Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Other Big Game => Topic started by: shanevg on July 20, 2021, 02:52:39 PM
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Scouting Trip 1 update on Page 5 of thread
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.
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Congratulations!! Looking forward to following along on your journey.
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WOW. Congrats! Probably not many who deserve that tag more.
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Congrats! How many tickets I’m curious!
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So cool that you drew that tag, that’s perfect!! I’m not sure I have Instagram but have to find a way to follow you on this adventure!!! Super congrats!!
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Congratulations! I wish you a safe and successful hunt. I look forward to the story! :tup:
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Congratulations! Enjoy the journey!
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: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.
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Sounds like you have an epic year ahead of you. Congrats and hope you find your booner goat!!
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Wow, congrats!!! Excited to tag along on this one!
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Congrats Shane I’m glad you finally got it! Looking forward to following. I don’t do much in social media so Instagram is out for me. I hope you keep this thread updated along the way.
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As mentioned above, no one deserves it more. Congrats Shane. Can't wait to see this play out.
Good luck and be safe.
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: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:
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Congrats!!!! No one could deserve it or want it more. I'm thrilled this is your year!!!! Make the most of it and yes God is GOOD!!!
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Congrats 😜👍 You truly deserve this hunt of a life time. You have thrown enough info and help to other member over the years it’s your turn 😎
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Congratulations
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Wow ShaneVG, after all these years you pull the best goat tag in the State. Congratulations, don't forget to enjoy every moment. I am excited to follow along and see that beautiful country and the amazing animals that call it home.
What an adventure you have ahead of you!
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Congrats man. I am excited for you. “In your backyard” that makes it all that much sweeter. Looking forward to the story.
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:tup:
CONGRATS!!!
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Looking forward to the story and pics!! :tup:
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Shane if anyone deserves this tag it’s you!
Congrats man!
Can’t wait to follow along.
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Congrats !
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Wow congratulations!
You have shared some amazing photos with us over the years!
I truly can’t wait to see how much his hunt turns out.
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Very happy for you!!!!
I've seen your passion for goats on here.
Hard to think of someone who will appreciate it more. :tup: :tup:
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Congrats and good luck. Looking forward to following along!
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Awesome, very much looking forward to reading about your hunt and seeing your photos. :tup:
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As I said in the other thread, CONGRATS.
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!!!
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I cam't think of a better person to have the opportunity to hunt the raffle. Congrats and can't wait to see your adventures start to end on your journey for your dream hunt.
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Congratulations!
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
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Congrats👌
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Congrats! Love these stories
Enjoy every moment!
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This is awesome!! Congrats and can’t wait to tag along!
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glad you got it, couldn't think of anyone more deserving.
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This made my day! Be hard pressed to find a guy who wants it more than you my man! Enjoy every second of it :tup:
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Congrats Shane, out of curiosity what did you spend on goat? That was my all in also. Guarantee that you’ll do the tag justice!!
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Congrats! Can’t wait to see pics and hear the story.
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Awesome! Enjoy the hunt and good luck
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Awesome, can't wait to read about it.
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Congratulations Shane, so cool that you finally got drawn!
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awesome! and congrats on the tag. Cant wait to follow along on your journey
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Congrats :tup:
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It’s great to see someone get their ultimate dream tag! Enjoy every minute of it!!
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I'm seeing a pattern here, Shane is such a good guy with all of us pulling for him, this draw was bound to happen. Never felt better about someone drawing a tag before, I can't wait for this to happen. Congrats again.
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Best things I’ve seen all week. Congrats! Looking forward to following along.
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I like your plan to wait for a good winter coat. Absolutely no rush or pressure since you know these goats and where they hang out so well. Start saving for a full body mount!
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Thanks for the kind words everyone! I'm so excited to finally get this tag and will definitely share the hunt from beginning to end with all of you.
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)
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@jackelope
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No expert here, but when I saw that on Facebook I thought 9.5-10”
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I’m going with 52”, an all time Booner regardless of how much over 50” he is.
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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?
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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.
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Sweet, you'll have to repeat that too me next year when I draw my goat tag! :chuckle:
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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.
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This is awesome. Good luck. Really excited to see the pics on this one!
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So rad!! Congratulations and can't wait to follow your hunt from afar. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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.
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Congrats, tagging along for a great success story.
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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! :)
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50 4/8” officially scored net
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50 4/8” officially scored net
Any base/length measurements?
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Sent pm
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I’m pretty sure that nannie identifies as a male!!
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Look at this one. What do you think. Crappy pick but I got to see him real close
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/e3bf1eb4f794bc3e4eaa25d655e91a08.jpg)
(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.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/e3bf1eb4f794bc3e4eaa25d655e91a08.jpg)
(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.
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!
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Congrats Shane!
Best wishes on the amazing journey this will be. :tup:
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Really stupid question here, but can nannies be in the books or is it just billies? That nanny looks like a record goat!
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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.
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Congrats! I've been off here for a while, and this was the first post I saw!
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Congratulations on a great tag!
Start of a great adventure.
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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.
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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.
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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Those photos are stunning, and your kid is a beast!! Congrats to him on making it to the top. BTW, when did KUIU start making a Lightning McQueen youth jacket?
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following along
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BTW, when did KUIU start making a Lightning McQueen youth jacket?
Oh man, can you imagine! My boy would be STOKED!!! :chuckle: :IBCOOL:
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Haha love it! Kids are so much more capable than we give them credit for. Good on you for getting him out and pushing him. He will be a beast when he gets bigger.
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Congrats on the tag! Always loved seeing your pics and good job dragging the kids along!
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Congratulations. You’re an inspiration. I know you’ll find what you’re looking for up there. Amazing how your father took you up to the mountains as an 8yr old kid and now you’ve got the tag of your dreams. Kudos to your dad. I think all of your posts are top notch.
Good luck Shane.
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One of my goals with this hunt (and honestly in life in general) is to involve my family and kids as much as possible. I have an 18 month old son (Jubal), 4 year old daughter (Nova), and 6 year old son (Baker.). Both Nova and Baker have been on overnight hunting trips with me in the past, Baker was even along on a successful backcountry bear hunt when he was just 4 years old. It may sound crazy considering I have a goat tag in my pocket considering the habitat that goats live in, but I really want to involve the kids as much as possible in this hunting experience. So far that's been 2x scouting trips for Baker and as of this weekend a scouting trip with both Nova and Jubal along as well.
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!
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Pretty dang epic! :tup:
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Awesome, the kids look like they are having a blast too.
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So fricken cool, dad of the year award for sure!!!!
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So fricken cool, dad of the year award for sure!!!!
:yeah:
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!
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There are days taking all three of my kids to the store is daunting lol good on you for taking them out like that. That's alot of planning and a huge sacrifice on the productivity of a scouting trip but I'm positive it'll benefit your kiddos in the long term.
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That's so awesome. Such great memories for all of you. :tup:
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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Shane!!!
Keep us posted on your hunt of a lifetime.
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I can't wait to see the culmination of your efforts, Shane!
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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.
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)
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Job well done dad! Lifetime memories for everyone involved! :tup: :tup:
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Shane, thank you for the great pictures and the fantastic story. More importantly, THANK YOU, for being such a great parent. Your leadership and sense of adventure will remain strong in those youngsters. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and good luck!
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Hey Yo!!!
🐐