I am sitting on 23 days and a wake up for goats in BC. I am still working hard on the bike, hiking with my pack on as many hills as I can hit here in Illinois, and rolling at the jiujitsu school 3 days a week. I know it is a bit unconventional training but it is helping with weight loss and conditioning. I know nothing can prepare me for those climbs but that is what I am doing...
I will be with an outfitter who has guided Tradgang guys before and I feel confident with my choice there. After reading many posts about Nanny mortality and spending my nose in the excelent book "A Beast the Color of Winter" it will be Billy or photos. If anyone knows me they know it is the experience that I want.
We will ride into the backcountry on horses and climb from there. I am logging some saddle time but remain a neophyte. I know since I have not hunted goats before I am in for an education. I have done 12 DIY elk and mulie hunts and would have loved to draw a tag in my lifetime for goats here in the states but I will die an old man before that happens. It is now or never and I totally appreciate the opportunity in BC. Six years in the making for me, sacrifice both financially and family wise, and I just want a chance to see a Beast the Color of Winter with a bow in my hand.
So words of wisdom anyone? I have read every thread here but would like to hear some more. My bow setup is good, my body is a work in progress, and my gear kit seems squared away...but I will give you my stuff and you tell me. Thanks in advance!
Bow: Talltines longbow 60 at 30, Tuffhead Meathead with a 100 gr insert on a 31 inch GT 75-95. Arrow weight 668.
Pack: Eberlestock Black Widow 35# with one bladder full
2 Bladders
Lightweight tripod
Vortex Spotting Scope Razor HD 50mm
KUIU Soft shell jacket
Cap
Sunglasses
First Aid kit
Cabelas MT050 Packable Rain Gear
Extra socks
Havalon knife
Headlamp
Emergency kit (fire, water tabs, reflect mirror, etc)
Synthetic sleeping bag
Thermarest pad
3 days of food (4 pounds)
20' Para Cord for hanging pack
Stocking cap for sleeping (bald head)
On Person
Swarovski 8.5x42
Bow w arrows
2 layers (wicker and a top layer of assorted Mtn Garm)
Boot liners with wool blend outside
Gloves in pocket
Lucky hat
Bear mace
Fitness level: moderately active: martial arts 3 days a week,
60 miles a week on road bike, 3.5 miles in hills with full hunting/spike pack, 4 days a week.
Age: 45 trips around the sun with many miles on knees
Weight today 221...down 23 # since January
Height 6'3"
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/mountaingoat.jpg)
We'll expect a full story so take notes. You are a lucky man. My window of opportunity slammed shut several years ago.
Charlie, you can count on it!!! Thanks sir :thumbsup:
I've never hunted the West, but I'm dropping pounds and conditioning for a DIY elk hunt in 2016 (and 2017-18-19...). I wish you the best of luck, sounds like you're doing all you can. I can't wait to read the details of your hunt! Congrats on the draw, hit it hard!
Sounds like a lean mean machine to me. Good luck-Hap
Bucket list , I wish you all the BEST on your adventure....
,,,Sam,,,
I am envious, good luck to you. Can't wait for the story when you come back. I got within bow range of a nice goat on a non-hunting hiking trip, years ago. A very special animal for sure.
I think your on the right track good luck looking forward to this adventure
Scouting the Rubies 3 years ago, had a nanny and kid saunter by. Impressive animals, but I have never applied for a tag. Luck, and bring back pics
Not going this year, instead trying Moose in BC. I have been 6 times and plan on going many more, but will never consider myself anything but a amateur. which part of BC? If coastal, it can be wet, foggy, snowing cold, windy and/or very hot and sunny. a couple things off the bat, flash light and small tarp, I would lose the spotting scope and tri-pod, outfitter likely has one and I have never had a use for. at altitude you want some sun screen. meat bags (keep stink and blood out of your pack), Get the best boots you can(and break them in), a water filter (steri-pen) just in case, expedition merino socks and some mole skin, Advil back and joint medicine. Take two knives (very rocky pelts)!I always take harness and half rope between me and buddy.
here is gear lists I have used in past:
(http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/Tloran/Mountain_hunting_gear_list_Page_1_zps70124f41.jpg) (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/Tloran/media/Mountain_hunting_gear_list_Page_1_zps70124f41.jpg.html)
(http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/Tloran/Mountain_hunting_gear_list_Page_2_zps776e737e.jpg) (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/Tloran/media/Mountain_hunting_gear_list_Page_2_zps776e737e.jpg.html)
If you open the link they are not so blurry....
I have learnt the hard way on many trips, what to take, how to prepare, etc. One big part of goat hunting everyone forgets or doesn't talk about is mental preparation and know how to push yourself but not to the point where your compromising safety (which is really important with goat hunting. I have learnt to push to get the best possible experience and trip but making sure I return to my family. I am not scared to say, I have cried, broke down, been awed, had the greatest experiences, all in several hours of a goat hunt.
Abs and legs are the most important, do squats, bells, running up very steep hills, balance exercises. "mental...mental....mental" empty your tank in several workouts (water, food-slow and fast sugars, etc.) and this will allow you to see your mental strength.
most important take lots of pictures until you think you have way to many and take a hundred more.
Please share what ever the outcome. good luck and savour the experience.
If you want to talk more email me....
3T many thanks for that! I will look over things and take those suggestions to heart. Appreciate it!
Hope you have a great time.
Get above them; they don't expect it and it really befuddles them for awhile afterwards if they spot you.
They generally look a lot bigger with their hides on. The hair can be real long (although not too long in early September) so consider that when you shoot.
Camp up top if you can.
Definitely bring some blister stuff.
Some kind of crampons. Depends on the terrain but I like kahtooli microspikes. Great on steep mud or grass slopes.
If you have a way to take pics thru your spotting scope its a lot of fun and you can really look the animals over via pics on your camera.
I didn't see a hiking stick or two but maybe I missed it. The screw/rotate ones seem to break so I like the ones with lever locks. Better yet, get a black diamond whippet or 2. It's a hiking stick with an ice axe for a handle. Been meaning to get one myself but don't really need one this season, and I already have an ice axe.
Hope you get a big one.
i haven't hunted mtn goats, (i've seen them though) but i have DIY hunted tahr.
this is good advice-
QuoteOriginally posted by Hummer3T:
I have learnt the hard way on many trips, what to take, how to prepare, etc. One big part of goat hunting everyone forgets or doesn't talk about is mental preparation and know how to push yourself but not to the point where your compromising safety (which is really important with goat hunting. I have learnt to push to get the best possible experience and trip but making sure I return to my family. I am not scared to say, I have cried, broke down, been awed, had the greatest experiences, all in several hours of a goat hunt.
take stock and enjoy the time on the mountain. when it's go time go hard.
x2 all of this-
i rate getting above them a higher priority than getting the wind right. you have near zero chance of getting into trad bow range from below so i get above them and take my chances on the wind. (which are better than approaching from below)
QuoteOriginally posted by chinook907:
Get above them; they don't expect it and it really befuddles them for awhile afterwards if they spot you.
Camp up top if you can.
Some kind of crampons.
get a black diamond whippet or 2. It's a hiking stick with an ice axe for a handle.
Wow! lucky you! The biggest thing I would suggest is to have fun. Don't stress yourself out and enjoy it while you can. I'm not a expert in anyway but agree with everyone else and get above them if possible. That's how I got mine. I got supper lucky and a group walk into a little finger wash where I could get above them with ease without them seeing me. With my limited experience with goats, mainly scouting them the lost wallet technique seems to work if you get busted or had to cross in open ground. Take some picks and keep us posted.
Thanks all of the advice: I did forget my hiking sticks. Lever lock kind. I will look into the crampons as well!
The advice on mental prep is spot on. I have put myself into the red zone many times on this journey. Believe it or not, that is where the Brazilian Jiujitsu comes into play: rolling for an hour straight with a black belt nearly being choked out and fighting through, pushing past my exhaustion level with basically no air and NOT quitting until the lights go out. The key is to know where that line is I guess, and taking advice from you fellas, walk it.
The plan is to sleep high in a spike camp to make our glassing and hunting closer than the 2500 vertical we have to climb to get there every day. I have done that many times with high country mule deer but I am sure nothing as steep as this. The climbs I have done into the Rio Nat'l Forrest were at 13,000 plus but the gradient was less steep.
Thanks again for all the advice and well wishes. I have 3 more weeks to prepare mentally and physically. Keep 'em coming if you got anything!
Spent two months solo hunting them here in Idaho last year. One thing I would suggest is to take along a piece of white sheet, doesn't have to be big maybe 3'x3'. Goats are curious animals, especially Billys in rut. Drape over rock or bush where they can see it. Often they will come to investigate. Good Hunting, Mike
I realize weight is a concern, but have you thought about one extra bow string. some people really like those trekking poles. I personally would not take one. you also may think of a way to strap your bow on your pack for the really steep climbs. most of all enjoy and be safe :thumbsup:
One other thing: my tripod and scope are my camera...I use a phonescope which turns my Samsung S5 phone into a darn fine camera. I have experimented with both video and stills. Anything inside a 1/4 mile is fair game. Closer and you get really good pics/video. I decided on this instead of my expensive camera that mostly likely would be beat to death.
The white sheet idea is cool. I have a very light hooded jacket made out of cheesecloth material. I use it for cover for snow when I am hunting on the ground.
I am already thinking through my gear list. I am a medical person by trade and have a base camp kit with suture stuff, IV fluids, dressings, etc. I will make a point to put together a little blister kit to go with my little first aid kit in my pack.
Thanks again everyone!
Dang Mike that sounds like an awesome trip. You're already better prepared than many and it's good that you have two goals in mind, Billy or photos.
Just have a few suggestions after a life spent outdoors and in the military...
1. Two is one, one is none. Consider the minimal kit that you'll need to be successful and double those items.
2. Three is a guarantee and four is more. You can take this too far but you get the point...
3. Pack a couple of cloth bandanas. Amazing how many times they come in handy.
4. Read 'Bows on the Little Delta' by Glenn St. Charles. His enthusiasm and self-deprecating manner on high-country hunting really shines through.
5. Remember to give thanks, always and frequently, for life and the opportunity to experience it.
I'll be following your adventure along with the gang. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Jack
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.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu113/elkken/P1010310-1.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/elkken/media/P1010310-1.jpg.html)
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 :campfire:
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
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.
Mike
I have no advice to give and can only imagine the experience you are about to have.
Good luck and hunt hard.
No advice to give, but I sure wish you luck. By the way, is GPS and/or map and compass in your kit?
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 :)
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!
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.
Have a great trip Mike. I am excited for you!
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.
What an adventure! Good luck....pics, we'll need lots of pics.
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. :campfire:
Best of luck Mike ...
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.
Go get em Mike! Good luck man! :thumbsup:
Good luck Mike.
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!
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)
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 (http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=goatidentification.main)
Chromebuck, Thanks for posting the Alaska fish & game information link. That had some good information in it.
Thank you Chromebuck! I had been there already but I appreciate it. That standing, leaning pee thing is interesting as is there "posturing" in a low crouch when they are around females. I simply can't wait to be there!
Are you ready for adventure mike ?
When are you going ? monday ?
Maybe a little late for advice and don't know if its been covered, but train shooting downhill as much as you can as soon as you get there .
Good luck, be safe and take pics
My dream animal to hunt, but I wonder if I'll ever get the chance! Get one for me, and have fun doing it!
Thanks again fellas! Training is over, it's go time! Jacob if I could just follow in your footsteps I'd be happy. See you when I get back :campfire:
I would not want to be a goat in BC right now. Good luck Mike!
Good luck!
Good luck and hunt safe.
Oh to be young again, I always wanted to hunt goats and sheep, too old now so posts like these let me still dream. Good luck Mike.
Good luck Mike.
Some of you guys need to stop dreaming and do it. The Canadian dollar is down and your American dollar buys a lot more so spend that money and go! It was toss up recently for me between booking a 10 day goat hunt in BC or Caribou in Quebec with my son and I had to go with the father/son Boo hunt while we still can do it together. Be sure the outfitter states "canadian funds" for payment. It's never going to be cheaper. I'm thinking of booking a 2017 goat hunt and 2018 Grizzly hunt now just to lock in the good rates.
Mike have any luck
I have seen a few nice pics so I'm guessing the story will becoming soon.
I'm back everyone! Awesome trip to BC for goats. I will start with some observations and some lessons learned.
1. BC is a wet place. We had weather daily but even on dry days the brush causes issues. Buy the best you can get. I showed up with rain gear that needed some work.
2. Boots: see above. Mine were ok. I used a set of gaiters from KUIU that were good to me.
3. Fitness: I worked 2 hours a day at least 5 days a week to train for 5 months. I needed more. It was a hellacious physical grind hiking in 3-5 miles to glass then climbing 2000 vertical to get on goats. We were unable to trailer the horses and get into spots because the logging roads are bad when weather hits.
4. Mental. The old quote by Yogi Berra was "Baseball is 90% mental the other half is physical." Between the weather, the climbs, the almost was and could have beens on stalks, the time away from family, and the strain of trying to kill an animal that lives at the top of the world can be tough. Just don't quit. Tell yourself you won't and you won't. If you never quit, you won't know you can. It was tough mentally to stay in the game.
Ok so I landed in Calgary and got picked up the following day by my guide Troy. We visited as we drove the 3 hours to Golden BC and prepared for the next 10 days. He puts his hunters up in a B&B with great breakfasts and suppers when not camping on the mountain. Lucky or unlucky the weather sucked! We couldn't go out with the horses and our one attempt at a biovac was snowed out.
Day 1: hiked in 2 hours and found our first goat high on a ledge looking down like some Olympic god on us mere mortals. We decided it wasn't reachable so we hiked to the next valley and found 4 more, nannies and kids. Two more slides later and we had found 2 billies way up high. We marked those for later. At the end of the day we had covered 10 miles and glassed to our eyeballs hurt...at least mine did.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150910_122039.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150910_122039.jpg.html)
On the walk out we saw a bull elk, a few grouse, and a black bear. I ate all kinds of berries on the walk: huckleberries, raspberries, and a few Saskatoon berries. That first day...man I had some high hopes!
Day 2: socked in
Basically it was a sucky day! Rain, fog, zero visibility. You couldn't see your hand in front of your face anywhere near a mountain. We tried glassing all the peaks. Nothing! I did have a bird tag and hares were open. So I did what I do: improvise! At the end of the day I had enough for a gumbo! I borrowed a little goat from our host to make it with all the local proteins that I'd be hunting :)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_173113.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_173113.jpg.html)
*Proteins
Wasn't too shabby! Turned out some French bread and rice to give them a little southern cooking.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_192251.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_192251.jpg.html)
Day 3: What a day! It started with a drive up the mountain and seeing a heavy six point bull elk with cows. He was bugling his way up the mountain. Spitting snow as we made our way to the Bush. We were to hike into a saddle to glass. Troy knew of a pinch point perfect for my weapon, "Sharlene". She is a Wessel creation 3 piece longbow that has been with me for several years. Halfway up the climb it began to snow. We contemplated turning back but decided to press ahead. After a few slips and downright determination not to look down I managed to make it up the mountain.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_134947.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_134947.jpg.html)
*Flatlander Blues
As soon as we topped out I strung my bow and started shedding wet layers. Almost immediately Troy says "Grizzly bear right here" I looked up to see a giant boar 15 yards away stand up, woof, and run off. Sharlene was no use and we had stowed the bear mace to climb. Luckily he didn't want us!
After all that we glassed up the surrounding mountains. We found a group of nannies and kids, 8 total. Any group with kids is off limits so we tried finding more but the weather continued to be a mess. We bailed after deciding we were alone except for the grizz who came back further down to give us another smell. We walked out and I found out my rain gear sucked. Troy had some KUIU rain gear that kept him dry. My Cabelas stuff...not so much!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_153239-1.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_153239-1.jpg.html)
Day 4: socked again! Troy and I are frustrated but can do nothing about the low ceiling. We drove and glassed everything we could. A few short hikes to glass Avalanche chutes were fruitless. We did stumble onto a Ma grizz and her fat 2 year old cub. They were hammering huckleberries in a logged area. It made me a little nervous to hike a trail near them as she looked like a thin girl that might be temperamental. Troy was less nervous about her but mentioned the cub might be a handful. It rained like hell that day! I still stalked some road chickens (spruce grouse) and did some damage :)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_090428-1.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_090428-1.jpg.html)
*Couple spruce grouse
At the end of the day it was just us versus the weather. You can't hunt goats if you can't see them. It wasn't smart to climb for the heck of it, so I saved my legs for another day. Boy was it coming!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_105129-1-1.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150904_105129-1-1.jpg.html)
*Ma grizz
I'm in for the story! I saw some pics on FB and can't wait to hear the rest of the hunt!
Day 5: A haunting
The weather again plagues us. A rainy mix as we head up a pass on foot. An hour into a glass in session and Troy thinks he sees white. I glass with my ELs and think it is a rock. He puts the scope on this mystery white object and reveals a Billy. Just like that we have something to stalk! I grabbed my pack and got moving.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_111918.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150903_111918.jpg.html)
*Sharlene ready in the pack
We had to swing a mile wide and start climbing into the timber. The hope was to climb above him and find a passage in the fog so that I could put a move on him. It was a very hard climb for me through the logs, moss and pine needles that were wet and slippery. 2 hours later and Troy and I crossed the small slide that was parallel to him. 3 hours after first spotting him and we stood there 150 yards above a beautiful billy!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150905_154458.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150905_154458.jpg.html)
Oh man.... :campfire:
too cool, Mike!!
Getting good!
Keep it coming! Those vistas are amazing!
Wow... a hunt of a lifetime mate!
:jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :archer2:
You done well, close to that many griz and still typin!! :D
Patiently waiting for the next installment!! :bigsmyl:
:campfire:
I made my way down to the only cover I could find and tried to tilt the wind in my favor. The billy was just doing billy stuff: mainly peeing on everything and pawing the ground making a bedding pit.
I moved when he was distracted and at one time he stood with his butt to me I actually stood instead of crabbing. That's when he elected to do a 180 and almost catch me. Maybe he did as he stared for quite a long time and seemed not so sure. I was in an unsteady spot and tried to make contact.
Finally he relaxed and walked parallel to me. By this time I was back to my knees. I picked a spot, Drew and dropped the string. To my horror I got into my rain jacket and watched my arrow sail over his back into the space beyond. I was sick. I tried making another move on him but the footing was awful...I slipped and Sharlene was almost lost forever. My arrow did slide away and it took some crabbing to get out of that bad spot. I saluted him as he hung to the rock wall in the fog, looking like a specter in the fading light. I made my way back up with tears and a smile if that makes sense. I knew it was only day 5 but realized I had lost an excellent chance.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150905_170157_1.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150905_170157_1.jpg.html)
*Can you spot the ghost?
I have tears in my eyes just imagining that arrow sail high, but I suspect another one flew true.
Been there myself bud, just not woth goats. Easy how the emotions flow on some of our adventures. Go Team Yeti!!
great story, its always the story and not the kill that matters and you have a great story.
What a great story so far, keep it coming. When done would you let us know what rain gear you would have taken if you could? Best of luck to you.
The walk out was tough. Cold, wet, heartbroken, but still determined. A coach once told me I didn't have a lick of talent, but I out worked everyone else. I just told myself I had to outwork 'em. I felt bad for my guide as he walked the miles with me and that arrow kept both of us from our families. To make it just a little more fun this is what was in our boot tracks going out :)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/Mobile%20Uploads/20150907_150310.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150907_150310.jpg.html)
Sometime during our climb up a nice sized griz had walked our our trail. I told myself to just keep walking. I was glad to see the trailhead to the truck 3 miles later. To say it was rough sleep was an understatement.
Days 6,7,8: Beat up but not beat down
Rain, snow, low ceiling: all the things a goat hunter hates. The precip causes flatlanders to slip. A low ceiling causes guides and hunters to go nuts not being able to glass. We basically spent the three days walking into different valleys and glassing. Mainly we were walking getting wet and just dealing with the conditions. Tough on both of us as the time clicked away. Truthfully though I was in good spirits. How could you not just love the mountains? I kept smiling, kept my feet moving and soaking up the goat experience.
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Day 9: still raining, still dreaming
We hiked into the area I had missed the goat, 3 miles in to glass. I wanted lightening to strike twice as he was not buggered up. He couldn't even see me in that soup. Unfortunately it was an empty slide. We covered a couple more miles and found a young billy in a good spot. Just like that it was on! We had to climb some crappy slick stuff. Once again I found that my rain gear wasn't all that hot. Everything was wet even though the rain was just a mist.
We climbed and climbed and I took a couple of spills. You'd figure my size 14s would give me a little stability. No, not really. We finally had a stalk plan. I love to look at the route and wind and try it. It is my favorite thing! As it was, it wasn't a long stalk. I came out below him as he had moved higher during the hour we had lost saw him. Busted...he did the vanishing goat thing, climbed 300 vertical and dared us. We slunk out with our tail between our legs. The walk out took a little longer, my shoulders were starting to slump, but Troy kept me laughing. He reminded me I was a sneaky bast***, and that I was going to get a chance. The problem was I was to get on a plane tomorrow. My time was up...until I called my wife. She assured me that she wasn't leaving me, and that my honey-do list could wait 24 hours. I slept good, pleased that we'd have good weather tomorrow for the first time all week.
I'm on the edge now too...and?
Keep it flowing man!
WOW! What an adventure. Sorry I haven't been able to keep up with all the good threads on this site. But I do have a piece of advice for anybody that's gonna be riding a horse on a hunting trip and doesn't have access to horse. Ride a bicycle. You sit on the same muscles and it will toughen them up. Can't wait for the rest.
Day 10: Last Day
I awoke with a spring in my step. I felt, I don't know, right. Breakfast was filled with hope. I just knew something cool was going to happen. We elected to give the billy from the day before a look and walked way back in there again. For once we had a clear look at the mountains. The temps were 60, 60 bleeping degrees after a week of freezing and initial stages of hypothermia.
When we got there to the basin we glassed up a large group of nannies and kids. No billys. It was kind of deflating. Then he popped up, right where we needed him. Young billy but definitely worth a climb. Off we went, 2500 vertical through some steep slides and a few glacier fed seeps. It was slow going, taking about 2 hours. We tried the end around in full view of the nannies and kids. They were safe on the cliffs and just looked at us strange, we little bipeds with low V02 max and inefficient hearts.
After easing ahead I spotted our goat, not where it was supposed to be bedded, but a couple hundred away. I eased in to close leaving my pack but taking my arrows. I had little cover and new it was a gamble. I tried it for the heck of it, really as our options were nothing. As I got to about 50 yards, the cover was up. The young billy was looking smaller, I had a weird feeling like this wasn't my goat. Matter of fact, it was looking like a young nanny. Conflict, uncertainty as I just laid there on the side of the mountain watching a perfectly good goat that I didn't really want to kill.
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Nanny? Hell I still don't know. Too young to tell.
Wow really sounds like a great trip, love the story.
Time kind of drug on and I decided not to shoot but close some distance if I could. I started crawling when he/she laid down. The darn black flies were wearing both us out. She would flick her ears and I would curse them like a sailor as I couldn't move. At some point she got up and stared me down as I had moved into the red zone of sorts, say 35 yards.
She walked off a little and I was on the fence as to follow. I sat up to one knee and pinched a black fly sadistically and caught a slight noise above. Someone had kicked a rock, and as I turned here was a billy, a young but good billy taking a walk right down central. Before I knew it he was into range and I let it rip. A no-doubter in my mind. I looked back a Troy with wide eyes. I might have said a bad word in shock, I don't know.
It happened so fast and he covered so much distance before I could stand. He did what goats do when trouble starts: they climb. He was out of sight before I knew it. We didn't have much sign and no arrow. Time was running out as we had an hour plus to go before dark and we still had some real nasty stuff to climb out of. We figured we had an hour to get the goat found, butchered and out. We walked and glassed some to try and find him and picked up a few drops of blood. We finally climbed onto and bench and saw white.
I walked up on my billy and became the first person to lay hands on him. I was happy as I have ever been and thanked God out loud. I mean look around...how could you not believe with majesty such as this all around.
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We had to work fast knowing there were some bad spots just to get to the valley floor, not to mention the bloody walk 4 miles to the truck. The photos were rushed, and we worked as a team quartering him. As always the heart was buried by me nearby and I had a moment to thank him for the life to feed my family. I deboned everything and took the liver as well as a gift for Troy's dad. We were loaded heavy but happy heading down the mountain.
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*Loaded with my billy, Sharlene riding close
We made it out to the valley just as we needed our headlamps and made the long trek to the truck. A happy walk with a friend, talking about hunts to come. I will be back to this part of the world to hunt again, goats again maybe. Bears for sure.
I made my flight the next day on 9/11. I thought about the freedoms we have. How a man can go to another country and hunt, travel home safely to his family and enjoy the freedoms of our republic. I am blessed, we all are.
So today my family and I cleaned up our meat, canned some and froze some. That animal that 72 hours ago that made me so happy (and maybe a little sad) is now going to feed my hungry family for many meals.
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Tonight we had braised backstrap and talked of wild animals that live in cliffs and look down on us from above. All is right in the world.
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What a great hunt and story telling! Glad you had a great hunt and ended with a fine trophy, congrats!!! Now good luck this deer season!
Congrats!!
You know a good story teller when he can spin a tale of which you already know the ending, yet he still has you on the edge of your seat.
Great job my friend, great job!!!
Awesome all the way around.....Thanks for sharing!
Way to go Mike, great hunt! Congratulations.
Mike you are the man.....What a great experience and story.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
:clapper: :clapper:
Extremely happy for you! That photo of you, your billy and the mountain tops has to rank as one of the best photo's I have ever seen.
Thanks for telling such a great story.
Regards,
Gary
Congrats Mike, very well earned....great story, pictures and end result....
wow, I missed my goat hunt this year...
Well told with great pictures! Thanks.
An epic adventure for sure. thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for sharing and congrats on a great trophy!
Mike, thank you for taking us along. What a ride it must have been in person. I am a touch jealous but thankful that you were successful in your quest and that you shared it here.
Chris
Incredible. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.
Dan in KS
Tenacious! Great hunt.
What a great story mike and CONGRATS on a job WELL DONE That's a dream hunt for sure and the pictures are among the nicest country I have ever seen...THXS AGAIN BROTHER!! :clapper:
Man that was awesome....you tell a good story and the pixs are fantastic.....CONGRATS!!!!!
Great story Mike.Just checked back on the P.M. I sent you before the trip."With your dedication success is sure to follow" Very happy for you Mike.Enjoy your deserved outcome.Kip
Congrats!! Well done
This is so awesome.
Congrats
Outstanding, just absolutely outstanding ! Great story from the prehunting beginning to the final day. Congratulations Mike
That was amazing, Thanks
Well done Mike!!!!
Great stuff. Way to hang in there until the end!
Man, this is awesome! Thanks for taking us along with you. Well told story for sure, congrats!
Mike you are the man, what a hunt. You had it all and came through like a true champion. Are you going to do a life size mount?
Never a doubt!
Way cool Big Mike!!!!
Great story. Congrats.
Great Story! Thanks!
A great story as always, well writtten , made me feel like I was looking over your shoulder.
Congrats on a well deserved , hard earned trophy..
What an amazing hunt! Congrats.
Wow Mike... wow.
Well done on a super hunt mate!!
awesome.... Congratulations.
Congratulations, Mike. I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to tag along on this thread.
homebru
Congrats! What a great hunt, thanks for the story.
Well done my friend, well done.
D.P.
Excellent !
Keep coming back to this thread. What you gonna do with him old man? Full body mount or shoulder? They are awesome animals.
Thanks for taking us along on the adventure of a lifetime. Lousy weather, grizzlies, a missed opportunity, and last day success in awesome country. You won't be forgetting this little trip for a while! Awesome!
Thanks everyone! I will do a shoulder mount and make the feet into a bow rack. The back half of the Cape will be soft tanned for my wife. The NEXT goat will be a full body. I am doing this hunt again in a couple of years with a bigger billy in mind. Thanks for all the nice comments my friends!
Great Job Mike!
Like someone else said "Never a doubt"
Simply Fantastic :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Fantastic story Mike, and a well deserved (read that as EARNED) trophy. Congratulations.
Awesome story and pics as usual, congratulations!
Wow. Congrates and a Big thank you for taking us along. Enjoyed this adventure very much. Jeff
Phenomenal, a heatfelt congratulations
Congratulations Mike awesome Billy!!!
Ha!! I'm thinking the tellin' of this hunting story has as much ups and downs as the hunting ground!
All that cooking has started some rumbling locally, hmm.. 7:30 p.m. Ah well, definitely a 'food for the soul' sort of story.
I dare say, 'You done good'. :)
Nick
Incredible hunting story! That was just fantastic! Congratulations on your hard earned success! :clapper:
Bernie
I enjoyed your pics (truly beautiful country)and the great read, congrats on an excellent trophy!
WOW Mike!! Congratulations....what a fantastic hunt. Joe.
Wowser, Mike!
That is an absolutely awesome story of an absolutely awesome hunt!
A big CONGRATS, my friend!!!
Bisch
Awesome!!!
Mike,
I'm really late finding this story...somehow I never spotted this thread until today. Really inspiring stuff, considering the terrain and your determination to see it through. That's one terrific accomplishment...and a beautiful memory for a lifetime. All the best for doing it the hard way! KD
in awe of this story... :notworthy:
Congrats!!!
And that...is what is so special about this place...a truly great hunt, story, and accomplishment by a humble man...who earned it the whole way.
Wow. WELL done sir. Now I have to read it all again...
One of the Best threads I've read in a while! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you all for the kind comments. I have had time to reflect and heal up some. My hunt was something I will always cherish, and feel in my heart as the hardest thing I have ever done. I think any hunt like this gives you confidence: in life, in the field, in yourself.
I think back at the events as I sit here in flat So. IL and I tell myself that I really did this. You guys can too! Life is too short to dance with ugly women. Get some of these hunts in your system. You will never be disappointed!