Mountain goat conflict reduction

[bowhunterforever]

I am a disabled hunter and cant walk long distances or in to nasty of terrain. I was wondering if the mountain goats in conflict reduction area come near any roads or do you have walk way in to get to them. I have no idea about that area so any input would help. I dont wanna waste my time trying to draw a tag that if I drew wouldn't be able to hunt or get to the goats. thanks

[jackelope]

There are a couple threads about these hunts and as I recall, they're all in real rugged/remote country.
@Katmai Guy
I think Katmai Guy has some knowledge of the specific areas.

[JimmyHoffa]

Not really any roads to them.  A couple of the trails aren't overly difficult, but nowhere near easy.

[fishngamereaper]

Those goats live in nasty country. No roads, very few trails.

[sagerat]

Those goats live in nasty country. No roads, very few trails.

Is there really that much "conflict" then? I don't get it.

[singleshot12]

Those goats live in nasty country. No roads, very few trails.

Is there really that much "conflict" then? I don't get it.

 

[Dan-o]

There are some goats that hang near hiking trails - hence the conflict.   

But they are not near roads. Som$e hikers get way in there.   

Not an easy hunt. 

That is the truth based on my experience there. 

[Bob33]

It's a very large area, with lots of access points and trails and is heavily hiked. The goats tend to stay access from access points.

[fishngamereaper]

The conflict was cause some guy got killed on hurricane ridge in 2010. 2014 they decided to try and make the goats fear humans, thus the conflict tags. A few goats wander the high traffic trails, but most stay up high in the rocks. The Olympics are steep and deep without much terrain relief. Most of the conflict now is when tree huggers cross paths with tag holder's.

[bearpaw]

At least a few more hunters are getting a chance to hunt goats! Are any of those trails accessible with horses, is that an option for bowhunterforever?

[Bob33]

Here are some representative hikes in the area.


https://rootsrated.com/stories/5-amazing-high-alpine-lakes-to-explore-in-olympic-national-park


Full of marmots, mountain goats, and awe-inspiring views, Lake of the Angels is a must hike.

Be aware that there are mountain goats in the area that are known to be aggressive.

Mountain goats circle the lake, marmots whistle in the rocks, and life feels perfect.

[Katmai Guy]

I can't speak to the brothers area of the unit but was drawn for the mt washington hunt in 2014 and spent 4 consecutive weekends trying to get onto mt Pershing where the bios said the goats were.  It was all bushwacking and I never made it.  Went up the mt ellinor trail which is only a mile and a half long but gains, if I remember correctly, about 3000' in that distance so it's fairly short but not easy.  Not clear what the OPs limitations are, but I feel you need to be in good physical condition to be successful.  Not sure what horses are able to do so can't say if trails would be rideable.

[JimmyHoffa]

At least a few more hunters are getting a chance to hunt goats! Are any of those trails accessible with horses, is that an option for bowhunterforever?

Yes a few of the areas would no problem with horses.  Backcountry horsemen ride through a couple passes regularly.  I've seen goats right in the pass.

[Katmai Guy]

JH, is that in the northern portion of the unit?

[JimmyHoffa]

yes, see them around Buckhorn and Marmot Pass.  They like to feed in between Charlia Lakes up to Iron Mt/Hawk Peak and back to the lakes.  Big downside is how many hikers are tromping through there.