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Any goat hunters out there?
Hey all,
I was lucky enough to draw a goat tag for sept/oct in region 3. Not interested in specifics of the unit really, kinda feel like it’d take something away from any success I might have. That being said my experience with goats is limited to a couple I’ve randomly seen while mule deer hunting. Anyone with insight as far as habits, tactics, where to look, what they eat etc, that is willing to share, I’m all ears! I’m sure I’m not the only one with a tag that might benefit from some knowledge. Anyways, just throwing it out there. Thanks.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
I am in the same boat, first goat tag and in reg3. Been reading as much as I can and am finding the more I read the more I get excited to give it a go. Maybe some help on their habits and the logistics of a goat hunt
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
X3 for region 3, 3-33E for myself, either of you two in that same area?
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
I’ll be following this one as well.
got a draw in region 5
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Start getting into shape. Those bloody hills are always steeper then you think.
You may get snow. Or it can be bloody hot.
Take some mole skin. Definitely take a camera.
You could be in some alpine or walking up boulder fields. So have good footwear. Take a couple pairs with you. I had some boots for the alpine areas and some for the boulder areas. Of course I left them at the truck. The one day we walked up the alpine area I had the boots for that area. The next day the boulder area I had the boots for that.
You can see goats above alpine spots so glass.
IF you starting your hike out don't wear lots of layers at first youll be sweating in no time.
Some parts of region 3 I have had ticks on me so take a tick key or something.
You may want to bring a walking stick.
Good luck
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
^^^^^like she said, get in shape and have good boots...I'd say take all your gear for an expedition beforehand to try er out....ticks in the fall though??
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
B.C.Boy(100%)
X3 for region 3, 3-33E for myself, either of you two in that same area?
3-33A for me
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
I’ve killed and guided a few. Learn the difference between a billy and a nanny. Be fit, be proficient with your firearm. Learn to cape and dress and bone out your kill. Be prepared to hunt in some sketchy situations. Buy the best gear you can afford. It’s fun and rewarding and can be scary as hell. Good luck.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Good boots are a must! Do your homework on learning the difference between a nanny and a billy so that when it comes time for the hunt you can confidently ID a billy to harvest. The book "A Beast the Color of Winter" is an excellent resource to have a read through. Scout the area if at all possible, this will pay dividends when it comes time for the hunt. Also remember that the terrain will always be way more gnarly in person than what it looks like on google earth. Good luck out there!
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
3/33 a for me too. Nate here. Gonna start hiking above Anderson lake very soon.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
If anyone wants to chat about 3/33a please let me know. I need help. And will hopefully be able to help. I am not greedy and believe that communication can prevent 15guys from fighting over same bowl ...at the same time being able to help if there was a situation while on the mountain. Cheers. Nate
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Watch this video a few dozen times before you go. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J8gUaMx8G7I
Put boots on the ground and scout your area. Not only will you know where to start but it’s a great way to test gear and fitness prior to the season.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Region 3 has plenty of goats. Be fit! Be prepared for an epic hunt. If you go early season when it's warm, they are up high. Don't kill yourself following them, they go into gnarly shit! In the heat, they are seeking the shade on rocky ledges. Wait for them to move into the shade as the sun moves. Might have to wait the entire day to get to them. I spotted my billy at 10AM in the morning and was able to get my shot at 5:30PM. It made for a long day! They are routine animals from my experience moving in same pattern almost every day. Watch them for a couple of days. Billies are usually by themselves or pairs, threes. Once you have seen a billy and compared to an old nanny you will know the difference. If you can get a glimpse from behind, the nuts are giving it away. The more fit you are the easier. If you are used to hunting by quad - forget it. Just my 2 cents from two goat tags in region 3.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
If anybody here has the 3-42A draw, pm me. Have had this draw a number of times and have been successful twice, happy to help a fellow goat hunter out.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Great video! Thanks for the link. I’ll be goat hunting this year too.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Congratulations to those of you that managed to collect a draw.
This will be my second time in 3-33E, and I know exactly where to go. However if something gets in the way then I know of a few other places for back up plans.
A few years back I drew 5-04J twice, that was another fun adventure, awesome country there as well.
3-33B is a neat place also.
Sorry, I haven’t ventured into 3-33A not sure about that side, yet.
Thanks to those that have expressed good info on what to prepare for. It’s a good reminder.
Good luck to you all.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Mountain goat hunting, you’ll either get hooked beyond belief, or you’ll sell your goat gear and never think or speak of it again lol.
Good luck to all, looking forward to seeing some pics and story’s this fall. Holding my leh for rut/winter, 10” or bust.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Happy to help those who’ve drawn in 3-33a. Was a fun hunt and got some good intel from the hunt and research of the rest of the zone prior to... pm if u like.
TJ
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Don't shoot what you can't retrieve
Sometimes goats fall off the cliffs, but when they don't it can be real nasty getting up to and back down can be worse.
Hunters tend for tred without rope to places climbers or mountaineers wouldn't consider being without a harness and anchors.
Gotta know your comfort level on the steeps
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Practice shooting at extreme angles long before you hunt. Leave the range alone and find some steep cable logging blks to put your targets up in. Forget the bench and try logs and stumps and rocks as rests. And watch out for scope eye. :)
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Use enough gun that you can still shoot accurately. If you can take out the front shoulders with the shot this can be ideal. Tracking on a cliff or claiming your prize after it has jumped from one is not fun...Good boots, good optics and find a good source of water. Be ready for any type of weather.
Good luck!!
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
decker9
Mountain goat hunting, you’ll either get hooked beyond belief, or you’ll sell your goat gear and never think or speak of it again lol.
Good luck to all, looking forward to seeing some pics and story’s this fall. Holding my leh for rut/winter, 10” or bust.
Yes indeed!!
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HarryToolips
^^^^^like she said, get in shape and have good boots...I'd say take all your gear for an expedition beforehand to try er out....ticks in the fall though??
Have you had ANY experience at all hunting goats?
To the OP: Hunting goats is about the most fun you can have with your cloths on. Glass lots. Good optics is a must. Plan your stalks carefully so you don't disturb them and are sure of a reasonable recovery. Sometimes you have to wait a few days until they move to the right spot for harvest. Many times they don't move very far for days on end so usually there is no hurry to get near them.
If your hunting in snow bring crampons.
Goat hunting will challenge you mentally and physically. Move slowly and carefully in dodgy terrain.
Finally, bring your brown under ware:cool:. Some of the places you'll probably get into you'll need it. Have fun.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
I've done a few backpack goat hunts. My buddy got a Billy on one of the trips but I haven't got that Billy yet, but here's a few things I have learned :
Be prepared to spend the night up the mountain away from your spike camp
Be prepared to deal with an injury. My buddy rolled his ankle bad 13km from the truck. I had a SPOT device and was willing to walk out for help, but he insisted on walking. I carried his pack contents but we could have easily made a bad situation worse
Watch for goats below you. On my last solo hunt, I was within 150 yards of a nice Billy above me. I was waiting for him to drop off the ledge he was on. A nanny and kid came up from below me and saw my laying prone watching the Billy. She blew like a whitetail doe does when alarmed. Every goat on that mountain went vertical.
Be ready for close shots. Bumped lots of goats in the timber.
Use climbing/hiking poles
Watch your step. I was going side hill trying to get a better look at a goat. Stepped down on what looked like a solid rock and it let go along with everything I was standing on. I buried my hiking pole with enough force to keep me from going down.
Manage your water. I don't know about you but I can pound it back while climbing. It's a long day up high with little left to drink
Above all else, like everyone else says get in the best shape you can. Train for the terrain you will be hunting by carrying the gear you be using. You really have to condition your feet legs and back for the abuse you will he subjecting your body to. And not ony ascending steep terrain but descending as well. I don't care how far you can shoot or how expensive your gear is, if you can't safely and efficiently go up and down the mountain every day, all the other stuff doesn't matter. Its easy to loose motivation when you are exhausted. And it's easy to make bad decisions where risk of injury in unacceptable. Pacing yourself, eating the right food and being in top shape is the best way to enjoy the hunt and hunt effectively
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
labguy
Have you had ANY experience at all hunting goats?
To the OP: Hunting goats is about the most fun you can have with your cloths on. Glass lots. Good optics is a must. Plan your stalks carefully so you don't disturb them and are sure of a reasonable recovery. Sometimes you have to wait a few days until they move to the right spot for harvest. Many times they don't move very far for days on end so usually there is no hurry to get near them.
If your hunting in snow bring crampons.
Goat hunting will challenge you mentally and physically. Move slowly and carefully in dodgy terrain.
Finally, bring your brown under ware:cool:. Some of the places you'll probably get into you'll need it. Have fun.
Limited experience hunting goats, most of my hunting has been for bear and deer, with some hunting for moose and elk...however, I hike hunt whether it be for goat or any other critter why you ask?? Are you talking like that to feel like your dick is slightly bigger??
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Harry --- ahhh it sounds like labguy has hunted a lot of goats hahahaha, by his post, sounds almost perfect hahaha so ahh just sayin
Jel -- size might matter hahahahahhaa -- size of the horns.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
^^^^right, so what did I say that was off exactly??
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Ahh the goat is like harder to get too eh! then most other animals like deer or bison etc. That's all Harry no big deal?
--
Jel -- your young yet and will experience this like some others have who might be a lil older ? --
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HarryToolips
Limited experience hunting goats, most of my hunting has been for bear and deer, with some hunting for moose and elk...however, I hike hunt whether it be for goat or any other critter why you ask?? Are you talking like that to feel like your dick is slightly bigger??
No I'm talking like I feel your incessant need to comment on many things you know very little about gets a bit tiresome. Sometimes it's better to do a bit more reading and a little less posting.....you just might learn something
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
labguy
No I'm talking like I feel your incessant need to comment on many things you know very little about gets a bit tiresome. Sometimes it's better to do a bit more reading and a little less posting.....you just might learn something
I have hunted goat, limited like I said, but I have.....I'm sharing from my personal experiences, what I've learned...is that against the grain here?? I didn't think so...here's a pic of a goat while hunting a LEH I had (unsuccessful stalk but I stalked it for 5 hours), unfortunately I did have to cut my hunt short due to a grandparent passing away (I only had a certain amount of time off originally for the hunt, then had to go to funeral), ...people like you make some people hesitant to post on here, and sharing one's experience, short or long, is what HBC is all about...BTW you still haven't answered my question: what did I post that was incorrect???
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Nb1KtMv.jpg[/IMG]
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Now back on track: here's a few pics of some of the topography you LEH goat hunters of western region 3 may encounter....
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/4AH4Zw1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/YI1dset.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/BA0AvPH.jpg[/IMG]
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HarryToolips
I have hunted goat, limited like I said, but I have.....I'm sharing from my personal experiences, what I've learned...is that against the grain here?? I didn't think so...here's a pic of a goat while hunting a LEH I had (unsuccessful stalk but I stalked it for 5 hours), unfortunately I did have to cut my hunt short due to a grandparent passing away (I only had a certain amount of time off originally for the hunt, then had to go to funeral), ...people like you make some people hesitant to post on here, and sharing one's experience, short or long, is what HBC is all about...BTW you still haven't answered my question: what did I post that was incorrect???
[IMG]
http://i.imgur.com/Nb1KtMv.jpg[/IMG]
Nothing you said was wrong Harry. I apologize if I misread your comments.
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
I had zone 333f last year. South of carpenter lake and went out of goldbridge. I got a goat after a good week looking around. Tough zone where I was but goats are in there.
Like everyone has said already it’s seriously steep stuff so being in shape or getting In Shape is pretty key as there are some strenuous hikes involved getting into and out of camp. If solo that pack gets mighty heavy with a goat in it.
Pack as light as possible. Do your homework on huntingbc. Look at everyone else’s prep lists print them out and cross reference them all and make YOUR list we are all different in how we hunt and in what we deem necessary to come with, there are some things that we all need though and these lists will all have the basics.
Read the maps lots know the zone inside and out before you even go
Dont go crazy on high end hunting gear. I used basic alpine hiking pants and a couple loose athletic shirts for most day time activity
when you come back to camp it was really nice to have something comfortable and familiar to put on. A nice hoodie. Tshirt and some pants are all the difference after a long day hiking up and down.
Chilli flakes to season up up mountain house. I love spicy so that made it all the better
camera is is nice to have you’ll see a ton of stuff
best 9 days I spent in the bush so far was insanely amazing hunt can’t wait for another got tag. Your going to be in for one spectacular hunt good luck
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nature girl
Start getting into shape. Those bloody hills are always steeper then you think.
You may get snow. Or it can be bloody hot.
Take some mole skin. Definitely take a camera.
You could be in some alpine or walking up boulder fields. So have good footwear. Take a couple pairs with you. I had some boots for the alpine areas and some for the boulder areas. Of course I left them at the truck. The one day we walked up the alpine area I had the boots for that area. The next day the boulder area I had the boots for that.
You can see goats above alpine spots so glass.
IF you starting your hike out don't wear lots of layers at first youll be sweating in no time.
Some parts of region 3 I have had ticks on me so take a tick key or something.
You may want to bring a walking stick.
Good luck
agreed on the light clothing...goat hunting is the only time I can remember where I had to remove and carry clothing instead of just slowing down to prevent getting sweaty....that extra dry layer in the pack came in handy for the cold overnight stay on the mountain..
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Anther thing to add here I went first 10 days of September and had great weather as far as no rain and good mid 20s temperature. But didn’t account for the wind changing directions and blowin smoke right into the goat zone and rendering spotting pretty much useless over a few hundred yards. If there is fires in the interior be prepared for lots of smoke on the hills
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
labguy
Nothing you said was wrong Harry. I apologize if I misread your comments.
Sounds good bud....
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Smokey 2pm in the afternoon
https://i.imgur.com/VaqHXtg.jpg
Look up way up. The goats are as they say way high. I found beds the day before at the peak to the left and this is the next day the goat is at the top right of the lowest point bedded. Can’t see it here
https://i.imgur.com/Fc1ADLt.jpg
Be prepared to camp in a steep area. Had to camp here one night. Just couldn’t make the top in one go it was straight up almost
https://i.imgur.com/xV0R6Qt.jpg
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Re: Any goat hunters out there?
Awesome info, thanks for taking the time to share. Any ideas when they move into the areas they will be using in sept/oct? Trying to decide when to book some time for scouting. Also is there any aspect (north,south etc.) of the mountain they seem to prefer, or any type of feed to look for?
Again, thanks for the info so far!