Late Season Goat Success

[Kopper]

Happy Friday HBCers!

Go to post #29 if you want to skip to the short story
Go to post #36 for horn porn

Alike others I enjoy reading of other hunters success and figured I would add a story this year to the site; seems to be alittle too much bickering going on now. I don't post much but it's nice to share good stories and goat stories successful or not are usually entertaining.

I'm currently working with one hand (see story for details) so this will be slow going and potentially messy if I get too many brewskis in. I do tell stories fairly in-depth but I'll post the post# of the important pictures when I get there for those who want to skip to the goods.

For the record I've been goat hunting since I was a kid but continually obsess about them. They're just the coolest animals BC has to offer and hunting them late in the year when they're haired up and rutting is hands down, IMO the best way to spend a cold sloppy day in November.

Enjoy, and I'll try to not take excessively long on this. I'll be adding short blurbs and pics of any goat on the travels this year.

[ditch donkey]

always interested in a goat tales on a friday. looking foreward to a good read

[HappyJack]

x2 gotta love the stories, especially when pics are added

[Kopper]

Throughout sheep season any goat sightings were few and wayyy too far away. With a November hunt planned and a Terrace draw burning a whole in my pocket (again) I wasn't going to take an incidental goat unless it was big and basically would fall in my lap.

The second last week of the stone season was when I finally called it quits to overnighting. Too cold on the windswept hills and the long nights were making me go stir crazy being alone in the tent for that long. Putting on frozen boots in the morning has very little appeal.

https://i.imgur.com/oghkmvY.jpg

The last day of the sheep/goat season in the Peace had me on a 6hr hike into a sheep wintering area hoping for a big broomer. Unbelievably, 10 or 11 rams were spotted with a bunch of ewes. Not one ram was even close to full curl....wtf. I couldn't pick out any more rams in the buck brush after awhile so I headed for the truck.

Getting later in the day now, maybe 1.5 hrs to the truck. Walking alittle hunched and not paying attention a quick glance of white on the canyon walls made me hit the deck. Quickly the gun and spotter came out. https://i.imgur.com/YuZuRQT.jpg

At 123 yards it was obvious this was a billy but he looked to be only 2 years of age. I watched him until dark, just to take in his mountaineering skills; never gets old.

[Blainer]

I'm going to enjoy this thread

[JSaw]

Looking forward to it buddy!!

[HarryToolips]

Keep er comin

[Ajsawden]

I hate finding the good stories before they are written!!

[Kopper]

Early November JSaw, the third amigo of our trio and myself were finishing up a trip to the Cranbrook area for whities. It's more of a yearly get together with some questionable drinks, an excessive amount of hotspringing and alittle bit of lazy boy hunting. Never the less we all had opportunities and had some horn on the ground. JSaw and I were supposed to go chase goats for a few days before he had to go back to work but he opted to go back to PG and regenerate instead. So, I went back home and dumped off my gear. Well the next morning I got up, loaded my gear and headed off to a valley in which I had a long overdue reservation with Oreamnos americanus....

I was heading to my favorite place on earth. This was the valley that first popped my goat hunting cherry so many years ago; yet due to the nature of this terrain I had not harvested in this location yet. It's been 4 years since I was last here but my memory of that place always runs fresh.

[Kopper]

Just before departure I had the typical where's camp, where you're hunting and when to expect you home safety talk with my old man. He wished his bests and off I went.

Arriving mid afternoon, it was cold, crisp and clear as a bell with only a skiff of snow. Very irregular weather for this time of year. A skiff of snow adds complication to this kind of hunt; you either want nothing or a foot plus to add some stability IMO and the frozen ground doesn't allow you to dig your feet in. On the plus side the temperature didn't allow a spec of fog to form making spotting a breeze. This trip ranged from a high of -6 to a low of -19.

It took a few hours to set up camp and gather wood for the stove. For this style of hunting, camp for the last 3 years is a 10x12 deluxe wall tent and a light gauged stove from Cabelas to keep things toasty. Lonely for 1, perfect for 2 and slightly cramped with 3 people.

[Kopper]

Up and at it early the next day. Meandering up the valley like I've done so many times before made it seem like yesterday I was last here. There was a certain sense of nostalgia floating around that felt good.

The first two locations I spotted from yielded nothing but the cold jagged rock faces of the mtn. On the third stop, now looking back into what I had just glassed I see a goat head and 6" of a neck sticking out of an impenetrable crevasse. Up comes the spotter and instantly could see the mass on this goat. It was a billy, not a brute mind you but I put him as 5 years\perhaps 4 with 8.5-9" daggers. Within minutes a nanny materializes in the crack as well. I didn't need much convincing, a quick study of the terrain and a packed bag I was on my way just after 9am. I usually take a photo of the area for reference on the climb.

We will call him billy A
https://i.imgur.com/zSNn0wA.jpg

[Bear Chaser]

Great read so far.

[Skeena Shooter]

Awesome story so far can't wait to read the rest. Goat hunting is hands down my favorite.

[Kopper]

The hike up the dried up gorge was uneventful. Large rocks were strewn all over making the steps large while using my hands to assist the climb, as is the case with most goat hunts. Occasionally I'd glass the truck to judge the seemingly dismal progress and throw the eyes up the hill, making sure the goats weren't watching the ascent. In this valley, aside from the swirls the wind usually blows up the valley by habit so stalks are almost always predictable. The only trick being the large un-navigable faces in which you don't have a lot of options and zig-zagging around the cliffs, aiming for chutes and treed sections being the only viable way to gain altitude.

I hit the broad rock face, my only option being to skirt to the left. I followed the base of the cliff which gradually curved up to some chutes. The whole time grabbing the rock with my inner arm. Even though I would be able to stop myself sliding and losing ground wasn't high on my list. Now, the gradual curve up had gone over top of another cliff. The last obstacle being 3 very steep chutes that had zero trees and no stopping blocks before you'd be gone.

One of the first lessons I was taught was you're going to fall and you're going to slide but make sure there's something to stop you. My dad always tells me the story where his brother and him were following a goat trail in the snow when it came to a slide. My dad said not to do it but the uncle gave'er anyways. Half way across the path gave out and he slid (from what I'm told) 200 yards down and out of sight. My dad feared the worst but it turned out the drop wasn't that high and there was a bunch of snow to land in.

Anyways, the chute crossings were very slow and meticulous, planting my feet firmly before each step and grabbing whatever I could to distribute some weight off my feet. I made it to the 50 yard stretch of this sliver of trees. 2 hours ago I had last seen the goats on the other side of these trees where they were safe but at the top of this sliver was a broader patch of trees over looking the valley, in which I assumed the goats would bed. I was right, beds and tracks everywhere. I slowly made my way through the bug kissed pine as quietly as I could. Just as I was clearing a tree a white rump was materializing in a chute on the far side of the trees, not 50 yards away.

I got low but it was too late, the billy had me. They're sure a sight to see at this time of year; his off white/dirty coat outlined against the speckled snow would of made a good photo. I was hoping the goats were still in that crevasse feeding and ideally I would've been set up when they came to bed. But the goat had me by the short ones... It would've been a easy shot but I just didn't feel good about the recovery. I knew I could get to the trees on the other side but if he didn't stop in the chute he would've went off the end of a 150-200 yard cliff. Which would've been fine other than I didn't know if he'd get hung up on one of his hideout spots; spots which are inaccessible to people. I then steadied myself on a tree waiting for the goats move... Unfortunately, his escape only presented rump shots as he worked his way through the far timber and up up up. I opted to leave the area as I didn't want to scare him away from this accessible spot. The climb down seemed more prolonged than it was, it's hard not to feel alittle disappointment especially knowing that things probably could of been altered if I took more caution.....Oh well.

Once at the truck I simply wait, watching that area every so often. Eventually, the billy worked his way back to exactly his same steps in the chute and down that cliff to a people inaccessible cave; one of which you'd never see until a goat goes into this shady patch and mysteriously vanishes. I did end of spotting a nanny up high as well as an adorable kid and its mom on a low rock.

[HappyJack]

Great writing skills, and love the pics...keep it coming!!

[Kopper]

The next day was the coldest, -19 according to the truck that morn. I arrived at the first glassing spot and locate a nanny just above that bloody cave. I watched her until she disappeared into the cave. I assumed the billy was already in there but I chose to move up valley anyways. Spotting on this mountain a few kms away I immediately want to scout out this cave I did previously know about, what the heck. Sure enough there's a white blotch in the entrance. Out comes the spotter and it's quick to realize this is a billy; but not just any billy. The features of his face tell the story of many years on this hill. Certainly no less than 8 years but I had a hunch it was more; and carrying >9" horns for sure. This will be billy B.

It was mid morning now as I watched him slowly and gracefully work his way about this mountain. It's really neat watching a goat realize that they've come across a chunk of rock that even they can't climb; really cool watching him back track. While enjoying a snack a pickup drove by, the passenger and I exchanging looks as they passed. Huh, that was strange....they looked like hunters but usually nobodies back here this late in the year. When I picked up the billy again he had bedded on knob for his mid day snooze. Yup, fish on.

I drove to the nearest bridge then hiked upstream to an intersection with a sporadically running creek to begin the climb. Before long I work my way out of the creek into a slide. The plan was to follow the slide up to the cliff base, which just happened to be below his cave and from there it appeared a small ledge went straight across to the ridge he was on. Well that skiff of snow made that steep slide slick as all hell. Usually, alders are my nemesis but now being leafless and perfect hand holds I welcomed their company.

Now, that ledge.... It was a fairly eerie 2'ish path that solidly led the way to my quarry. Looking below was pretty freaky tho. Once across all that was left was to climb this 30-40' wall and sneak through the timber to the other side. Believe me I tried and tried. There were 4 different cracks in which I thought I'd have a chance of climbing. You guys know what "bouldering is? Well this was on the easier end of what you'd find at a climbing wall. Just no mat to fall into and carrying a pack/gun and wearing boots. I'd get part way up but common sense would always kick in. "It's just a goat". Alas, billy B won this one. I'm almost glad cuz it was windy and cold as ice.

On the way back to camp I stopped to look at the first cave. Sure enough billy A was stretched out on his porch sunning his little tail feathers.
https://i.imgur.com/kxZenR5.jpg

[Kopper]

While watching the goat another pickup pulled up behind me, stopped, and continued on. Judging from their pace and the tracked quad I assumed them to be hunters as well. Holy cow! This was starting to look like Spences.

Day 3, the plan was to start at first light and go after billy A, or atleast go to his area and work it. Just as I'm finishing up at camp the two trucks go by. Fearing the worst I drove up the valley. Sure enough one truck was where I was when I put the goat to bed and the other parked at the dried up creek from which I made the stalk on day 1.

Disappointed, I went for a drive up a different valley just to clear my head. Really it was just a good excuse to listen to the sat radio. I decided since I had to be back the day after tomorrow that I'd bug out and give the guys their space. I was just about packed up when the hunters drove by, except the second truck came into camp for a chat. It turns out that it was three buddies hunting together and had also put that goat to bed the night before. They were also as surprised as I to see another hunter back here. They mentioned billy A had gone quite high with the nanny and was safe. We exchanged a few stories and pics from this area and wished them safe travels back home; as camp was mostly packed I also continued with an exit.

[guest]

Got to love Goat stories ....... Man I need a fix of that stuff again.

[albravo2]

Best story I've read in a long time. Keep up the good work.

[Steelpulse]

Yes great stuff. Did my first goat hunt this sept. With success. Addicted. Nice writing as well

[Kopper]

Late November was when the real trip was planned but squeezing in a few days mid month suddenly popped up. This trip fitted my dads retiree schedule so he would be accompanying. Must be a parent thing to want to accompany as much as possible to prevent harm to their baby eh. The companionship is always welcomed; adds a certain sense of security and doesn't get so lonely lol. At this time of year we opt to leave the quads and sxs because if it snowed a bunch it would be damn near impossible to tow them out. As predicted, camp had a couple more amenities and sleep was a bit longer on this trip :). Unfortunately, we both had to be back for the 19th (coordinated dentist appts) so time was lacking on this trip as well.

[Kopper]

The temps were now hovering around 0, it snowed every day and fog was always abundant. The skiff of snow was now a foot in the valley and half a goat high up top. The first day was socked in completely spare a small window late afternoon. Sure enough billy A made his appearance in a little opening just above where I'd seen him previously. Around camp that night I'd hear the same stories I've heard so many times over, we'd discuss work and other father son stuff... over some rye and gingers of course.

The next day was fogged in 100%. So we drove to what we call "goat alley" to have a warm cup of soup thanks to the jetboil. While waiting for the soup we got a quick window on the side of the alley. Sure enough, dirty white blobs were scattered along the top of this cliff. Before long a nanny popped out of the timber and following her was a good set of hockey pucks. A quick turn of the face and instantly I thought that it was billy B. Boy was he a sight to see now. The distinctive old horse face was hard to miss, combined with the nature of the rut he was dirty and the glands were more active. This and they were 950 meters away from the cave I'd originally spotted him in, at the same elevation. I want this goat.

Option 1 was to climb up from the downwind side but dad was convinced it wasn't a good idea. Option 2 was to hike up goat alley and see if we could access them from the other side but that also wasn't a good idea. After the soup was done I stated that I'm doing option 1, you can come or you can sit in the truck. Alittle grumble from him but he agreed. I would lead at my pace and he would follow the tracks.

Keep in mind that my dad is now 62. He does still do backpack trips with his brother (60) as they're both very healthy and doing really really well for their age but keeping up with an active mid-20s isn't feasible.

[Kopper]

The climb was typical hands and feet steep but spare a small cliff band early on it was largely in the trees. We were in a skinny ridge of trees that went on a steep diagonal until it meets a thick ridge of trees coming up from the alley. The goats were below that intersection just on the alley ridge edge maybe 100 yards down. Once I met the other ridge nerves came on hard. The wind had been good and I was always out of sight. I was so confident that the gloves came off and the gun was in my hands. Slowly working my way down, the ridge littered with tracks...and then I found their beds.

https://i.imgur.com/i2W3FDm.jpg

[Knute]

hhhhhmmmm....."rye and ginger"...good choice:-P

Great story so far, looking forward to the rest.

[Kopper]

Some on here don't believe in luck but I tend to follow something Boddington said many years ago. It goes something like....hunting is all about luck, but to a degree you make your own luck by putting yourself in the right place at the right time. It couldn't be more true now.

I followed the tracks down into the alley in which they went straight down when they hit the creek. LO fricken L. Remember option 2? Well from the road you could also see their tracks come down the alley and up a side gulley. It's 37 minutes to that intersection by foot! IMO these goats weren't scared or they would've made their way into the cliffs below them. This was a typical lead nanny taking her herd into her yearly rutting area. Like a love struck teen that old goat followed.

I take it back, there was more disappointment here than with billy A's screwup. The hike down was quiet except for my chuckles when my dad would fall. Course the chuckles came when it was obvious he was ok.

[northof49]

Enjoying it so far....keep it coming thanks

[Kopper]

Rain, sleet and snow fill the next day combined with heavy fog. Through weather windows we were able to pick up the group and follow their movement down valley, although they gained elevation. The lead nanny constantly pushing snow that was halfway up her shoulders. Single file the herd followed her path. This was our first good look at the herd as a whole. A total of 6 goats: 2 kids, 2 nannies, big ole billy B and either a younger billy or another nanny. Tough to tell from the bottom. Late that afternoon we again spot billy A in the same opening as the other day...

The next day was much the same. My dad this time spots some goats on a bluff but they soon disappear into the timber. Remember this bluff. I was convinced this was the group we were after judging from their projection and realistically this valley has a low goat density. My dad wasn't as convinced it was the same herd and convinced me not to go after them as that bluff was supposedly inaccessible. Again, in late afternoon we spot billy A back on his typical perch. Seeing as tomorrow was our last day I'm sure you can guess our move.

The hike took us up the exact same path as the first encounter with billy A. It was tough knowing that the bigger billy was around but I could settle. The only difference on this hike was I remember getting extremely nervous watching my dad cross those aforementioned chutes. My mind has a knack for being a bit of a pessimist and fearing the worse. Once in the red pines we slowly worked up to where that billy magically appears. The minutes turned to hours as we huddled in the timber freezing. Soon darkness was upon us. Maybe it was the wind swirling or maybe he wasn't as patterned as I thought but our heads hung low on the sketchy hike down. The next morning we made our way out of the mountains.

[Kopper]

These short trips aren't ideal but like I said, just happened to be free time and the real trip was planned for late November anyways. We had organized a large gathering for my Oma's 90th so naturally my old man had to stay behind. I figured she's got plenty of grand kids and I'd go unmissed.

My dad was going to come out on the 25th after the party. I headed out alone on the 22nd to set up camp; prepared to stay until December 1st when the season closed if need be. Images of that old goat constantly occupying my mind. For those of you still following there's only 1 hike left.....

[Kopper]

The weather hadn't improved since I was last here and it started to rain as I set up camp. It rained, no it poured all night. Every so often I'd awake to the rumble of an avalanche in the distance.

I awoke on the 23rd to a damp and gloomy day. Stream levels had nearly doubled and the 1.5' of powder had turned into a sloppy 8" with a layer of water underneath. I skipped breakfast and so routinely jump in the truck to begin the day. Sure enough, there's a steep incline just out of camp and with the snow conditions preventing me from gaining speed in that short time; I was pulling out the shovel. Certainly not how I wanted to start the day and with no industry to keep the road clear getting stuck was my biggest fear. There was avalanches everywhere the road crossed a ravine. Those dried up creeks were now flowing with some gumption. Quickly making sure that the culverts weren't plugged as I pass. Would really hate to lose the road.

My first spotting location produced nothing between windows and the next spot I skipped. For some reason I drove to a view point to where I could see that bluff I mentioned earlier. Sure enough, atleast 3 goats lined the timber ontop of this bluff. I pulled out the scope but with fog rolling in I never was able to ID. With nobody to talk me out of it I was positive that if this wasn't the herd of 6 from before it would've been a new group. Being the rut it had to have a billy in it regardless eh.

[Blainer]

Very much enjoying thread. Cheers

[Kopper]

Just before 10 the doors on the truck were shut. The hike begins as usual hiking up a creek bed for 15mins or so. I needed to gain just over 600 vertical meters. This would get me above the goats and to the only place that looked like a feasible crossing; a spot just above the confluence of 3 chutes. Upon leaving the creek it was 20mins in a disgusting alder slide. Thanks to a goat trip into 7-18 7ish years ago I bloody well hate alders. It had been raining since I started this hike so I was soaked clean through at this point. I debated turning around...Maybe it was just some nannies and kids? That rubbish quickly left my thoughts as I proceeded up.

Once clear of the slide the hike was real steep. Back again to using 4 limbs to climb but the wet snow made it especially slippery. Just to give you an idea..... Looking at the mountain, I'm going up a treed ridge on the right which angles towards the goat bluff. Wind predominantly runs left to right. Below the goats is cliffs then a band of scree and sparse trees that looks accessible from above. Below that band is another inaccessible cliff..... This part of the hike was quite the thigh burner but it didn't take long. In the mature trees it was easy to gain 150+ vertical meters in under 15mins. The total hike was just over an hour to gain the 600+ vertical meters to where I wanted to cross the chutes. I use a GPS app on my phone to watch the contours.

The 3 chutes weren't as intimidating as I'd thought. They had enough snow to solidly hold your steps in place. As with all hikes the terrain is surprisingly different than how it appeared from the bottom. I did my best to recognize where I wanted to be as I headed into the timber. This bluff was relatively flat but had a few minor dips in it. Goat tracks, trails, beds and sh*t everywhere. The place even had the glorious goat musk lingering in the air. Glassing as I would if still hunting mulies I scanned the timber but nothing. I made my way through a dip and slowly stuck my head over, but binos weren't needed. I could see the back end of a goat sitting on the edge. I ever so cautiously got up to a tree, straddled it and sat down in wait. The goat was a mere 56 yards away, I was completely crosswind and a slight drizzle dulled their senses. I had them.

[Kopper]

Before long two more goats materialized. A nanny followed by an old roman nosed billy. My heart was racing.... I was positive this was billy B. For 5 minutes I watched him court this nanny. Such magnificent beasts goats are; I simply admired him as I watched him strike out over and over. I could've snuck a shot through but I knew he'd head for the cliff if I didn't anchor him and I had yet to determine if I could recover him below the cliff. With the thick timber and multiple goats around any follow up shots were out of the question for fear of shooting the wrong goat. But this was not a problem as it was 11:30ish, wind was right and I had all the time in the world. Right?

Wrong! The billy and nanny jumped up unexpectedly fast and left my view. Huh, that's weird but I didn't fret as the first goat was still lying down. Half a second later that goat picks up an exits with haste. I'm not sure how I was busted, maybe a swirl that I didn't catch? This is when the flight or fight response kicks in. Having dropped my pack on the last dip, with rifle in hand I book it to the cliff edge as quickly as possible. Once there I watched the last nanny disappear on my left. Carefully I made my way there. With no goats in sight I assessed the area. The bowl below was steep but certainly doable; with access coming from a ledge off the ridge I ascended on just a bit lower down. Now facing into the valley I figured the goats would appear to my right as that's more cliffy.

Realistically I had lost sight of them for no more than 10 seconds before the lead nanny appeared jogging away 100 yards below me on the right. Binos came up as I watched them appear one by one. Lead nanny (my nemesis), kid, billy, nanny, kid, nanny. This was that group I had seen previously I was certain. The mass of the billy just dwarfing the rest. In one fluid motion the binos were dropped and the gun came to my shoulder. As soon as the glass left my eyes I let out the loudest Baaaaaaaaa I could muster. First it was the lead nanny, she stopped and turned her head in my direction (gotta love mothers instinct), the kid followed suit and in sequence the whole herd had stopped and turned.

[ditch donkey]

kopper you have a talent for writing your adventures. this is ine of the best huntbc stories latley. even better for those who have spent time in goat country where you can pull images from memories past to visualize the story as you read.

[Kopper]

kopper you have a talent for writing your adventures. this is ine of the best huntbc stories latley. even better for those who have spent time in goat country where you can pull images from memories past to visualize the story as you read.

Thanks ditch donkey. Not everyone hunts goats so it's nice to let those people live vicariously. Horn porn coming ASAP.

[Kopper]

The time was now. No more procrastination and no more doubts. The light mountain rifle comes to my shoulder as I'm looking straight down the cliff. It magically comes to the shoulder with the crosshairs just above the big goats shoulders. I immediately lower the crosshairs and once on the goats back I began to squeeze. A bit lower and the trigger breaks. I'm infamous for super fastcrack shots and this was no exception. The roar of the boom stick echoing off the canyon walls. The goat immediately buckled, flipped a couple times and slid down the hill until it came to rest against a pine. Not taking any chances I sent another accubond on its way.

I was very ecstatic, there is 3 things I had desperately wanted and to have them all occur was overwhelming. I took breather then a quick selfie and a pic down the cliff before I headed back for the pack. Look closely and you'll see the goat on a tree. Now, pictures are misleading and despite how it looks you would not be able to merely walk down that cliff; it's more vertical than it looks. It would be a full rope/harness rappel operation.

https://i.imgur.com/Ifsnsdj.jpg

[Kopper]

It was now only 11:40, thank god it was early as skinning goats on steep stuff sucks but alone it would be even more difficult. Once at the pack I had to back-track back across the chutes and drop some elevation onto this ledge. Once down to the ledge I threw the crampons on for safe measures. It was only a 10ft section but a phuckup here would send you into bye bye land. I could hear the metal grinding on the solid rock face as I crossed; not too bad now but the reverse trip would suck. I wasn't sure exactly where I wanted to be but I start working my way around the cliff I had stood on when I notice a fresh slide, and sure enough a goat in the bottom. Guess he wasn't that secure on the tree. I quickly make my way over and found this.....

https://i.imgur.com/6LQEGsv.jpg

[Kopper]

I had to diagonally pull him while he slid to get him to a semi secure place to skin. Man was he a tank, surely close but more likely surpassing 300lbs. Upon skinning it was obvious the accubonds had did their job. Been using them for 8 or so years and have yet to recover a bullet. Both shots punched through the shoulders, turning bones on each side to crumbs, one destroying his vertebraes. Hope you enjoy the pics! but the story isn't done yet....
https://i.imgur.com/khsZrfy.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/Sd0HCjn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KYruoZ8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Fl94qwb.jpg

[Kopper]

I get excited even typing this. This was the first place I was introduced to goat hunting when I was a kid. I've put in more than a few years here but never taken a goat in this drainage. To be fair, I've hunted them all over BC but this specific valley ranks as one of the harder places to successfully harvest a billy IMO. Over the years many goats have been passed up here with the common theme being recovery concerns.

This was especially important being my first solo goat, being taken a mere 1.4km away from my dad's first goat all those years ago and that it was taken in a special place to which so many memories have born. But I really would of gave anything for my oldman to be up there with me.

[Kopper]

It took a rather long few hours to cape and debone all the meat. Maybe longer because I'd have to take a break every so often and take in the moment. What a moment it was...Even the weather was cooperating. A nanny and two kids graced the moment as they looked from above.

Ughhh, and with all goat stories they're not done when the animals down. I had the cape off and all the meat laying in the snow except the tender loins. I went to sharpen the knife with one of those cheap V sharpeners with the plastic guard. I'm not sure if it was fatigue or the odds finally caught up with me but... I looked away and the knife jumped out and ran right over my index finger. It didn't really hurt but I could see I had cut through a good portion of the tendon.

The hand was basically useless as trying to move any finger sent a chain reaction thru my hand. I bandaged it up and proceeded to slowly finish up and pack up. Once everything was in the Stone Glacier 6900 I went to put the pack on. As a force of habit I shouldered the right side but grabbed the left strap with my left hand. A very audible pop came from that hand was accompanied with plenty of pain. The tendon had completely snapped and judging from the stretched wound that the finger wasn't in place either. Firmly planting my left arm on the tree I forcefully use my right hand to push the finger back. Musta worked because the wound got smaller.

[the wall]

Great story and nice pics. No bickering either, this site seems to have less of that than most. This out of provincer might have to post more stuff here. Good work

[Kopper]

Round two with the pack was what I should of done initially. Put the left through first and squat it up with the aid of the tree. It was starting to get dark but the key would be to go slow. I had a hell of a time putting the crampons on but it was worth it. Now, my left hand was 100% disabled. I sh*t you not, It just wouldn't move. I threw a glove on it backwards to hopefully prevent muscle memory from attempting a grab on anything. The hike about 100 meters back up was a glute burner but the crampons held their place, even on the small rock face.

Once across I opted to side hill instead of go a bit hire and find my old tracks, lazy. It was a poor choice cause I was now operating by headlamp but I gave'r all. It was damn scary being alone and navigating the cliffs amongst scree but I kept on telling myself. It's already dark, just take your time and worst case Ontario follow your tracks back up. It was well over an hour but sure was it relief reaching the far timber and cutting my up tracks. The crampons didn't allow any slipping but imagine your body weight plus an extra 50% of it trying to descend a super steep slope with no give, relying solely on your knees and quad muscles. Quad tendons were sore for two days lol.

Minus the few slides and sharp pain in the hand all was well, slow but well. That is until the right crampon caught a stick and sent me ass over tea kettle. Thankfully my face stopped the fall with a snow covered rock. Once I managed to get up I could taste blood and feel it dripping down my chin. I didn't care, nor did it hurt at that point. I was so desensitized to reality knowing the only objective was to get off this hill. Eventually I could see road and oh that truck. Damn did it look good, even for a Ford ;) boy was that a spirit lifter. The down had taken almost double of the up time now being around 8pm.
https://i.imgur.com/yZjQNoI.jpg

[Kopper]

Once at the tent I opened the stove, gave the smoldering logs a blow and cracked BCs finest....Hells Gate lager. I needed a few more of those to gather enough courage to take the goat to water for a wash tho. I changed the dressing on my hand and went to bed.

The next day my hand was still next to useless. Taking the walltent down one handed however was not as bad as you'd think. I was packed up and putting this place in the rearview one last time.

The drive home was uneventful. Shortly after I went to the hospital. Only an hour or so on the table the doctor re attached the tendon and now I'm stuck in a splint for another 1.5 weeks, 4 total. The season was done for this guy unfortunately. but, I made it for Oma's 90th.

PS this was typed with a thumb and one finger. Cheers

[Kopper]

https://i.imgur.com/tQRNmIJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5MLNCOO.jpg
Not the easiest to count but if you find the "lips" you should be able to get within 1 year

I aged him at 10 which was supported by a ministry bio. Not quite my oldest tho ;)

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Huge congrats Kopper!
What an outstanding story! You are a great story teller indeed!

Thanks for taking the the extra time to get this all down with just one finger.

SSS

[longwalk]

Superb read. That is a story worthy of being published. It had a bit of everything necessary for a riveting read. Congratulations.

[Sitkaspruce]

Great story, awesome goat and a hell of a trip!!!

Thanks for sharing and bringing us along!!!

Cheers

SS

[180grainer]

Nice goat. Good job.

[whitlers]

Wow you are a mad man! Good on yah! Sounds like one hell of an adventure.

If it makes you feel any better I had a similar experience with my hand. Cut my index tendon clean off. Two surgeries and 6 months rehab. Never been quite the same but I work with my hands daily and it still works 10 years later!!

[labguy]

Great story.

Late November goat hunting is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Brought back lots of memories......crampons, rain, fog, alders and scarey steep terrain....gotta love it.

What did he green score?

[guest]

Terrific share, thanks for posting. My goat hunts are right up there with the best experiences of my life.

Crazy late hunts, wow, love the longer hair too.

Get well soon.

CT

[nature girl]

A really really deserved goat you shot Kopper.
I bet your dad was so proud of you for accomplishing all that in the snow and shooting a great goat and then hurting yourself and still managing to get down the mountain with one less hand to use for steadiness. Now that takes balls.

[JSaw]

That's a story that will not get old. Nice job again pal! Hope once the bandages come off you'll be back at 100%. Looking forward to some beers over the Holidays.

[Whonnock Boy]

Excellent share. I admire the people who are willing to navigate terrain that sheep and goats frequent, and it sounds like your spot is as dicey as it can get. Props to you and your story.

[northof49]

Congratulations Kopper. Fantastic write-up and some challenging conditions for sure. Sounded down right scary. Must have been a bugger getting up/down with that gimped hand. Glad it all worked out and you gotnhome safely.

[twoSevenO]

It almost sounds easier to just camp up there and deal with the cold than to make that hell of a trek up every time in that nasty late season terrain. lol.

Good job. you persevered and were rewarded. That's the recipe for success. Congrats.

What's your plan for the goat? Also, how much deboned meat is there from a goat of this size? (I'm preparing for my region 3 LEH ... this is my year. I can feel it. 5 years of coming up empty. This will be the year!)

[goathead]

great story and well written.late season goats are a great challenge.nice goat

[srupp]

Hmmm educational. Inspirational..and riviting" thanks for taking us along..i too have nicked tendons requiring surgery..brings back painful memories..
You earned that goat..well done. .Congradulations
Steven

[Kopper]

Thanks for the kind words everyone

Jsaw, always down for brewskis




What did he green score?

Um it won't be high, I only threw a tape on to confirm a 9" for friends. Quick guess, low 9s prob 5 3/8 on the base if it isn't rotted, small deductions....Prob a low 46 or high 45. This is the 2nd 10+ year old I've taken from that MU in the last couple years; don't grow big horns here.

[Kopper]

It almost sounds easier to just camp up there and deal with the cold than to make that hell of a trek up every time in that nasty late season terrain. lol.

Good job. you persevered and were rewarded. That's the recipe for success. Congrats.

What's your plan for the goat? Also, how much deboned meat is there from a goat of this size? (I'm preparing for my region 3 LEH ... this is my year. I can feel it. 5 years of coming up empty. This will be the year!)

thank ya....

um, I like hunting from the bottom up late season. Spiking it would be tough HERE because there is no large basins to look at. Your vision is very limited. Hence that 100 yard shot is considered far here. Plus density is too low for that style IMO. Base camps comfier too ;)

I just had to get a shoulder mount done; too much of a story to not. It depends slightly who's doing the boning but probably close to 100lbs on a fat goat but no less than 80 on a fatty. Thick wet hide is heavy too!

Edit: I take some neck meat and other large chunks as well; don't let anyone tell you goat is bad, tough yup. Take idk 10lbs off what I said if just taking the legal amount.

[downsouth204]

Thanks for the great story and pics!

[steepNdeep]

Awesome hunt! Looks like a tank! Doesnt get any tougher & sketchier than goat country. Good to hear that you had crampons. Do u bring rope too?

[BigBanger]

That was a great story. I felt like "I was there". Thanks for sharing.

[decker9]

Fantastic story!! and billy!! Enjoyed every minute of it :). Congratulations on a very hard earned goat, sounds like a hell of a hunt, it takes a tough individual to do what you did! And to do it in your dads old goat hunting spot, even better!!
Hope your hand heals up quick! Cheers!

[Timberjack]

Great story pics and hunt! Good on ya!

What cartridge out of curiosity? My goats have been 270 WIN with accubonds... Very good performance..

TJ

[Jimbob]

What kind of crampons and boots? Awesome story and congrats.

[Kopper]

I've been using a slightly customized Sako A7 in 30-06 for everything. 180 grain accubonds.

Boots are Lowa Tibets and Black diamond pro crampons. Cheers guys, it's nice to see remarks from other guys that've spent time in goat country.

[Kopper]

Awesome hunt! Looks like a tank! Doesnt get any tougher & sketchier than goat country. Good to hear that you had crampons. Do u bring rope too?
Thanks man. I don't carry rope. Something I'm not confident with.

[afors]

Thanks for a great read. It really gives a guy a good idea what kind of work he needs to put in to be successful in taking an animal. I have recommended this thread to several people. First class!

[twoSevenO]

Kopper, you should post a thread on late season goat hunting for beginners.

What elevation was your basecamp at?

I always imagined that if I ever got a reg 3 goat LEH i'd be hunting them in late Sept or early Oct as any time after that the snow would be a problem. But your thread has me thinking that even if i wasn't hindered by snow to drive to the trailhead, i wouldn't have a first clue where these goats would be late October. I've only seen them in summer.

Are there any general patterns or ways to figure out where these goats go to winter? What would they be looking for?

[Kopper]

Again, thanks guys.


Kopper, you should post a thread on late season goat hunting for beginners.

Um, I started quite early in life, realistically I was too young to retain it all. Surely more experienced folk here. But, it's an idea I'll entertain and have no problem answering specifics you or anyone might have over PMs.

[silvertipp]

Thanks for taking the time to write a great story. Felt like I was rite there with you
its bean a long time since I have chased those woolly buggers. I think I had a few bumps and bruises after reading that
cheers

[Eva_Hunts]

i had no intentions to read anything depthy here this evening. a few phrases into your adventure and I had succumbed. fantastic style, inspiring courage, and congrats!

[Getbent]

Very cool, thanks man for taking the time!
awesome read.

[Thunderstix]

I had forgotten just how great this story was!!

[ydouask]

How did I miss this gem? Really takes me back to goat hunting days in McBride and the Kootenays… Wonderful story telling and lots of info for all goat hunters. Believe me , you'll be so glad , in your post goat hunting years, to have spent so much quality time on the hills. Love it , Congrats ! :smile:

[m5wilson]

Great read. Thanks for sharing. Was successful on my first goat and solo this year, I can appreciate the amount of work.