Mountain Goats Wisdom

[Hummer3T]

I forgot to mention walking sticks, I would have at least one, great for side  hilling or with a load on.  just makes you safer.

[elkken]

 

Goats are way easier to capture with a camera than shoot with a recurve or LB. I have been lucky enough to have hunted them years ago when it was an easier draw in Washington, but I did not kill or shoot at one. I did scout and lead another of my hunting buddies to a nice billy that he did seal the deal on. Each fall after elk season I go up to goat country to wind down from my September hunt. You will be amazed at the country they can inhabit and how easily they get around the steepest rock faces. They can cover terrain in a few minutes that can take you hours to maneuver around. They are truly a majestic animal.

Your prehunt work sounds great. Be sure to have some climbing rope. We had my buddies billy fall into a spot that would not have been accessible without it. Good luck and be safe ... take lots of pictures    

[JDBerry]

Great photo ElkKen. Got my tag in the early 80s, was lucky to take one, when storys of Goat hunting come up I seem to always say "after that, hunting was never the same"  ..OE

[stevem]

My only thought is about wearing the boots as much as you can on rough ground.  As go the feet goes the rest of the body.  Sounds like a great hunt and look forward to the story.

[LITTLEBIGMAN]

Mike

I have no advice to give and can only imagine the experience you are about to have.

Good luck and hunt hard.

[Sam McMichael]

No advice to give, but I sure wish you luck. By the way, is GPS and/or map and compass in your kit?

[wapiti792]

Sam compass and map included. Thanks! As for the boots: they have been broken in well since last season. Working them and my feet are not a problem. Just did the 4 mile loop with my pack on...3 more weeks of trying to train like I am going to fight  

[Whip]

You are in for a fight, no doubt. As much mental as physical, but I know you, and you will be ready on both counts. The one thing you can only pray for is good weather.   Regardless of the outcome it will be an epic trip.

Can't wait for the report!

[Bill Kissner]

Good luck bud! Glad you are getting to do this while young enough to endure it. I am far past the age as to be able to traverse the steep areas where the goats live. I know the experience will be a winner whether or not a kill is registered. Can't wait to hear the complete story when you return.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Have a great trip Mike.  I am excited for you!

[Tater]

Mike,
  Best of luck, hope it all comes together for you..
 Never drawn a tag myself, but have accompanied buddies on a couple of goat hunts.
   
    Sounds like you are prepared. Looking forward to the story.

[glass76]

What an adventure! Good luck....pics, we'll need lots of pics.

[wapiti792]

I just want to say thanks to everyone that chimed in...some open and some by PM and email. I rode a horse yesterday for the first time in many years to condition those "other" muscles that I am not training every day. My shooting is ready...my frame is the best I can get.

I had a long talk with my wife today about a great many things. One of them was realized dreams. It is funny but I have dreamt of this since I was a little boy reading articles on mountain goats in Field and Stream. For some their animal is elk or sheep or perhaps high country mulie bucks...but for me it's goats. Has always been about goats... The dream was seeing them, climbing for them, earning them. I think the chance to hunt these unbelievable athletes of the rim rock and canyon walls is the real dream, dead goat or not.

I am unsure whether this journey will take me to my physical and mental brink, but after hearing from many of you, I suspect so. When it does I will have my longbow in my hand, a quiver full of scary sharp arrows, and a smile on my face. Game on in 18 days. Thanks again for all the input.    

[PaPaFrank]

Best of luck Mike ...

[Producer]

I can think of no greater accomplishment in hunting than bagging a mountain goat with a stick bow. You will need skill to stalk one and put him down. I envy your opportunity and wish you the best.

[kennym]

Go get em Mike! Good luck man!  

[Dirtybird]

Good luck Mike.

[nock hunter]

September can be hot here sometimes. Bring some Dr. Scholl's powder for chafing. Its a life saver. Waterproofing your arrows is a must cuz it may not stop raining for the duration. A sil tarp is a good idea for when you get caught in a squall or storm away from camp and its light. I've been on a lot of goat hunts and the best advice on here is get above them. They're always on the look out below now that being said you may get one from below. Good Luck!

[Iowabowhunter]

Love the post and enthusiasm. Take a good camera and journal if you can, I'm living vicariously through you.

As far as the working out deal, sounds lame but the stair master with a weighted pack has been huge for me (really smoky here not good to hike in)

[Chromebuck]

This link has some good information that I used when I got my goat a few years ago.  Billies do some things that will let you know they are billies before getting a positive ID on them.  Be sure to page through the entire document.

  ADF&G  Goat Information