Max Wiegand, age 61, a range tenant, bloodhound expert, rifle trainer for junior hunters, multiple IPSC world champion carries the SAUER 202 and SAUER 202 Take Down. Shown with the S 202 Forest in 9.3 x 62.

Here, at the top, is my favourite place. You can see the Rhine and the vineyards – my hunting ground is my home. I also have unforgettable impressions from my hunting trips around the world. Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Alaska, Eastern Europe – hunting in unknown territory is both alluring and challenging. I can vividly remember how much I suffered during the ibex hunt in the Altai mountains. My guide set a breakneck speed. He jumped through rocks and boulders with the agility of a chamois, and galloped up the steepest hills seemingly immune to the dizzying effects of altitude. He then usually whistled a cheerful melody that made you think there was no need for him to breathe. I followed, my thoughts oscillating between ‚this is crazy‘ and ‚you must not lose your footing‘. The thrill of the hunt compensating for the stresses and strains. Since this trip a colossal trophy adorns my trophy room and evokes time and again the gruesomely beautiful memories of the ascent.
If I had to make a choice, I would not exchange my hunting ground for any other in the world. Every corner here holds a memorable story that would be worth to be told. Simply speaking, I am deeply rooted here. Something I would also never want to miss is the hunting, gathering and storytelling with friends. Debating the age of the old buck in the vineyard. Guessing the trophy size of the red stag down at the river. Analyzing our weapons and the performance of the dogs. Reliving the perfect shots. Planning the next drive hunt.
After more than 40 years as a hunter I have a life-time of experience with guns. As a trainer of junior hunters, I observe novices doing their first exercises and teach them how to refine their skill and dexterity in using a rifle, shotgun or handgun. As a trainer for drive hunting and long-range shooting I also know when shooter and gun simply do not match. As an active marksman I understand that success depends on having the right equipment. I attach -great importance to excellent quality, smooth handling and, of course, accuracy. Moreover I expect variety because every hunter is an individual: male or female, tall or small, chubby or slim, right or left hander. We hunt in many ways, from the lowlands to the mountains. My own hunting rifle as well as the rifles that I recommend in my courses must meet all expectations.”

Max Wiegand has hunted in a wide variety of terrain and is familiar with all aspects of hunting. Today he looks back on more than 40 years as an active hunter, cherishing his diverse range of experiences as well as his habitual hunts with friends. In his opinion, after years as a trainer, a good rifle constitutes the core of hunting.