Romania and Hungary. But Austria has just as much to offer as these other destinations in terms of variety of game, wilderness environs and general tourism. And although a lot of high-fenced hunting occurs in Austria, there are some free-range hunting opportunities. Subscriber Richard Pinkham discovered an operation this past June that offers just that. The company is called Hunt-Austria (011-43-664-859-9582; www.hunt-austria.com).
This operation is based in central Austria about halfway in between the capitol of Vienna in the east and Salzburg on the German border. Headquartered in a 15th century mansion converted into a hunting lodge, third-generation operator Phillip Kunze and his partner have secured hunting areas literally within minutes of their facility. Pinkham says the lodge sits on a large property surrounded by other unfenced properties, allowing the game to come and go. Hunting can literally start just a short walk from the door up the road and surrounding mountains. Many areas take a 25-minute drive. The farthest hunting spots are about 1½ hours from the lodge.....
