Archery Goat hunting.

[Huevos]

So I was lucky enough to draw a goat tag this year. I am thinking of trying it with a bow. Any advice for a first time archery goat hunter is welcome. I will be doing some pre hunt scouting trips with the kids to locate the goats, but getting in close I think is where I could use the most advice. Thanks in advance.
I should add that my two daughters also drew tags so I am not high on the priority list as far as getting first crack at it. I will probably wait for October for me. We have done this hunt before and usually end up with one between the three of us.

[butcher]

I’ve stalked them with a bow but haven’t killed one. Friend of mine wears all white to get close. Seems to work.

[Huevos]

I've heard that. I'm excited to get out and learn what works, and what doesn't.

[butcher]

I had one at 19 yards, full draw, wind switched and he took off. That’s as close as I ever got.

[warnniklz]

Get above them. Also true with rifle... Although I haven't personally witnessed a goat being killed by death from above.

[boxhitch]

Of course it can be done, a good arrow shot will kill anything
Have had several rifle hunts where the stalk is coming down a knife ridge with trees, steep terrain on both sides, and the only shot is after getting past the last tree in the line of sight, well within bow range
Have had far more white knuckle moments hunting goats than many sheep hunts

[Ron.C]

I tried my first 2 goat hunts with a bow. On the second hunt, I stalked to within 25 yards of a bedded goat but he was in a unrecoverable spot.

I'm no goat expert, but I would say dont rush. Where we hunt, they wont go far if undisturbed. Take your time and really analyze the approach options and dont get fixated on the goat your stalking.

On my last rifle hunt I was stalking to within shooting range of a Billy, and I didn't notice a nanny with kid that slipped into view to my right. She did a crazy nasal blow like a whitetail doe does when she catches ya. Every goat on that side of the mountain went vertical, and stayed there.

On other hunts, weve bumped goats in the timber on our way up. If I were to bow hunt goat again id pay more attention to those high timber fringe areas adjacent to where I'm seeing goats in the open. Once you are in their zone, you never know when one will appear.

Wish you the best of luck.

[LBM]

Chased them around with a bow for a few years but sold the bow. Many of the ones we have taken with rifle have been in bow range and have been in bow range
of many others. Personally think they can be easy to get with in range of but must be cautious as to were they might go after the shot. Depending on
location and how much time you have they can be patterened some what. Another good way to get them close is to call them especially late in the season
during the rut.
Might try the 30-30 this year for some thing different.
That's cool that your daughters got a draw as well good luck to you all.

[warnniklz]

... Another good way to get them close is to call them especially late in the season
during the rut...

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/456/537/38f.jpg

[LBM]

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/456/537/38f.jpg

You hunt them enough you should no.
All animals are vocal.

[decker9]

You hunt them enough you should no.
All animals are vocal.

I have a ton of goat’cam videos, goats are about the most vocal animals Iv seen, even out of the rut. They get pretty curious when a guy starts baahhh’ing at them. Solid advice for archery hunting.

[J_T]

Of course it can be done, a good arrow shot will kill anything
Have had several rifle hunts where the stalk is coming down a knife ridge with trees, steep terrain on both sides, and the only shot is after getting past the last tree in the line of sight, well within bow range
Have had far more white knuckle moments hunting goats than many sheep hunts
I would agree with this. Always work to approach a goat from above. I've had a few goat LEH's. Attempted to take them all with a recurve. I did a lot of spotting from below and only when the goats moved into favourable position did I make the ascent and attempt. While each time I was able to get within 50 yards (25yrds on one attempt) in the moment I was more worried about my safety than taking a goat. For me, I realized I needed to practice steep downhill shots. Twice I was hung up on a ledge, big pack, no where to go, had to get the courage to 'move', and get myself out of a difficult spot.

[Huevos]

Thanks for all the advice. My 12 yr old daughter had a draw last year, but after two days of not being able to see more than 200 yards in the smoke, we decided to call it. Two years ago, we went and my 13 yr old daughter took her first goat. I will admit that it was the most emotionally exhausting hunt I have ever been on. I had two kids in the scree and cliffs, one hand on each, thinking that this may not have been the best plan. Her goat died 5 feet away from a 200' drop. Satisfying to have them up there with me, but my nerves were shot by the end.

[Huevos]

I never considered where the goat will end up after putting an arrow in it. I will have to keep this in mind before taking a shot (if I get that far).

[warnniklz]

You hunt them enough you should no.
All animals are vocal.

I'm aware they're vocal, just the ability to call them.

On that note, only animals I can say I'm mildly good at calling are foxes and waterfowl

[LBM]

I'm aware they're vocal, just the ability to call them.

On that note, only animals I can say I'm mildly good at calling are foxes and waterfowl
Give it a try you may find out that it will help. Have called a fair number in and kept others curious enough
to make decisions. A deer grunt tube can work but they are better on sheep.
Its not something like calling elk where you are a mile away but have called them from 3 or 4 hundred yards.