Goat unit accessibility

[sagerat]

Pondering goat unit choices and find myself struggling as usual. If I ever draw it will be diy. I know what goat country looks like but I’m wondering if there are some units that are more extreme than others. I’m especially considering the Baker units but not set on it. Any thoughts? I’d love to hear it.

[jackelope]

Baker is definitely no joke. I think the St Helens and Margaret permits will be in some rugged country. There was some real tough country in the Goat Rocks, I think I got pretty lucky where mine was. There's the whole rugged terrain thing to worry about, but there's also snow and weather concerns to consider as well.

[PlateauNDN]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

[X-Force]

Not having a lot of direct knowledge of the units i would say that Olympics and Boulder River have potentially the most difficult access to goats. But all goat units are going to be 2-5 miles (maybe more) to get into goat habitat/units. Getting into the units by trail is different than getting to where the goats are all goat habitat is big and rugged.

I agree with Jackelope that St. Helens may have easier to access units.

[outdooraddict]

i can tell you this, north chelan is not easy either, very steep if your coming off the lake

[Ridgerunner]

I don't think many goats are found in easy to negotiate terrain IMO.  It's often worse than sheep country, I do think that the bumping unit has some of the more mild goat terrain in the state but anytime you are on the peaks and dealing with cliffs, avalanche shoots, you are bound to get into some sketchy stuff, especially when you watch where the goats can go. 

[trophyhunt]

Baker is definitely no joke. I think the St Helens and Margaret permits will be in some rugged country. There was some real tough country in the Goat Rocks, I think I got pretty lucky where mine was. There's the whole rugged terrain thing to worry about, but there's also snow and weather concerns to consider as well.

I love how you stuck with waiting longer in the season to get a better hide, and then the clouds parted just enough for you to go get your goat!  I think it should be mandatory that you post a pic of your billy every time you post on goat threads!!! 😁

[7mmfan]

Baker is definitely no joke. I think the St Helens and Margaret permits will be in some rugged country. There was some real tough country in the Goat Rocks, I think I got pretty lucky where mine was. There's the whole rugged terrain thing to worry about, but there's also snow and weather concerns to consider as well.

I love how you stuck with waiting longer in the season to get a better hide, and then the clouds parted just enough for you to go get your goat!  I think it should be mandatory that you post a pic of your billy every time you post on goat threads!!! 😁

I thought it was a requirement for all professional goat hunters to show their goats every chance they got anyway? Throw that baby up!

[jackelope]

 

[7mmfan]

And there you have it. Better bring your jet pack.

[jackelope]

And there you have it. Better bring your jet pack.

It's amazing. Once I lost the skirt, I could find the path to get to him.

[trophyhunt]

And there you have it. Better bring your jet pack.

  love it Josh, wow!

[jackelope]

It's not nearly as bad when you're over there. You pick your way through it and get where you need to get.
That pic was taken a really long ways away by Rainier10, then I zoomed in on it and took a screen shot of it.

[7mmfan]

I believe that. If you slow down, take your time and pick your path, you can go a lot of places.

[jackelope]

Don't get me wrong. I was pretty frickin terrified a lot of the time. Not trying to sound like a macho tough guy here.

[Bill W]

I drew 20 years ago and some of the billies we spotted were in hanging valleys.  No way to get to them expect with a helicopter and a net to catch them as they rolled off.   I felt the area we drew had some of the nastiest (steepest) terrain in the state.  My buddy shot a big billy.  I didn't see a shooter.

One we did spot and I was waiting for him to come out to play would have required either a rappel down an ice wall or a drive up thru Sumas and then down Chilliwack and then some logging roads to the goat.  It was right next to the border.

[PlateauNDN]

Slow and steady wins the race.

[shanevg]

I drew 20 years ago and some of the billies we spotted were in hanging valleys.  No way to get to them expect with a helicopter and a net to catch them as they rolled off.   I felt the area we drew had some of the nastiest (steepest) terrain in the state.  My buddy shot a big billy.  I didn't see a shooter.

One we did spot and I was waiting for him to come out to play would have required either a rappel down an ice wall or a drive up thru Sumas and then down Chilliwack and then some logging roads to the goat.  It was right next to the border.

That unit is gnarly!!!

[Rainier10]

It's not nearly as bad when you're over there. You pick your way through it and get where you need to get.
That pic was taken a really long ways away by Rainier10, then I zoomed in on it and took a screen shot of it.

I love that pic.  It was first thing in the morning and I was so excited to be on a goat hunt I am not sure I was thinking straight.  I know I talked you into going over there but everytime I look at that pic I think to myself, "Josh had every right to not want to go over there.  I am not sure why I thought we could."

I did know we had to try.  Luckily it worked.  The first part of "the path" on the way back with heavy packs was more than a little sketchy.

It really makes me think hard about what I will do when "I draw a tag long before I am due."

I think access on a good day is difficult.  The weather really adds an uncontrollable variable to it.  You can train and scout but if it's foggy or snowed in you are done, season over.

Unless for some unknown reason it warms up, rains for a week straight, melts two feet of snow and then turns to bluebird skies on a weekend that you invite some optimistic "Mr. positive" type of guy that you met on the internet to go try one last time. 

[bowhunterforever]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Im looking for more easy accessible units cause Im disabled. Defenitly open to any sugestions?

[X-Force]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Im looking for more easy accessible units cause Im disabled. Defenitly open to any sugestions?

I believe there are a couple pictures of guys getting goats off of Rimrock lake later in the season. (goat rocks east)

If access and mobility is an issue you may want to put in for the raffle because there are more units available than in the permit units and blaze ridge has goats you can almost drive up to.

[jackelope]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Im looking for more easy accessible units cause Im disabled. Defenitly open to any sugestions?

I believe there are a couple pictures of guys getting goats off of Rimrock lake later in the season. (goat rocks east)

If access and mobility is an issue you may want to put in for the raffle because there are more units available than in the permit units and blaze ridge has goats you can almost drive up to.

If it's the pics I'm thinking of, the hunter found the goat from a boat on Walupt Lake, hiked up to him, shot him and brought him out in the boat. I was told goats are occasionally seen from the lake if there's weather to push them down. This lake would be in the new west part of the hunt area. I thought it was Rimrock too.

[Rainier10]

Certainly not a goat expert but I would think that as a disabled hunter if you were not trying to get a goat close to winter so the hair is better that you could access the areas a little better with good weather and be able to get to a shooting spot.  I am not sure you would be able to get to where the goat dies but your hunting party should be able to.

Even with good weather it wouldn't be easy by any means but you would take some of the weather factor out of it.  Fog could still be an issue.

I told Josh if I drew I would have to seriously consider having someone pack me in on horses and set up a wall tent camp for 7-10 days.  That would keep me in the goat area and give me the best shot at having a few good weather days to get it done without having to go all the way up and down the mountain every weekend or couple of days.

[sagerat]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Wow, this one really took off! A lot of good goat bs but I was hoping for more first hand knowledge of specific units. I’m definitely not disabled and am quite aware there are no easy goats. I’m well prepared for a backpack hunt deep into the unit but am not a mountain climber.  That being said, I’ve seen a lot of goats in my travels. Most of them where they don’t offer permits. Some of those goats are in country not fit for man nor beast while others are in more hunter friendly haunts. Thanks for the advice given though.

[jackelope]

@Jackjr

[PlateauNDN]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Wow, this one really took off! A lot of good goat bs but I was hoping for more first hand knowledge of specific units. I’m definitely not disabled and am quite aware there are no easy goats. I’m well prepared for a backpack hunt deep into the unit but am not a mountain climber.  That being said, I’ve seen a lot of goats in my travels. Most of them where they don’t offer permits. Some of those goats are in country not fit for man nor beast while others are in more hunter friendly haunts. Thanks for the advice given though.

I've drawn twice and filled once so I'd say I've got goat experience.    again, are you looking for an accessible area with moderate terrain or backcountry scaling towers of death to chase the white dragons?

I've chased them in all terrains.

[sagerat]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Wow, this one really took off! A lot of good goat bs but I was hoping for more first hand knowledge of specific units. I’m definitely not disabled and am quite aware there are no easy goats. I’m well prepared for a backpack hunt deep into the unit but am not a mountain climber.  That being said, I’ve seen a lot of goats in my travels. Most of them where they don’t offer permits. Some of those goats are in country not fit for man nor beast while others are in more hunter friendly haunts. Thanks for the advice given though.

I've drawn twice and filled once so I'd say I've got goat experience.    again, are you looking for an accessible area with moderate terrain or backcountry scaling towers of death to chase the white dragons?

I've chased them in all terrains.

I’m talking mountain goats. Not white dragons?

[PlateauNDN]

Are you looking for a rough and rugged live out of your pack hunt or are you looking for more easier accessible units?

Wow, this one really took off! A lot of good goat bs but I was hoping for more first hand knowledge of specific units. I’m definitely not disabled and am quite aware there are no easy goats. I’m well prepared for a backpack hunt deep into the unit but am not a mountain climber.  That being said, I’ve seen a lot of goats in my travels. Most of them where they don’t offer permits. Some of those goats are in country not fit for man nor beast while others are in more hunter friendly haunts. Thanks for the advice given though.

I've drawn twice and filled once so I'd say I've got goat experience.    again, are you looking for an accessible area with moderate terrain or backcountry scaling towers of death to chase the white dragons?

I've chased them in all terrains.

I’m talking mountain goats. Not white dragons?

In my 2 Mt Goat hunts I called them white dragons because they lived in places where wings were required, tallest peaks and only brave knights would venture to get them.

So, are you looking for moderate accessible terrain or sheer rock faces where the pucker factor is they the roof?

[Bob33]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

[sagerat]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

[Tbar]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

Put chowder first!

[Tbar]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

Another positive about your random application is that you will probably never have to worry about learning a unit.

[sagerat]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

Another positive about your random application is that you will probably never have to worry about learning a unit.

That’s true. So me not having wings or being a knight will never matter...

[time2hunt]

This is some of the goat rock area. If anyone of my friend or family draws we will pack in and set base camp for a least a week.  Once your close to the top you have miles of prime goat country to hunt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Crunchy]

I know that spot very well.  Good for elk also

[blacktailer]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

Put chowder first!

Good advice TBar 

[sagerat]

if I had doubts about my ability to hunt in steep, rocky country on foot 3 to 5 miles from a vehicle, I would do one of two things: (1) apply in an area that has outfitters who could take me in and out on horseback, or (2) choose not to apply.

It would be a shame to have a mountain goat permit that you couldn't do justice to.

That’s good advice. I’ll stop asking about units and just randomly apply.

Put chowder first!

Good advice TBar 

What makes Chowder better than Avalanche and Lincoln?

[520backyard]

Baker is definitely no joke. I think the St Helens and Margaret permits will be in some rugged country. There was some real tough country in the Goat Rocks, I think I got pretty lucky where mine was. There's the whole rugged terrain thing to worry about, but there's also snow and weather concerns to consider as well.

I love how you stuck with waiting longer in the season to get a better hide, and then the clouds parted just enough for you to go get your goat!  I think it should be mandatory that you post a pic of your billy every time you post on goat threads!!! 😁

Speaking of clouds parting, I drew with my partner and ended up getting mine alone as he couldn't make it that week. I went with him as he hunted for his the rest of the season to no avail as it was socked in for the rest of the season and that makes goat hunting almost impossible.

[RB]

Step one: Win the lottery of tag drawings (AKA drawing a Goat tag)

Step two: If it is for the Boulder River North follow the next few steps

A) Get to the trail head in picture

B) Hike to Goat flats

C) Glass rocks till you find the Goat you like

D) Hike to Goat shoot it

E) Pack out the next day and off to the taxidermist!

This is how my 2016 hunt went, the hardest part of getting a Goat is usually the tag. There has been some good advice in this thread so far and from some really experienced outdoorsman.

[sagerat]

Thanks RB that’s some solid advice. I’d love to have that experience. At least I can keep deer hunting goat country!

[addicted]

Hope the open the road before you draw it sagerat. It's only 17-18 miles on foot right now. 

[sagerat]

Hope the open the road before you draw it sagerat. It's only 17-18 miles on foot right now. 

Haa, no kidding! Doubt I ever draw but if I did I would access the unit from another direction. It’s a different ball game now than when RB drew that’s for sure. Still some huge billies up there though!