France. Going for a hunt in this year I wanted to choose the country where could get several trophies during one trip. It’s problematic to travel now that’s why I've selected France where could hunt for three different species for my “Capra World Slam” collection: Vercors Chamois, Pyrenean Chamois и Chartreuse Chamois. It was the first time when I’d found the outfitter in the Internet. He had lots of positive feedbacks and I didn't doubt in success. I wrote to Jean-Francois Picheyre and we discussed my hunting for Vercors Chamois и Pyrenean Chamois. When I was ready to sign the contract the outfitter told me about the chance to get the exclusive trophy of Chartreuse chamois. One of the Poland hunters canceled his trip because of the covid risks. The beginning of the trip was not promising. I arrived to Lion but my weapon left in Paris. Jean-Francois handled everything and next morning I tested the rifle, given me by the local guide and moved to the Chartreuse mountains. I could hardly expect that it’d be so hard. The thickness of the snow cover was 80 centimeters. It took us four hours to reach the place, all way we went bogging down deep snow. Soon we detected the group of animals but the problem was that if the trophy didn’t fall down after shooting we wouldn’t climb to the place where it was and needed call the climber with the special equipment. But the climber could be there only next day. There was a cabin where we could make fire and warm. It was snowing hard, and a cold, bone-chilling wind was blowing. We discussed all variants and came to the conclusion to stay in the cabin for a night and to continue hunting in early morning if I was not sure that could make an accurate shot and we get to the trophy easily. Before a sunset we did a short outing near the cabin. We were lucky to find the good size trophy in the place which suited us. I shot and it fell down as we hoped. The shot was done from 90 meter distance at angle 30 degrees. I was really happy because Chartreuse chamois was an exclusive trophy. We descended when it was totally dark. That time the tradition was born: we always drank a bottle of champagne near the trophy. Vercors Chamois. Next day the transport service of the Lion airport delivered my rifle. Jean - Francois and I went for a Vercors chamois hunting. That night we spent in the historical house, built in 1688 and located near the foot of the mountains. After arrival we tested guns and met the local guide. Next morning he should lead us to the mountains and help to find the trophy. He was the former soldier of the French mountain special forces. The guy was elder than me but more energetic and endurance. It was dark when we left. We rode where it was possible, then left the car and went on foot. I was embarrassed that the guy who was elder made a trail in snow for me to keep up. I was struck by the abundance of snow. The weather on the mountain plateau was really hard: if it was rain in the valley where we came from, a piercing wind was blowing and the blizzard did not stop on the top. We put on crampons to be safe. Bad weather was interfering to the hunt but soon we spotted two chamois in 200m from us. My Blaser, I used many times, failed me first time. All moving parts of the carbine had been frozen and I couldn’t make any shot. We decided to go down. We were descending when I lost the balance, fell and slide down about 200m on the back where the rifle was. Next day we went to the mountains once again and I forgot to check the weapon. The weather was fine. Soon we detected the group of chamois, not far from us. I did three shot and missed them all. Something was wrong with the gun because of my yesterday's descent. We came back without the trophy once again. I was fully upset how we spent the day. The weather forecast for the next two days didn't look optimistic and we resolved to drive 6 hours and to Pyrenees and would come back when it was better. Near the Pyrenees mountains we made a stop to check and test the rifle. We spent almost on the hunting ground. The local hunters gave us a warm welcome with local delicacies and the best drinks in a day before hunting for a Pyrenean chamois. In early mornig we left the camp and went to the mountains. After 3 hours’ hike Jean- Francois noticed the good size male. I got it from the first shot and 185m distance. It was 11 years old male of Pyrenean chamois. That hunt was the easiest among all three. I was impressed by the views of surroundings and could even see the Mediterrian sea when we stood on the top. The mountain peaks around us were covered by snow when the temperature in the valley was 18 degrees or even higher. When the hunt was over we went down, packed our bags and drove back to the Vercor mountains. The forecast promised good weather and we decided to sleep in the place where we had been before. In early morning Jean -Francois, I and our guide moved to the mountains to try once again. Vercor: The weather was fine but a faint breeze was blowing. I put on the cover on the rifle to avoid all accidents. I noticed the track of the snow avalanche on the slopes where we were afraid to climb few days ago. It broke lots of trees. We were having lunch when noticed the good size chamois. The shot was done from 195 meter distance at angle 35 degrees. Thus, I got the desired trophy of Vercors chamois. The third attempt was successful. I was exhilarated because had cancelled the return tickets and decided to stay there until didn’t get all three trophies. The most difficult place in that trip was Rona-Alpine in the Vercor mountains. Jean-Francois Picheyre did his best. The hunting and the traditional reception were on top. I can write the article about French cuisine. It was not matter where we stayed for a night. The dinner consisted of several delicious dishes each time. Food culture is extremely important for the French, forming an integral and valuable part of their lives.
