GAIM as Rehab After a Stroke

A stroke left Christian Graf von Hochberg from Hamburg with limited motor skills. Now thanks to GAIM he has relearned most of his shooting skills and regained a positive outlook on life.

Tell us about how you got started with hunting?

– I got into hunting through my grandfather and uncle at the age of 10. And from then on it fascinated me. I went into the woods with them as much as possible to observe the game and learn from my relatives. At 18, I had my long-awaited hunting license in hand and successfully shot my first roebuck after several stalks. My grandfather gave me his beloved Mannlicher Stutzen to mark the occasion. My weapon arsenal was completed with a double-barreled shotgun, which cost 200 Deutsche Mark at the time. And now I was off to our shooting range to practice!

What has GAIM meant for you?

– I had heard about GAIM about five years ago, just after my stroke. I was initially paralyzed on the right side, which cleared up after a short time, but I still had some gross motor skills in my right hand. In order not to have to give up hunting I purchased the GAIM. Now I can practice realistic hunting again and stay close to my beloved hobby. Without putting people in unnecessary danger because of my stroke.

Are there any advantages of GAIM that you don't get through live shooting practice?

– Shooting with GAIM is almost as real as natural hunting thanks to its virtual nature, which is what makes the GAIM so ingenious and ideal! "Almost," I say! The only limitation is the lack of a repeating mechanism. If GAIM could also simulate repeating on the stock, then it would be perfect! The multiplayer function would need to be expanded to include more scenarios, among other things, so that you can have a proper conversation.

What would you say to those considering getting a GAIM system?

– I wouldn't recommend the GAIM to someone in a conversation. I would show it in action and present it to them once, and then most people would buy the system on their own!

Cost is an important issue for many shooters and hunters, how do you view the costs associated with GAIM?

– To be honest, the costs were a minor concern for me. The illness would have made it difficult for me to relearn hunting skills. Now, thanks to GAIM, I've regained much of my positive outlook on life.