goat question

[kkc66]

what is the easiest goat  unit to hunt  goat in if your big guy If I draw ? I was a lot smaller 20 years ago when i stated to put in for a goat tag 

[Karl Blanchard]

This is something that people don't like to talk about but kind of needs talked about. I think so many guys aren't honest with themselves about their physical abilities. At some point people need to call it on applying for these type of hunts (not saying you specifically kk, just a general statement). These are very special hunts. Hunts 99.9% of us will never hunt in our lifetimes, so I urge everyone to self reflect on their own capabilities and if you think you can tackle it go for it and if you are lucky enough to draw, do the tag the justice they deserve. Put in the work. Shoot, get in shape, and scout. And if need be solicite help from others.

I'd be willing to bet a decent percentage of applicants have no business applying for goat tags from a physical stand point. I'm not familiar with any of the northern goat units but as for the yakima area they are all pretty darn physical. I wouldn't put any one easier than the others.

[2MANY]

I would apply in a unit that you can hire an outfitter in.
Have said guide haul your a$$ up to a tent on a horse and then walk a ridge.
Just my 2 cents.

[Karl Blanchard]

I would apply in a unit that you can hire an outfitter in.
Have said guide haul your a$$ up to a tent on a horse and then walk a ridge.
Just my 2 cents.

agreed. Probably should have added "be willing to pay up" to my list of do whatever it takes to honor the opportunity 

[brocka]

This is something that people don't like to talk about but kind of needs talked about. I think so many guys aren't honest with themselves about their physical abilities. At some point people need to call it on applying for these type of hunts (not saying you specifically kk, just a general statement). These are very special hunts. Hunts 99.9% of us will never hunt in our lifetimes, so I urge everyone to self reflect on their own capabilities and if you think you can tackle it go for it and if you are lucky enough to draw, do the tag the justice they deserve. Put in the work. Shoot, get in shape, and scout. And if need be solicite help from others.

I'd be willing to bet a decent percentage of applicants have no business applying for goat tags from a physical stand point. I'm not familiar with any of the northern goat units but as for the yakima area they are all pretty darn physical. I wouldn't put any one easier than the others.

Man, this sure is the truth. I know of guy that had a Yakima area tag a couple years ago, drove up to his hunt area and basically said "no way". Luckily a buddy wouldn't let him do that and they killed a goat. It would have been a wasted tag had it not been for a generous hunter.

[fishngamereaper]

Goats and easy aren't used in the same sentence..

Roll the dice on a unit. If you draw you have 4-5 months to get in goat shape..

Good thing is you have so low a chance at drawing that it's probably a non issue..I know...cold hearted..

I'm just bitter for 25 year's of not selected... :'(

[hunterednate]

This is something that people don't like to talk about but kind of needs talked about. I think so many guys aren't honest with themselves about their physical abilities. At some point people need to call it on applying for these type of hunts (not saying you specifically kk, just a general statement). These are very special hunts. Hunts 99.9% of us will never hunt in our lifetimes, so I urge everyone to self reflect on their own capabilities and if you think you can tackle it go for it and if you are lucky enough to draw, do the tag the justice they deserve. Put in the work. Shoot, get in shape, and scout. And if need be solicite help from others.

I'd be willing to bet a decent percentage of applicants have no business applying for goat tags from a physical stand point. I'm not familiar with any of the northern goat units but as for the yakima area they are all pretty darn physical. I wouldn't put any one easier than the others.

x2 on this. I drew the Mt. Margaret tag in 2019 and it pushed me to my physical/mental limit. And I was 31 and regular workouts plus intensive mountain-specific training for four months leading up to the hunt! Would definitely not apply for a tag if long hikes/carrying loads/climbing aren't in your capability range right now. An outfitter might make it doable if there are goats accessible by horse and your guide can do the recovery/packing for you.

[RB]

Boulder River North would be my guess. Drew the tag in 2016, walked the trail to Goat Flats on Three fingers and shot a near nine inch Billy. Having a trail to work from really helps! I did spent a few months dieting and stair climbing so that helped. I was 47 at the time and it really kicked my ass, even after working out. I did it solo and it took nine hours to get back to my truck on the pack out. Had to drop equipment halfway was just too much, my pack was over 100 pounds, and I was hand carrying a bag of stuff that would not fit on, or in my pack.

Biggest thing I would do different is spend more on a bigger pack, and use walking sticks. When I went back a couple days later to retrieve my gear I brought them along and was a huge improvement getting up the trail. 

[Meow]

Start eating right and exercising now. Even if you don't draw you'll be in better shape for next year, and for the tags that you do have this year.

I've seen a good amount of mountain goats over the years, and none have been in areas that are particularly easy to get to, particularly if you're in poor condition and are carrying the gear necessary for even a day hunt, let alone a backpack hunt. Sure, some have been near or even on popular hiking trails (the goats are attracted to bodily fluids), but they have all entailed considerable elevation gain.

If you're not in excellent condition you need to start the season as early as possible, when it's possible to get to the trailheads closest to the areas the goats hang out, and when travel will be as easy as possible (e.g. on dry ground).

[teanawayslayer]

No such thing as an easy goat hunt. If your coming here asking this question it would be a no brainer. Don’t apply

[jackelope]

Boulder River North would be my guess. Drew the tag in 2016, walked the trail to Goat Flats on Three fingers and shot a near nine inch Billy. Having a trail to work from really helps! I did spent a few months dieting and stair climbing so that helped. I was 47 at the time and it really kicked my ass, even after working out. I did it solo and it took nine hours to get back to my truck on the pack out. Had to drop equipment halfway was just too much, my pack was over 100 pounds, and I was hand carrying a bag of stuff that would not fit on, or in my pack.

Biggest thing I would do different is spend more on a bigger pack, and use walking sticks. When I went back a couple days later to retrieve my gear I brought them along and was a huge improvement getting up the trail. 

I think I heard there was a newer washout on the road in that adds several miles to the trek in.

@addicted

[Jpmiller]

Blazed ridge but you'll need the auction or the raffle tag.

[Chukarhead]

Chasing goats was the most physically demanding and mentally exhausting experience of my life.  I made my piece with the potential for dying a swift death (gravity, rock) on day one.  The next six days didn't get any easier.  It's one thing to look at them from steady footing, it's another to actually get to the business of hunting them.  I thought I was really, really ready...I wasn't.  If you think you aren't ready...you really aren't.

[hunterednate]

Chasing goats was the most physically demanding and mentally exhausting experience of my life.  I made my piece with the potential for dying a swift death (gravity, rock) on day one.  The next six days didn't get any easier.  It's one thing to look at them from steady footing, it's another to actually get to the business of hunting them.  I thought I was really, really ready...I wasn't.  If you think you aren't ready...you really aren't.

Have you made a post about your hunt? If so, I'd love to read it! Sounds like quite the adventure.

[Ridgerunner]

I hope alot of the high point holders will start dropping out as they realize they wont be able to handle the rigors of a  goat hunt in this state.  None of them are easy.