Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
I had a disastrous situation unfold yesterday, shot a billy on my goat 4-25 LEH permit and he clambered up some grassy ledges before I got a follow up shot that dropped him on the spot, where he got stuck in a tree as he fell. We spent all day yesterday and today trying to scramble to him, but it is completely inaccessible without moving through 5th class terrain that would require me to do some advanced mountaineering/rock climbing to retrieve the animal. I am an avid mountaineering and rock climber, so this part is within the realm of possibility if I return with the right gear and a motivated partner.
Unfortunately I fly out for work tomorrow and can't return until the 13th - a full seven days later. The temps up there are around -5C at night and around 0-10C during the day currently, at 2000m elevation. I do not think there was a gut shot but I can't be sure. I'm wondering if there is any chance the meat still might be good if I were to get to him 7 days later under these conditions? There was a massive golden eagle next to his corpse when I looked at him through the spotting scope before I drove home at the end of the day today, so I am also not sure how much they will eat of him between now and then.
I really want to go back and get him, if there is a reasonable chance that the meat and/or hide will still be in decent condition. I'm slowly accepting that it may just be the one that got away, but wanted to see if anyone else had experience or insight that I should consider before giving up.
Last edited by KootenayKiller; 10-06-2024 at 10:23 PM.
Re: Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
I think it is unlikely that the meat will be worth the time, expense and effort. Firstly, because of elapsed time and the probability of spoilage, but secondly because of that eagle. If there are other eagles in the area they and other scavengers (eg ravens) will be working on that carcass. I had a fallow deer be 100%* consumed by bald eagles within 5 or 6 days, although admittedly there were 6 to 10 eagles at the banquet.
On the other hand, it's a good excuse for an outing and you will have done everything possible.
* actually, there was one bare bone left, but everything else gone. Impressive cleanup job, if I do say so.
Re: Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
The meat will be done.
we already had two bone sour elk come through the doors that were just left overnight at - temperatures as well but that did it.
Re: Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
At those temperatures with the hide on which will moderate the highs and lows of meat temperature would not concern me so much. It is the least of your worries. But what will concern me greatly, is because the animal is not dressed out, spoilage will be rapid from within. Additionally and without a doubt, the birds and other scavengers will be on that carcass real quick.
Re: Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
If it were me and the kind of job I have I'd have just told work I won't be in because of whatever excuse and recover the goat. I usually have no issues with getting time off but everyone's place of work is different.
Re: Mountain goat retrieval - how long is the meat good for?
Why would I need to contact a CO? I cut my tag once I confirmed the billy was dead, and have photos of everything. It's a simple failure to retrieve, we did everything reasonable to try and recover the animal. I do understand it is compulsory inspection for this species, but is there any other reason I would have to do this?
Only way to get to it would be to rappel with 200m of fixed ropes and then re-ascend them. The rock quality is not great, even with the skill sets to do so it presents considerable risk due to the loose nature of the rock. By the time we realized this was the only way to reach it, I wouldn't have been able to do so until the third day anyways, and lacked a partner which would have been necessary. Out of options and seems not worth it to risk life/limb for a skull.
Thank you for the input. I knew the answer deep down but was hoping that it being way up at the frost line might have tipped the odds in my favor.
Last edited by KootenayKiller; 10-07-2024 at 03:36 PM.