An Interview with Spanish ZEISS Ambassador Pilar Escribano Reina
My passion for hunting comes from a family tradition that has remained unchanged for generations. This family relationship and our close connection with the great outdoors have shaped my heart and the love for nature. A large part of this is due to my grandmother, Ana Maria Benítez Cañuelo, who was a pioneer among hunters in the 1950s. I was further strengthened in my passion by my wonderful uncle Rafa Ruda, who let me shoot for the first time 20 years ago. That was my first shot!
I WAS BORN AND RAISED BETWEEN IMPORTANT HUNTERS. SINCE MY EARLIEST CHILDHOOD, I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT ALL ASPECTS OF HUNTING WITH CARE AND SENSIBILITY.
Pilar Escribano Reina
Now I enthusiastically immerse myself in every major project dedicated to hunting, such as my blog “Cupo Libre” and my TV show “Hunter Style”, which is broadcast on Spain’s most important hunting channel, Caza y Pesca TV.
Which area of hunting suits you the most?Without a doubt, hunting from a raised hide. It is simply the most practical. I was also able to gain some experience in stalking game. It is such a fascinating world, in which I hope to discover new species within Spain, but also outside of our national borders. This world has enchanted me.

How did you get the idea to create a hunting blog? When did you start with “Cupo Libre”?I have been running my website “Cupo Libre” (www.cupolibre.es) for a little more than three years now. Later I ventured into social networks, blogs and the trade press. With the help of these different medias, I would like to introduce interested people to an ancient craft which does not receive enough attention in today’s society due to a lack of knowledge about hunting.
What is your goal with the blog?Through the blog, I wanted to share with the world how a woman copes in the world of hunting. I always aim to present the topic from a simple, dynamic, direct and real perspective. With “Cupo Libre” I don’t want to give lectures or give hunting lessons, but rather open this sometimes sealed topic up to everyone who is interested. But I don’t only talk about my own experiences, I also cover other aspects related to hunting, such as. B. gastronomy, nature conservation, fashion or hunting tourism. In short, I would like to open a small window for hunting life to a world that is facing increasing urbanization.
How do you explain the tremendous success that “Cupo Libre” has experienced in such a short time?I don’t think that “Cupo Libre” – at least not yet – has been a tremendous success. It took constant work and dedication over the past few years. Unfortunately, I cannot invest as much time as I would like because of my professional commitments. But I am convinced that I can gradually gain more followers and readers who will encourage me to continue with this great project.
The originality is particularly remarkable. This is due to the high level of differentiation and the great work of other bloggers as well as the presence in various social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).

What is the main focus of “Cupo Libre”?On this platform I write about my hunting experiences while always highlighting one of the thematic pillars that make up “Cupo Libre” – Experiences, interviews, tours to charming places, curiosities of nature or game recipes etc. I am also lucky enough to be able to work with large and well-respected brands in the hunting and fashion sector, who let me test and publish their products on my various digital platforms. “Cupo Libre” draws from a comprehensive and diverse repertoire with which we can introduce nature and hunting as well as various market innovations to lovers and groups of people who have not yet had access to the topic. “Cupo Libre” is dynamic and young. With its fresh and innovative touch, the platform breaks through the routine and classicism of the industry.
“Cupo Libre” is a new and innovative idea that differs significantly from other blogs on the subject of hunting. The blog is mainly characterized by less aggressive content and clear statements. If today’s society were to familiarize themselves a little more with the subject of hunting, they could recognize their benefits and advantages for the conservation and handling of nature.

In general, how do you assess the role of women in the hunting world?As I mentioned in advance, I come from a family of hunters: my grandma was a hunter, my aunts are hunters. So it’s normal in my family to be a hunter. I don’t think we have a different status. I believe women pursue hunting out of enthusiasm and not because they want to compete.
How do you think hunting will evolve over time?At the moment, hunting is in a difficult position. As hunters, we need to show adequate respect and appreciation for game or our daily work. Often it is due to a lack of knowledge that people want to break with an ancient tradition. They simply don’t know about the importance of hunting for our rural environment and nature and that is actually the key to preserving the incomparable ecosystem and biodiversity of Spain.
What do you think of ZEISS optics?For me, ZEISS means quality, tradition and security. In my hunting family, every family member owns a product of the German brand. I still remember how I accompanied my uncles and aunts hunting when I just started. They were always on target with their old binoculars and riflescopes from ZEISS. More than 20 years later, some of these items are still in perfect condition.
I am currently using a ZEISS Conquest V6 2.5-15×56 ASV, which I use for driven hunts as well as stalking. I am completely satisfied with that. It is ideal for hunting in Spain.
Equipment used
Entrevista Cupo Libre
Mi pasión por la caza nace de una tradición familiar que ha ido transmitiéndose durante generaciones. Este vínculo familiar y la estrecha unión que de siempre hemos tenido al campo, han forjado mi carácter cazador y amante de la naturaleza. Gran parte de culpa lo tiene mi abuela materna Doña Ana Mª Benítez Cañuelo, quien fue una pionera de las mujeres monteras allá por los años 50. Pero quién más afianzó mi afición, aún más si cabe, fue mi querido tío Rafa Ruda, cuando hace ya 20 años, me dejo tirar por primera vez. ¡Fue mi primer lance!
Nací, crecí y vivo entre una saga de grandes monteros y cazadores. Desde muy pequeña me han ido enseñando, con esmero y delicadeza, todo lo que rodea a esta actividad.
Pilar Escribano Reina
Ahora sigo ilusionada e inmersa en grandes proyectos que tienen la caza como elemento principal, como son mi blog “Cupo Libre” y mi programa de televisión “Hunter Style” que se emite en el canal de caza más importante de España, Caza y Pesca TV.
¿Cuál es la modalidad que más te gusta?La montería, sin duda, y además es la que más práctico. En el rececho ya he realizado mis primeros pasos. Es un mundo apasionante y que espero ir descubriendo poco a poco consiguiendo nuevas especies, tanto en España, como fuera de nuestras fronteras. Me ha cautivado.

¿Cómo nació la idea de crear un Blog de caza? ¿Cuándo lanzaste Cupo Libre?Nació de la necesidad de querer comunicar al mundo como una mujer vive una actividad tan poco conocida como es la venatoria, siempre desde un punto de vista sencillo, dinámico, directo y sin artificios. Con Cupo Libre no pretendo asentar cátedra ni dar lecciones de caza a nadie, pero si intento abrir el hermetismo que en ocasiones este mundo encierra a todas aquellas personas que a él quieren acercarse. Además, no sólo lo hago contando mis propias experiencias, sino poniendo en valor otros aspectos muy relacionados con ella, como son la gastronomía, la conservación, la moda o el turismo cinegético, entre otras.
¿Cuál es el objetivo que buscas con ella?Son ya más de tres años desde que lancé mi página web de Cupo Libre (www.cupolibre.es), que luego ha ido dando paso a sus respectivas Redes Sociales y blogs en prensa especializada. Con todo ello intento poner en valor una actividad ancestral, no muy bien vista por la sociedad actual, dado el desconocimiento que se tiene de la misma, y del propio medio rural.
¿Cómo explicas el rotundo éxito que ha tenido Cupo Libre en tan poco tiempo?No considero que Cupo Libre haya tenido, aún, un éxito rotundo. Es el trabajo constante de estos años de dedicación temporal, pues mis compromisos laborales no me permiten dedicarle el tiempo que me gustaría. Es cierto que poco a poco voy teniendo más seguidores y lectores que me animan a continuar con esta bonita causa.
Lo que es más llamativo es su originalidad, pues es muy diferenciado y completo respecto a la gran labor que hacen otras blogueras, pues además de tener presencia en diferentes RRSS (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), también cuento con una web personal en la que escribo mis propios artículos y elaboro contenidos audiovisuales.

¿Cuál es el contenido principal de Cupo Libre?Procuro contar cómo es mí día a día, siempre visto desde algunos de los pilares temáticos que construyen Cupo Libre. No faltan vivencias, entrevistas, visitas a lugares con encanto, curiosidades de la naturaleza o alguna que otra receta a base de carne de caza, etc. Además, tengo la suerte de contar con la confianza de grandes y prestigiosas marcas del sector de la caza y la moda, quienes me dejan sus productos para que los pruebe y pueda darlos a conocer en mis distintos soportes digitales. Un amplio y variado repertorio con el fin de acercar el campo y la caza y algunas novedades del mercado, tanto a los aficionados, como a aquellos que la desconocen totalmente.
Cupo Libre es dinámico, juvenil, rompe con la rutina y el clasicismo del sector, dando un toque fresco e innovador. Además, es un espacio de entretenimiento para todos los amantes al campo en general.
La idea de crear un blog de estas características nace de mi pasión por la caza, una actividad muy arraigada en mi familia y que ha ido transmitiéndose durante generaciones. Este vínculo familiar y la estrecha unión que siempre he tenido al campo, han forjado mi carácter de cazador y amante de la naturaleza.
Cupo Libre es una idea nueva, innovadora y muy distinta de otros blogs de carácter cinegético. Principalmente se caracteriza por ser un espacio poco agresivo aportando una seña única.
Desde Cupo Libre pretendo comunicar al mundo como es mi estilo de vida, ligado a una actividad tan poco conocida como es la venatoria, siempre desde un punto de vista sencillo, dinámico, directo y sin artificios. Con Cupo Libre no pretendo asentar cátedra ni dar lecciones de caza a nadie, pero si intento abrir el hermetismo que en ocasiones este mundo encierra, a todas aquellas personas que a él quieren acercarse.
En resumen, es abrir una pequeña ventana dentro del mundo cinegético, a un universo global cada vez más urbanita. Es necesario acercar el campo, la naturaleza, la caza y todo lo que los rodea, tanto a los aficionados a esta actividad, como a quienes muestran curiosidad por ella.
Conociendo un poco más la actividad venatoria, la sociedad actual sabrá las ventajas y virtudes que ésta tiene en la conservación y gestión del medio natural.

Desde un plano más general ¿Cómo valoras el papel de la mujer dentro del mundo cinegético?Tal vez, últimamente, la presencia habitual y participativa de la mujer en la caza, haya dado una apariencia más “sensible” a un mundo considerado de hombres, pero este no es mi caso.
Como he dicho anteriormente, vengo de una familia de cazadores, mi abuela era cazadora, mis tías son cazadoras, por lo que en mi casa ser mujer cazadora es algo normal.
Por lo tanto, no creo que tengamos un papel diferente y que demostrar más por ser mujer en el mundo de la caza, ya que esto es una afición y no una competición.
¿Hacia dónde crees que camina la caza?Actualmente la caza no pasa por un buen momento. Si nosotros los cazadores no sabemos darle la dimensión necesaria, aportándole el respeto y valor que se merecen a cada una de nuestras piezas abatidas o a las simples jornadas de caza que disfrutamos con los nuestros, no iremos bien encaminados.
La cohesión y firme defensa de todos los entes que actualmente existen en nuestro país, es fundamental para ello. Son muchos los ignorantes que con un total desconocimiento de lo que implica la acción venatoria en nuestro medio rural y natural, quieren acabar con una actividad ancestral y que ha sido clave en la conservación del envidiable ecosistema y biodiversidad que tenemos en España.
¿Cómo ves el futuro de la caza a medio plazo?Lo más inmediato pasa por crear un lobby unido, fuerte y dispuesto a defender a capa y espada la caza. Pero no debemos olvidar la educación y concienciación de los propios cazadores, cuidando la imagen que damos del desarrollo de la actividad tanto en RRSS como en medios generalistas. Es fundamental saber comunicar y expresar más allá de nuestro entorno cuál es el papel de la caza, poniendo el valor que tiene para las miles de familias que viven de ella, así como la herramienta fundamental que es para la conservación de la naturaleza. Algo que de una forma modesta y sencilla pretendo mostrar a través de Cupo Libre.
¿Qué opinas de la óptica ZEISS? Hablar de ZEISS es hablar de calidad, tradición y garantía. En mi familia todos los que somos cazadores tenemos algún producto de la marca alemana. Aún recuerdo cuando acompañaba a mis tíos, en mis primeros días de caza, como con sus antiguos prismáticos y visores ZEISS abatían limpiamente sus piezas en las monterías. Más de 20 años después, alguno de ellos aún conservan en perfecto estado estas piezas.
Actualmente cazo con un ZEISS Conquest V6 2,5-15×56 ASV, que utilizo para batidas y recechos. No puedo estar más contenta. Es perfecto para la caza que practicamos en España.
Equipamiento usado
Falconry: The Masters of the Sky
An interview with Sandra Jung, Germany’s youngest self-employed falconer
How did you get involved in falconry?I actually got into falconry by chance. Back when I was 16, a friend took me to a show featuring birds of prey. I was hooked by these fascinating creatures from the moment I got there. For many years, I helped out at the same falconry in my free time.
What does falconry mean to you?These days, falconry has become a cornerstone of my life. It might sound corny, but I live for falconry. My work and my free time are devoted to birds of prey, and I’m completely okay with this. I couldn’t imagine a life without these animals, and I really hope that things continue this way.


Why did you decide to write a book? The publisher approached me. I myself would never have dreamed that there would be so much interest in my life’s story. When writing, it was important to me to provide a positive and comprehensive image of falconry without getting too bogged down in the details so that the book would appeal to those starting out as falconers as well as people completely unfamiliar with this field. I think my book encourages the reader to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.
What’s the book about? The book follows my journey, starting with my first contact with these wonderful animals and continuing all the way to the falconry I run today. I describe the highs and lows – life almost never leads you down a straight path – and emphasize first and foremost that you should stay true to yourself and always follow your heart.
Is it possible to see you and your birds in person?Of course. The falconry at the magnificent Greifenstein Castle near Saalfeld in eastern Germany is open to the public from April through October.
What connection do you see between hunting and falconry?I hunt with my gun as well as with birds. Hunting is a welcome change to all the hard work during the high season. So in winter, it’s all about relaxing with the golden eagle at the falconry. Then there’s just me and the bird – with no one watching and no expectations. Still, I know how to enjoy the tranquility when stalking game throughout the year, giving me a chance to relax and take a deep breath. Out in the forest or the field, time passes more slowly. These breaks are certainly welcome.
What do you hope to do in the future?Of course, I hope to keep doing this job for many years to come. I also really want all the animals to stay happy and healthy and would like spectators to continue to come visit us at Greifenstein Castle.

Crow Hawking
Up Close with Deer Stalker Jim Riley
Head of the ZEISS Centre of Excellence
Having started life as a Gamekeeper I have always loved the countryside, and hunting has always been in my blood. However, it wasn’t until I started deer stalking that I realised where my true passion lied.
Since the very first time I stalked a deer I was hooked. Not just the hunting side of things, but the deer themselves, their habits, the way they moved. It fascinated me how they could just disappear without a trace in front of my very eyes!
Hunting has always been in my blood.
Jim Riley
As a recreational Stalker, I was very lucky as I could hunt 3-4 times a week due to the fact most of my friends were Gamekeepers who had little time for deer stalking. I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.
I then came to a crossroads in my life and had an unexpected opportunity to take on an estate that I knew well and I decided to have a change of life and pursue a different path. As a result, almost 10 years ago, DGVM (Deer, game and vermin management) was formed and the clients soon started to flow.
Then, after a chance call to ZEISS who were located near to me in Cambridge, I found myself as a ZEISS Pro Stalker – I had always loved their products anyway so it was hardly a difficult choice to make.
Once I started to stalk everything else took second place.
Jim Riley
Jim Riley: Behind The Rifle
Join ZEISS Pro Stalker Jim Riley for a wander around the ZEISS Centre of Excellence. Discover how Jim found his passion for hunting and why ZEISS optics are his first choice, every time!
Over time and through the many stalking clients I was taking out, along with the students who were attending training courses at my facilities, it became quite apparent that there were very little facilities that were similar where a potential client could go to actually try the products before they bought them. It was this eureka! moment where the idea of a Centre of Excellence was first born.
The concept was simple. Potential clients, regardless of whether they were my own or a referral from our extensive dealer network, would have the ability to actually come and shoot the scope they are interested in on an actual range (or out on a stalk) rather than simply reading about it online or seeing it in a glass cabinet. Furthermore, either they could purchase the scope at that time from myself on site, or purchase it from their dealer and head straight over to have the scope fitted to the rifle, zeroed on the range and ready to hunt that same evening!
As well as running the Centre of Excellence, I also travel around the UK accompanying ZEISS to various trade shows, including both the British and Northern Shooting Shows. I find this resonates well with the public as I have the advantage of first-hand hunting experience and knowledge on the subject, rather than just extensive product knowledge.
In addition to this, we have also hosted many of the product launch days, where both the Press and our Dealer network are able to put the new products through their paces on the range!
So, what’s my favorite product?
Jim Riley
For me I never stalk without my RF binoculars, I had the old model for many years, but have recently got had my hands on the new Victory Rangefinders that were launched earlier 2018. It has greatly improved, with noticeably better light transmission and less weight to carry. You can’t beat being able to accurately get the distance to the target, the client can’t argue with the facts and when I say it’s too far they have to agree as the ZEISS RF is never wrong!
Then for a scope, for me it boils down to two, either the V6 2.5-15×56 or the V8 4.5-35×60. I normally shoot with a Blaser, so the rail mount option of the Victory V8 is an absolute dream to mount and dismount, reducing the time and hassle of having to re-zero the rifle every time. The optical quality, light transmission and build quality put this scope at the top of my list.
Equipment used
Roebuck hunting – A May Sinfonia
In May, nature appears at its best.
As in no other month, I am drawn out into the wonderful nature in May. At the same time, I start to get that urge to hunt again. Not a real urge, rather a desire or demand. It’s the anticipation of idyllic evenings and magical mornings in my hunting ground. So on this evening in May, I found myself being drawn out into the fields and meadows of Holstein once again.
The sun was already touching the horizon and signaling the end of the day. There was a south-easterly wind so I chose the “watchtower”, a closed seat not far from the edge of the woods with an area of grass to the front, rapeseed to the right and wheat to the left. Even whilst setting up, I could make out a barren doe at the hedgerow opposite, stretching to reach the fresh buds and new leaves in the shrubbery. I watched it for a while through my new Victory SF. It was a view so clear and bright as if I was stood directly next to her. And whilst I was busy watching this one grazing away, deep in thought, two more stepped out of the nearby woods almost unnoticed.
By the time I noticed them, they had already come closer and were now barely 40 meters away. With my naked eye, I could make out a weak yearling and another equally weak barren doe. Twin fawns from last year, I presumed. The buck was still in velvet; barren doe can be hunted in Schleswig-Holstein from September onwards only. I enjoyed this sight and then let my gaze drift. A pair of ears exposed another female amongst the mass of yellow flowers, confidently looking in my direction.
One last glance through the telescopic sight to check confirmed my suspicions: it was a young roebuck.
Anna Lena Kaufmann
Meanwhile the buck and barren doe had come a bit closer, and now happily grazed at the edge of the rapeseed. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the supposed barren doe actually had a tush. My right hand intuitively went to grab the rifle. One last glance through the telescopic sight to check confirmed my suspicions: it was a young roebuck. Aiming at it I could now clearly recognize the tiny antler stumps. I did not hesitate for long and gave the runt the bullet. On the scales and broken up, he only reached 7 kilos.
Later on, as I conjured up a delightful dish from the roe deer venison, I reviewed the evening again. I was simply grateful. For the nature, its creatures and the hunting experience I had the privilege to enjoy.