Post by: shanevg on July 20, 2021, 02:52:39 PM
God is good!!! :)
I'm absolutely in shock, but after more than a decade of applying for the raffle (more than two decades of applying in standard draw), I finally got the call yesterday that I'm the lucky tag holder of the 2021 Washington state mountain goat raffle ticket!
Ever since my dad took me backpacking into the Mt Baker wilderness when I was 8 years old to go look for mountain goats, it has been a dream of mine to get to hunt them in my backyard in the Mt Baker wilderness. I've always wanted the opportunity to hunt goats in WA and long ago started saving for the governor tag in hopes of someday purchasing it. But in the last 5-6 years, the cost of the governor tag has increased from $8k-$10k to $25k - $30k+ which was just way too expensive. When that happened, I decided to use my budget each year on raffle tickets and after years of doing so, it finally paid off!
Mt Baker goat country in my opinion offers some of the prettiest country in the world and I can't wait to spend my time there this fall!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Washington/i-3s8VddQ/0/db5b03a6/L/7-19%20PT%20106-1-L.jpg)
Needless to say, all my hunting plans I had for the year have been thrown out. I plan to devote 100% of my fall to goat hunting in WA in hopes of getting a goat that does the state and the units justice. I'll hunt deer/bear along the way in order to feel fill the freezer but my focus will be on finding a Booner billy, hopefully with my bow! I've spent years in this unit, always with the hope in the back of my mind that I'd some day have a tag of my own, it truly is surreal that it is finally happening. I know the genetic potential in this unit and fully intend to do this tag justice along the way.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Mountain-Goats/i-sSWx9RW/0/0e0c74b8/M/IMG_4295-2-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Mountain-Goats/i-JJsCgGS/0/e7ce8c70/M/IMG_6380-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Mountain-Goats/i-QMt2kq3/0/e5afaf3a/M/IMG_6316-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/TrailCam/Mountain-Goats/i-pF9FPfg/0/4d7bbe9a/M/PICT0027-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/TrailCam/Mountain-Goats/i-pJxSXf3/0/b61125b3/M/WGI_0061-M.jpg)
I will definitely be photographing/videoing this entire hunt. As time allows I hope to put together videos semi-live videos of each portion of the hunt to keep you all updated on my plans. With that said, probably the best place to stay up to date on my progress would be my Instragram page which is @lonegoatmedia
As stated earlier, my goal for this hunt is a Booner billy with my bow. With that said, I have a strong preference to shoot a goat in the snow and late in the season if possible. So I'll be hunting plenty in September and October with a bow in hand while also keeping my eye out for deer/bear to fill my freezer. If I see a goat that I feel is a true monster, then I'll absolutely consider going after it. Once November rolls around I'll start to get more serious about a goat. Still with the efforts of shooting a Booner with my bow. I'm very familiar with where these goats hang out come December and have absolutely no qualms about shooting a respectable billy with my rifle late in the year with a beautiful December coat. I refuse to let any pressure get to me on this hunt. This tag has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and I fully intend to enjoy every minute of the experience.
I definitely look forward to keeping you all looped in on the progress as the hunt progresses. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer as best I can.
Post by: shanevg on July 20, 2021, 02:52:47 PM
Post by: kselkhunter on July 20, 2021, 02:55:51 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 20, 2021, 02:56:47 PM
Post by: Big6bull on July 20, 2021, 02:57:26 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 20, 2021, 03:02:55 PM
Post by: Fatherof5 on July 20, 2021, 03:06:50 PM
Post by: Mfowl on July 20, 2021, 03:12:56 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on July 20, 2021, 03:22:14 PM
Awesome..
You know you'll have that moment when there's a booner blacktail in a slide below you, a 400lb blackie in the meadow in front of you and a 10" billy on the cliffs above you . Oh the horror.
Post by: jrebel on July 20, 2021, 03:28:42 PM
Post by: HikerHunter on July 20, 2021, 03:30:11 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 20, 2021, 03:40:05 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on July 20, 2021, 03:41:04 PM
Good luck and be safe.
Post by: shanevg on July 20, 2021, 03:53:36 PM
:tup:
Awesome..
You know you'll have that moment when there's a booner blacktail in a slide below you, a 400lb blackie in the meadow in front of you and a 10" billy on the cliffs above you . Oh the horror.
Sounds great to me! :) :chuckle:
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 20, 2021, 03:55:04 PM
Post by: time2hunt on July 20, 2021, 06:22:26 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: str8meat on July 20, 2021, 06:32:37 PM
Post by: Ironhead on July 20, 2021, 06:34:48 PM
What an adventure you have ahead of you!
Post by: Rainier10 on July 20, 2021, 06:36:34 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on July 20, 2021, 06:39:29 PM
CONGRATS!!!
Post by: HAGEMANIAC on July 20, 2021, 06:45:39 PM
Post by: X-Force on July 20, 2021, 07:04:30 PM
Congrats man!
Can’t wait to follow along.
Post by: bugs n bones on July 20, 2021, 07:08:52 PM
Post by: Alchase on July 20, 2021, 07:48:17 PM
You have shared some amazing photos with us over the years!
I truly can’t wait to see how much his hunt turns out.
Post by: Dan-o on July 20, 2021, 08:12:58 PM
I've seen your passion for goats on here.
Hard to think of someone who will appreciate it more. :tup: :tup:
Post by: Jpmiller on July 20, 2021, 08:18:17 PM
Post by: bearpaw on July 20, 2021, 08:25:05 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 20, 2021, 08:29:51 PM
You have payed it forward a ton and glad the luck of the draw has found you this year. Cant wait to see the photos and follow your journey!!!
Post by: duckmen1 on July 20, 2021, 08:30:55 PM
Post by: grundy53 on July 20, 2021, 08:32:25 PM
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Post by: hunter399 on July 20, 2021, 08:32:48 PM
Post by: BAR C3 on July 20, 2021, 08:35:31 PM
Enjoy every moment!
Post by: jowings22 on July 20, 2021, 08:37:12 PM
Post by: dr.derek on July 20, 2021, 08:51:11 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 20, 2021, 09:04:46 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on July 20, 2021, 10:12:43 PM
Post by: shootem on July 20, 2021, 10:20:22 PM
Post by: mburrows on July 20, 2021, 10:21:52 PM
Post by: MLBowhunting on July 20, 2021, 10:28:02 PM
Post by: RB on July 20, 2021, 10:39:46 PM
Post by: huntnnw on July 20, 2021, 11:25:04 PM
Post by: huntnphool on July 20, 2021, 11:33:53 PM
Post by: sagerat on July 21, 2021, 06:25:50 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 21, 2021, 06:31:06 AM
Post by: PacificNWhunter on July 21, 2021, 09:14:37 AM
Post by: 3nails on July 21, 2021, 10:02:59 AM
Post by: shanevg on July 21, 2021, 11:35:39 AM
Here's a goat my buddy and I watched all winter in 2015 that exemplifies what I'm looking for. Any goat experts out there willing to take a guess on measurements? (We have our guesses but I'd love to hear yours.)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K5Kd9tc/0/076277f8/L/i-K5Kd9tc-L.jpg)
Post by: Woodchuck on July 21, 2021, 11:44:57 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 21, 2021, 11:45:39 AM
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2021, 11:51:40 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 21, 2021, 11:59:38 AM
I’m going with 52”, an all time Booner regardless of how much over 50” he is.So how are you scoring it? never scored a goat before, how long do you think each horn is Josh?
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2021, 12:27:14 PM
I’m going with 52”, an all time Booner regardless of how much over 50” he is.So how are you scoring it? never scored a goat before, how long do you think each horn is Josh?
I'm scoring it by pulling numbers out of my hind quarters.
It's 2 length measurements and 4 mass measurements. There's no width measurements. I think he's 10.5" long and really I just pulled it out of my butt otherwise. There's only 3" between an average one and a big one so regardless, I won't be too far off :chuckle:
I'm 100% sure he's bigger than 50 B&C inches so he'll be all time book.
:dunno:
Some people use the ears as being 6" long or so but when they get old their ears are longer. You want that big long horse type face to them to be old. From the inner corner of the eye to the nose will be 9-10" on an older goat. When their bases look really close together, they've got big mass. Go from there.
Post by: trophyhunt on July 21, 2021, 12:30:51 PM
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2021, 12:32:57 PM
Sweet, you'll have to repeat that too me next year when I draw my goat tag! :chuckle:
47" is B&C record book. 50" gets you in the all time book.
He's big regardless and is a shooter anywhere if you ask me.
I can't call myself a goat expert. There are other legit goat experts here that will hopefully chime in.
Post by: luvmystang67 on July 21, 2021, 01:26:27 PM
Post by: hunterednate on July 21, 2021, 01:48:55 PM
I think the goat in the photo is 53"+. For reference, the goat in these photos scored 51 5/8" B&C net. 10 1/4" and 10 1/8" horns length.
Post by: b0bbyg on July 21, 2021, 02:03:26 PM
Post by: shanevg on July 21, 2021, 02:10:14 PM
I’m going with 52”, an all time Booner regardless of how much over 50” he is.
He's definitely over 50", I agree.
State record for WA is 52 6/8 from Whatcom County. What's really interesting when examining data is that Whatcom County goats are generally longer horned than other areas in the state but don't have as much mass.
The state record (Vanderhoek goat) scores 52 6/8 with 11 4/8 length and 5 1/8 bases.
Number 2 Whatcom County goat (Bullene goat) scores 52 4/8 with 11 3/8 length and 5 5/8 bases.
Number 3 (Hershey goat) is 52 2/8 with 10 6/8 length and 5 6/8 bases.
The shortest goat in top 10 Whatcom County (according to B&C) had 9 7/8 length/ 5 6/8 bases but carried it's mass exceptionally well. (52 0/8 final score.)
That aligns with what I've seen in my years watching goats up by Baker. We have a lot of really long horned goats - both nannies and billies.
This nanny may be pushing 12":
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Mountain-Goats/i-b5v6fbH/0/1b8c236b/M/IMG_2402-M.jpg)
This nanny may be pushing 11" - 11.5":
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Mountain-Goats/i-tn44nDV/0/b3984679/M/IMG_2401-M.jpg)
So what I'm looking for when I look at goats in this area is big body (the one I posted above was HUGE compared to his compatriots), big horse face, and then horns that still look really long compared to that face. Once you find that (and of course confirm it's a billy) you're looking at mass and how it carries. I don't think that goat I posted is absolutely massive but I would guess 5 4/8 and maybe slightly bigger. He also carries that mass really well into second and third measurements. We ballparked that goat at 11" length with 5 4/8" bases which would put him at 52"+. If he's just a bit longer or just a bit more massive, he could easily break 53".
For reference, here's what was once the archery record (until last week's P&Y convention) Wheeler goat which scores 53" with 11 2/8" length and 5 5/8" bases.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gx22X7X/0/15568fd0/L/i-gx22X7X-L.png)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-v53HPJh/0/593db796/L/i-v53HPJh-L.png)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HmrjLFm/0/ab87e7c8/M/i-HmrjLFm-M.jpg)
(I have pictures somewhere of the Vanderhoek state record goat that I'm trying to dig up. I'll post those at some point in the future for reference.)
Of course I'm always open to hearing what others have to say as well. Keep helping me! I'm putting together a folder of as many goat photos with confirmed scores as I can find so if anyone has photos with confirmed measurements, please either post up here or message me with that info! :)
Post by: rougheye on July 21, 2021, 02:30:28 PM
Post by: shanevg on July 21, 2021, 02:51:25 PM
50 4/8” officially scored net
Any base/length measurements?
Post by: rougheye on July 21, 2021, 04:10:14 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 21, 2021, 04:26:59 PM
Post by: rougheye on July 21, 2021, 05:27:04 PM
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2021, 08:14:19 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/e1646a4e06db0480fc8ec27cd1faa818.jpeg)
45 7/8. 9”x9”
Not sure if you want “average” billies in your file but don’t shoot one like this on baker.
Crazy how small a difference there is between an average Billy and a giant.
Post by: Tbar on July 21, 2021, 09:07:40 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/e3bf1eb4f794bc3e4eaa25d655e91a08.jpg)First that's not an "average" Billy. It's a great mature Billy that anyone should be proud of. Different mountains grow better animals and genetic variances have an effect as well. You won't see raffle or auction tag holders hunting certain units. Congrats on you goat and you are absolutely right. I spent over an hour trying to break down a first second shooter. It's crazy how they seem to grow and shrink in the spotter. Big nannies will play tricks on you mentally as well. Congrats on the tag Shane!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/e1646a4e06db0480fc8ec27cd1faa818.jpeg)
45 7/8. 9”x9”
Not sure if you want “average” billies in your file but don’t shoot one like this on baker.
Crazy how small a difference there is between an average Billy and a giant.
Post by: sjhgraysage on July 23, 2021, 01:16:46 PM
Best wishes on the amazing journey this will be. :tup:
Post by: trophyhunt on July 23, 2021, 02:00:20 PM
Post by: HikerHunter on July 23, 2021, 02:36:00 PM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on July 23, 2021, 03:26:56 PM
Post by: starbailey on July 26, 2021, 11:22:55 AM
Start of a great adventure.
Post by: shanevg on July 26, 2021, 12:37:36 PM
I'm not claiming to be an established expert on this, but length is only 1 of the 5 measurements, with the other 4 being circumference. Nannies typically don't have the mass even if they might have 11"+ horns.
As far as I know, there are no nannies in the record book but I can't find anything concrete to prove one way or the other. There is no "sort by sex" in the B&C database. I perused a LOT of the lower scoring goats and none have mass measurements that indicate to me it's a nanny. I really think a nanny's horns are just so less massive than a billy's that it just isn't possible to make up for the lack of mass measurements, even if you shot a 12" goat which gives you 4" of extra length measurements compared to another "large" billy. I actually have a mounted nanny in my garage from my father-in-law. I'll try to take the time to do some mass measurements this week just to get an idea of how they would compare even with a small billy. We could probably do some guesttimating math to figure out if it would even be possible for a nanny to qualify.
Post by: shanevg on July 26, 2021, 12:51:26 PM
More photos always available on my website: https://www.lonegoatmedia.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/
Here's a video of a past hunter in this area. Around 5:30 mark of the video you can see how I get down the snowfield when I don't have a kid with me. :)
The weekend was a huge success. I do hope to put together a full video recap of the day but for now some pictures will have to do:
Mt. Baker goat country!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-WC3jLnM/0/1aa5782b/L/IMG_7360-3-L.jpg)
Bug nets were definitely needed this weekend. :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-7DZCqDW/0/620ae31e/L/IMG_7356-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-wFf8N5J/0/20f85194/L/IMG_7369-4-L.jpg)
This country never gets old!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-6rNnpZC/0/58853700/L/DSC00607-6-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-8Z7fnRT/0/f49827a8/L/IMG_7398-12-L.jpg)
Baker was having the time of his life!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-g2vsjcq/0/f4516bb0/L/IMG_7391-11-L.jpg)
Getting tired on the final ascent:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-Gc53rjn/0/42181e4f/L/IMG_7452-15-L.jpg)
Some ptarmigan were a great distraction. (Baker REALLY wanted to pet one!)
(Notice 2x ptarmigan, one on left of trail one on right.)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-HS23KzL/0/7ed5b1cb/L/IMG_7463-16-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-xkqgp3X/0/5ee35edb/L/DSC00617-14-L.jpg)
Successful summit!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-Bnr8gZ5/0/ece25478/L/IMG_7471-17-L.jpg)
Goat country:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-8WQjZTL/0/207a6849/L/IMG_7473-18-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-HzjJLpm/0/d35991d9/L/IMG_7489-22-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-7DMnHjs/0/f946ef16/L/IMG_7496-24-L.jpg)
Ended up spotting a nursery herd of 60 goats:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-PWSJpQs/0/48b34d30/L/IMG_7482-19-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-dMNwzDK/0/6e199fa3/L/IMG_7487-20-L.jpg)
Total trip was 8 miles with 2250 feet elevation gain.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-KqcdWMf/0/aca0fbda/L/IMG_7502-25-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-DfcBnwt/0/0576c3d6/L/DSC00634-26-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-s77Lm6J/0/049965e1/L/IMG_7516-29-L.jpg)
Post by: hunterednate on July 26, 2021, 02:31:20 PM
Post by: whacker1 on July 26, 2021, 02:53:45 PM
Post by: shanevg on July 26, 2021, 02:56:50 PM
BTW, when did KUIU start making a Lightning McQueen youth jacket?
Oh man, can you imagine! My boy would be STOKED!!! :chuckle: :IBCOOL:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 27, 2021, 07:13:26 AM
Post by: actionshooter on July 27, 2021, 08:39:57 PM
Post by: SpicyTacos on August 01, 2021, 04:19:06 PM
Good luck Shane.
Post by: shanevg on August 01, 2021, 11:05:31 PM
With my wife out of town for 6 days to cheer on her sister at the CrossFit Games, I wanted to find a way into goat country despite having 3 kids in tow. With the road to the trailhead closed, I packed up our RadRover and hauled all 3 kids to the trailhead:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-CNLjFZK/0/b697664d/L/IMG_7756-Enhanced-3-L.jpg)
The smoke from all the eastside fires had moved into our country which thankfully tempered temperatures a bit and made for some interesting lighting for pictures. I loaded our water, food, bug spray, coats, spotting scope, tripod, and Jubal into our child carrier backpack. Nova and Baker were to hike the entire way themselves.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-6xNgSfp/0/0ca6fb5b/L/IMG_2239-Enhanced-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-KDvpZtj/0/c5d3142a/L/IMG_7778-Enhanced-9-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-H3KL78C/0/ab95ed44/L/IMG_7765-Enhanced-6-L.jpg)
While the hike itself wasn't too bad (3 miles, 1250 feet elevation gain), the big rocky terrain is a lot more difficult for short legs than for full grown adults. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the terrain was breathtaking as always.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-tsdT6Fr/0/44436386/L/IMG_2246-Enhanced-12-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-W86CgzS/0/c0e33561/L/IMG_7780-Enhanced-10-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-fgcqsF8/0/73a8d278/L/IMG_2275-Enhanced-22-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-4NKFqBf/0/26fb34df/L/IMG_2270-Enhanced-21-L.jpg)
I always make an effort when hiking with kids to help them engage in what they are seeing. We marvel at God's handiwork, at the different terrain, rocks, mountains, etc. at different elevations and in different areas of the state/country. We appreciate the different animals that live at 5k+ feet ("glacier spiders" :), marmot/pika, ptarmigan/grouse/Rosy finches, cougars/bear/deer/mountain goat, etc.). We thank God for his creation and also appreciate our part as caretakers in creation and the gift of the resources that God provides for us through his creation (specifically meat!)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-TTBXD5H/0/c2a459f1/L/IMG_7788-Enhanced-15-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-8NhmMdL/0/b753c494/L/IMG_7791-Enhanced-20-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-ZLr5Gsp/0/7341790d/L/IMG_2261-Enhanced-17-L.jpg)
I had a goal in mind for this hike with a great viewpoint where I very frequently am able to glass up goats and was not disappointed on this day. We ended up glassing up a small herd of 7 goats and was able to get a few pictures through the PhoneSkope.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-Kt4bwvZ/0/5041441b/L/IMG_7828-Enhanced-26-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-7B5pbd2/0/5f6fc511/L/IMG_7815-Enhanced-30-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-cW6xLZz/0/e27d3754/L/IMG_7817-Enhanced-29-L.jpg)
The hike out was slow and truthfully arduous for the kids but the feeling of achievement they had at the end of the hike was priceless. We had a really fun ride back to the truck and stopped for pizza on the way home. We got home around 7:30 and they crashed hard and slept in late the next morning. :).
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-dhmKtWb/0/8bebdf8e/L/IMG_2289-Enhanced-27-L.jpg)
Hunting season is here! Not sure how much I'll be getting out this month with a wedding in the family but I'm not concerned. I know this country well and am planning on using September/early October basically as goat scouting while I try to fill my deer, 2x bear, and ideally cougar tags. Hopefully I can locate a great billy or two by the time November rolls around!
Post by: elkrack on August 02, 2021, 08:51:18 AM
Post by: Ironhead on August 02, 2021, 09:15:35 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 02, 2021, 09:27:47 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on August 02, 2021, 09:32:50 AM
So fricken cool, dad of the year award for sure!!!!:yeah:
Post by: elkrack on August 02, 2021, 10:33:23 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on August 05, 2021, 06:41:04 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 05, 2021, 07:16:34 AM
Post by: Bushcraft on August 11, 2021, 03:20:03 PM
Keep us posted on your hunt of a lifetime.
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 11, 2021, 03:53:35 PM
Post by: MountainTracker on August 22, 2021, 10:55:09 PM
I made it out on my first scouting trip this past weekend. My 6 year old son Baker and my 4 year old daughter Nova really want to be involved in this hunt as much as possible. Realistically I can't foresee them getting out with me when I'm actually hunting so I'm making an effort to have them both with me on scouting trips as much as possible. Baker is quite the hiker and was all in on a scouting trip this weekend. We hit one of the common goat hunting areas around Baker (I'm sure a lot of you will recognize the area based on pictures) and Baker hiked the entire way into the heart of goat country. I did put him in my Kifaru pack for the final 150 foot snow field to the ridge top as it was just too steep for him to safely navigate on his own.Don’t know how I didn’t see this post. Congrats on the tag. This is by far one of my favorite hikes. Good thinking on the mosquito net that first part in the trees is a killer with those bugs.
More photos always available on my website: https://www.lonegoatmedia.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/
Here's a video of a past hunter in this area. Around 5:30 mark of the video you can see how I get down the snowfield when I don't have a kid with me. :)
The weekend was a huge success. I do hope to put together a full video recap of the day but for now some pictures will have to do:
Mt. Baker goat country!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-WC3jLnM/0/1aa5782b/L/IMG_7360-3-L.jpg)
Bug nets were definitely needed this weekend. :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-7DZCqDW/0/620ae31e/L/IMG_7356-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-wFf8N5J/0/20f85194/L/IMG_7369-4-L.jpg)
This country never gets old!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-6rNnpZC/0/58853700/L/DSC00607-6-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-8Z7fnRT/0/f49827a8/L/IMG_7398-12-L.jpg)
Baker was having the time of his life!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-g2vsjcq/0/f4516bb0/L/IMG_7391-11-L.jpg)
Getting tired on the final ascent:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-Gc53rjn/0/42181e4f/L/IMG_7452-15-L.jpg)
Some ptarmigan were a great distraction. (Baker REALLY wanted to pet one!)
(Notice 2x ptarmigan, one on left of trail one on right.)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-HS23KzL/0/7ed5b1cb/L/IMG_7463-16-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-xkqgp3X/0/5ee35edb/L/DSC00617-14-L.jpg)
Successful summit!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-Bnr8gZ5/0/ece25478/L/IMG_7471-17-L.jpg)
Goat country:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-8WQjZTL/0/207a6849/L/IMG_7473-18-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-HzjJLpm/0/d35991d9/L/IMG_7489-22-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-7DMnHjs/0/f946ef16/L/IMG_7496-24-L.jpg)
Ended up spotting a nursery herd of 60 goats:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-PWSJpQs/0/48b34d30/L/IMG_7482-19-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-dMNwzDK/0/6e199fa3/L/IMG_7487-20-L.jpg)
Total trip was 8 miles with 2250 feet elevation gain.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-KqcdWMf/0/aca0fbda/L/IMG_7502-25-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-DfcBnwt/0/0576c3d6/L/DSC00634-26-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-s77Lm6J/0/049965e1/L/IMG_7516-29-L.jpg)
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Post by: bearpaw on August 23, 2021, 09:41:04 AM
Post by: DIron on August 24, 2021, 01:12:46 PM
Post by: SpicyTacos on October 25, 2021, 08:16:17 PM
🐐
Post by: luvmystang67 on October 26, 2021, 07:00:20 PM
Hey Yo!!!
🐐
What... does this mean? Is there a goat?
Post by: jackelope on October 26, 2021, 07:07:01 PM
Hey Yo!!!
🐐
What... does this mean? Is there a goat?
According to my most recent social media posts I've seen, there's no goat yet.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 26, 2021, 07:26:11 PM
Trust me we had three, only ever got them all together hiking, once they started hunting could only get two together at once.🤣
Can’t wait for more hunting episodes.👍
Post by: Jpmiller on October 26, 2021, 08:01:42 PM
But for real, I love following these goat hunts. Hope you're having a blast!
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 26, 2021, 08:04:31 PM
Post by: emac on October 26, 2021, 08:50:01 PM
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: RB on October 26, 2021, 09:33:40 PM
I think he is more active on factbook. But I am not on there also so I am sure that's where people are getting there updates.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
:yeah:
If you are on Facebook go to Lone Goat Media and like his page, he just updated today no Billy yet but some spectacular photos!
Post by: jackelope on October 26, 2021, 09:34:17 PM
@lonegoatMedia
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 27, 2021, 10:50:08 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 28, 2021, 10:57:33 AM
Hunt-WA is the only form of social media that I do. I guess I'll have to sit here patiently for updates. Like I'm in a treestand.... 8):yeah: except the tree stand part. I don't have the patience for that. :chuckle:
Post by: hunter399 on October 28, 2021, 12:22:34 PM
Hunt-WA is the only form of social media that I do. I guess I'll have to sit here patiently for updates. Like I'm in a treestand.... 8)Yup ,me too ,dropped Facebook and all that like 10+ years ago.
Post by: elkrack on November 09, 2021, 06:45:40 PM
Post by: Katmai Guy on November 09, 2021, 06:55:42 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on November 09, 2021, 09:32:30 PM
Havent seen anything on Instagram for a few days. Hope the weather doesnt lock him out and end his season.
Oh man would fhat be disappointing. Not knowing him at All but reading his stuff on here I have more faith in him than most for this hunt, I'm betting he figures out how to get it done.
I'd be a nervous wreck in his shoes. Checking weather forecasts and calling out from work everyday.
Post by: X-Force on November 09, 2021, 11:34:28 PM
I was south of the unit yesterday and got to a trail head with 14-16” of snow.
Shane won’t get snowed out, I just hope goats stay in the area where he can hunt them.
Post by: MountainTracker on November 10, 2021, 07:56:46 AM
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Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 10, 2021, 08:57:46 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 10, 2021, 10:56:39 AM
If anyone will get it done in harsh conditions it’s him. This is his dream!
I am sure we will see a big ole billy down before to crazy long.
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 10, 2021, 11:24:21 AM
Post by: jackelope on November 11, 2021, 03:17:37 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 20, 2021, 09:19:37 PM
Hunt was not easy. Goats were scarcer than I'm used to and weather made things difficult as season progressed. With all the snow, I wasn't able to access my favorite November spot which gives me a good chance with a bow so it became a rifle hunt once November hit. I never did turn up a truly giant Booner billy. But that's OK! The adventure was EVERYTHING I ever dreamed of and I was able to take a great 6 year old, 10-1/8" billy yesterday with a great friend along to help survive the treacherous conditions! :)
God is so good! This hunt was AMAZING! I couldn't be happier with the end result!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-ds5p7fs/0/bfadf17f/L/P1040077-Enhanced-1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-6JS3PvK/0/4ee24157/L/P1040081-Enhanced-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-GVfM4fk/0/c8a7247a/L/P1040087-Enhanced-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/i-C7NqDvr/0/fd9e9891/L/IMG_3026-Enhanced-7-L.jpg)
For those interested - all my pictures I've edited (so far) can be found at the link below. I still have 3x more days of hunting to edit from the last week or so so still more photos to come. :)
https://www.lonegoatmedia.com/Hunting/2021-Washington/
Again, I promise to do a complete write up with photos/videos in coming weeks.
Post by: elkrack on November 20, 2021, 09:24:04 PM
Post by: jackelope on November 20, 2021, 09:26:36 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on November 20, 2021, 09:41:25 PM
Super impressive to get it done in some good snow too.
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 20, 2021, 09:56:49 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 20, 2021, 10:01:03 PM
Post by: MountainTracker on November 20, 2021, 11:02:05 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: X-Force on November 20, 2021, 11:06:07 PM
Congrats on the epic adventure, staying safe and living a dream
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 21, 2021, 04:24:36 AM
Post by: hunterednate on November 21, 2021, 05:17:04 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 21, 2021, 05:45:17 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 21, 2021, 06:57:22 AM
Post by: 92xj on November 21, 2021, 07:19:35 AM
Post by: Ironhead on November 21, 2021, 07:28:49 AM
Post by: Bogge45 on November 21, 2021, 07:42:46 AM
Post by: EmeraldBullet on November 21, 2021, 11:58:27 AM
Congrats sir, very impressive
Post by: Caseyd on November 21, 2021, 01:09:35 PM
Have to say my favorite part was the kids getting out
Post by: RB on November 21, 2021, 08:05:27 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 21, 2021, 09:04:11 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 22, 2021, 10:04:55 AM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on November 22, 2021, 10:39:09 AM
Post by: Big6bull on November 22, 2021, 06:01:24 PM
Post by: highside74 on November 22, 2021, 06:21:13 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 22, 2021, 07:47:53 PM
Post by: arrowflinger on November 22, 2021, 07:53:35 PM
Post by: luvmystang67 on November 23, 2021, 12:00:48 PM
NICE WORK!
Post by: Jackjr on November 23, 2021, 09:27:16 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 24, 2021, 03:19:21 PM
someone mentioned a video?
NICE WORK!
Here's a video of the shot. I have lots of footage of this hunt. I definitely plan on putting together a video at some point.
Post by: MountainTracker on November 24, 2021, 03:31:24 PM
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Post by: Bogge45 on November 28, 2021, 04:24:29 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 28, 2021, 04:31:46 PM
I enjoy living vicariously through others... :chuckle:
:'(
Post by: Yakirack on November 29, 2021, 10:31:42 AM
Post by: bearpaw on December 05, 2021, 12:59:11 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on December 05, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Post by: shootem on December 05, 2021, 03:48:49 PM