Hunting Tactics Alpine Ibex

*Introduction*

The Ibex presents a slightly different playing experience that for example that of deer species. It is located in the higher regions of Val-des-Bois and has outstanding climbing abilities. It can climb up very steep mountainsides, even to places where a player cannot get. Ibexes are wary and quiet animals who blend in well in their native Alpine environment. The Alpine Ibex is a skillful climbers. It can climb almost vertical cliff faces with ease, so going after them will require a great deal of knowledge of the area. Some steep surfaces may be possible to climb, others will lead to a quick drop down to harm. Wise hunters always bring a  First Aid Kit along when hunting Ibex in Val-des-Bois. When hunting Alpine Ibex, there should be a lot of planning going into every shot to avoid losing that great trophy. After all, that is what makes hunting Alpine Ibex worth it: those magnificent horns!

*Spawning*

Ibexes spawn and travel as singles or in mixed groups of up to six animals. The does always build the majority of the group, and there are not more than two bucks in a group.

*Clothing*

Val-des-Bois is a summer map, however the  Sneaky 3d Summer Forest camo only protects you against the Alpine Ibex in the very scarce forested parts in the mountainous regions. You are much better off with the  Sneaky 3d Alpine camo set which is specifically designed for this type of terrain. You may also use the  Outback Outfit and/or  Face Paint, a  Cowboy Hat or a  Flat Cap to reduce the signs of your presence.

*Searching*

Weight correlates somewhat with the score. Follow tracks from heavy bucks. It is possible to get audio clues from the Ibex but these are sparse and are never calls. The Ibex does not call like other animals. It has a rock slide sound when in the steep slopes. This sound is registered like a call on the Huntermate. Ibex fighting can also be registered with the Huntermate. The fights are usually not very long and by the time you arrive to observe them, they might have ceased fighting already. Nevertheless their fighting can give away their location. If you hear ibex activity, scan the area. If there is one, there might be more of them. Ibexes utter a recurring chirping sound when they flee, which gives away their running direction. This is similar behavior to the Roe Deer's barking when spooked. They keep chirping for quite some time even after they have stopped running. Follow that sound and often times you will see the Ibex in the distance standing still.

*Luring*

There are no attractants available for the Alpine Ibex, which makes it one of the species that require a pure spot and stalk style of hunting.

*Field Judging*

Look for long and thick horns that bend backwards. Large scoring ibexes have horns that almost tough their back (in the game).

*Scent Eliminator and Wind Indicator*

This species has a sense of smell and will detect players around them. Especially when upwind, you will see close-by animals stick their nose into the wind, then run away. The  Scent Eliminator works against all animals with a sense of smell. Apply it when you want to get close to the animal of your choice. Also, make sure to pay attention to the wind direction by observing objects tossed around or by using  Wind Indicator. Use it and follow the smoke with your eyes to see in which direction it is blown. As a general rule of thumb, the wind will blow towards the North-East on all maps. If you are not sure about the wind conditions, apply the  Scent Eliminator just in case. It doesn't hurt to use it once too often if you want to be on the safe side and not regularly spook animals by your smell.

*Shooting the animal*

Shooting the Alpine Ibex must be somewhat planned. Survey the land with your optical devices. It will be tempting to fire at an Alpine Ibex high up on a mountain wall but it may have unfortunate consequences. If you shoot an Ibex on a cliff-side with either an outcropping or a slope that lacks enough inclination below, the dead animal can get stuck. Wait for a better opportunity, which might however take a very long time. A shot Ibex will slide or roll down as long as the incline is steep enough. If the animal stops in a place that cannot be reached from below, try to get to the animal from above. In many cases there simply is no way to the kill. This video explains how you might still be able to retrieve your Ibex.

It is possible that the Alpine Ibex will be outside the border. You may clearly see it on a mountainside and you can aim at it, but the game will prevent you from shooting it. You have to again wait for it to return to the inside of the reserve boundaries.

A good weapon for the hunt on the Alpine Ibex is the fast reloading .30-06 Lever Action Rifle. Often times you will find a group of five to six animals. You can keep shooting with this rifle while keeping sight on them. Spooked animals tend to run in circles in front of steep walls of cliffs instead of climbing them. Wait for them to stand still for a second or two during their flight before they run off again, and you can take out a few at a time.

*If the animal flees*

If you spook the animal of your desire, follow the tracks crouching. Use your optics and try to spot it, and also look for tracks or vocal signs. Do not go too fast. The animal can stop fleeing abruptly and return to roaming, and the roaming can be in any direction including coming right back at you. If you end up bumping into the animal it will flee again. Take your time. If the animal is worth it, a few more minutes will pay off.

Listen for the chirping sound and let the animal calm down from its trotting after fleeing for a safe shot. If you have approached them from behind a hill and all of a sudden you hear them run away for some reason (you will hear the chirping), get up and run to the top of the hill. Often times you can still pick out a few Ibexes while they are trying to find a path away from you. Cliffs and walls will again confuse them just enough to keep them within reach.

### Quick Start Locations

Start at the following lodge(s) for quickly finding this species.

 Maison du Néant

### Val-des-Bois Hunting Routes

Thanks to community contributor Cireme for this map.