Just got back from BC and wanted to share my experience with you guys.
Like my fellow Rokslider, NoDakfarmin, I too booked through WTA/EOA. Congrats to him for getting it done in a couple of days! Was really pumped to get an InReach message that he had gotten his goat!
I'll start with my pack list -
x2 - 145 Merino long sleeve zip tees
x3 - Smartwool socks
x2 - Icebreaker Merino underwear
x1 - Icebreaker Merino long underwear
Patagonia Qandry Pant
Kuiu Guide Vest
Sitka Kelvin Pants
Sitka Cloudburst Pants
Sitka Cloudburst Jacket
Sitka Aerolite Jacket
Sitka Kelvin Lite Hoody
Fleece Gloves
Kuiu Yukon Gloves
Kuiu Puffy Gloves
North Face Headband
Kuiu Cap
LL Bean 35* Bag
Sleeping Pad + Inflation Pump
Mountain Star 2P Tent
Small Towel
Binos + Harness
Slik Tripod + Outdoorsman's Pan Head
Leica APO Spotter
Sony Camera
InReach
Kill Kit + Toiletries
Started in Houston and flew to Vancouver, had a set back with customs and ended up missing my connection to Whitehorse. Luckily, the lady at Air Canada was able to reschedule my flight for a later time and I ended up arriving in Whitehorse at midnight. Luckily, rifle and ammo arrived.
The next day, NoDakFarmin and I met at the hotel lobby and were picked up and taken to the lake so we could fly out to Telegraph Creek. We loaded up, briefed on safety, and off we went! Arrived in Telegraph an hour later, dropped off a sheep hunter, picked up a guide, and taken to "Glacier" code name for the lake, and area we would be hunting.
NoDakfarmin and I shared a tent at "Glacier" Camp, got to know the guides Brad, Timber, and Charlie. We re-packed for the following day, which is when we would go our respective ways. Morning came early and with waders on, off we went, NoDakfarmin went with Timber and Charlie, I followed Brad.
The goal was to reach spike camp, approximately 12 miles from "Glacier" Camp. While the terrain was relatively flat, it was littered with rocks, sand, and numerous creek crossings - some where the water was waist deep. About a third of the way there I fell into a small section of quicksand, and had river water rush into my waders. No harm, no foul, but decided it might be a good time to take my pants off as the sweat had soaked into them. A little while later, a ring of fire was forming around my calves - or the part where the wader boot and pant connect - sand had gotten there and started rubbing. I was miserable, the rubbing was unbearable. We came upon a section of sand and I dropped my pack, trekking poles, and undid my waders and laid there contemplating many life decisions, however, to my surprise, Brad came up and checked on me, camp was only 500 yards away. I later told him I might have been a little harder on myself than perhaps I should have.
We set up camp, pitched my tent, set up my sleep system and tried to make the space as cozy as possible. We glassed the rest of the afternoon and spotted several billies at different peaks around us.
The next morning, after oatmeal and hot chocolate, we hiked 2 miles upstream (in our waders) and then another 30 minutes over rock flats to a big rock we would glass the "gettable" shale field at the end of the valley. We only spent a few hours here before Brad made the call to head back early, the river had started to swell and he was concerned we would not be able to make it back. A few hours later, and a few new hot spots, made it back to camp. I dipped my feet in the river, let them dry in the sun and Leuko taped them. We glassed the rest of the afternoon from camp, but didnt see anything worth pursuing.
Morning came, and doubled up on the socks, we made our way back to the glassing rock. We arrived and quickly identified goats on the shale field. We looked at one with a big-ish body and decided we should try to get a closer look, in case he was a shooter. We gained elevation, and started making the hike to a flat rock on a boulder field adjacent to the shale where the billy was. Along the way, we found a small waterfall that would serve as our water fountain and point where we would start gaining elevation. Several hours later, we made it to the "flat rock", and put eyes on this goat.. to our surprise, its horns were shaped like a females, so we both concluded it was a nanny. Sun bearing down on us we moved around this rock like lizards chasing the shade. The view was great, and managed to sneak a snack of sardines, trail mix, and half a pop tart while we were there. We alternated watching the nanny and on my watch "she" finally got up and turned around, presenting us with a proper set of balls! I quickly called Brad over and to both or our surprises the "nanny" was a HE! We nicknamed it Nanny-boy. Brad asked if I wanted to shoot this Nanny-boy, I politely declined. He was glad we passed on it too. Back we went. Made it home late, and soaked in sweat but quickly got into my down and managed to get warm.
Its now Thursday, and the shale field now held four goats, two had big bodies on them and Brad said they both were worth getting close. Back up the creek we went, this time, we switched into our hiking boots from waders as soon as we made it passed the last crossing. We moved a little faster to the glassing rock. Once there, these two big bodied goats had laid down and were both in "gettable" position. We retraced our steps from the previous day, but this time chose a rock about 150 yards right of the flat rock we had spent the previous day at. We made it to the point, and after a stealthy hike, we were able to set up his backpack and my rifle for a shot. We ranged one billy at 515 yards, it was napping. As we contemplated getting a little closer, we noticed Nanny-boy had us pinned down dead to rights about 400 yards above us. There was no way we could move without Nanny-boy blowing our cover. We waited.
Suddenly, a white blurry blob appeared from behind the bedded billy, this one with a distinctly larger body. I turned to Brad, and he already had eyes on him, "hes walking this way, lets be patient." I agreed, lets see how close this guy can get. Minutes, felt like hours and before long, he was at 580 yards, then 575, then 550, then back at 575. Knowing it would take us about 2 hours to get off the mountain, time was of the essence to making a determination on whether we would shoot this billy or not.
The billy got broadside, and my first shot rang out. "Again!" shouted Brad, two more rounds, both missed shots. During this, the billy ran towards us and onto a rock ledge, Brad ranged him at 500, the goat was hurting. I fired another, hit his spine. He dropped. I was completely relieved, but he was still alive. He rolled once, kept kicking, rolled again, this time down an ice patch, much closer to us now, but a large shale and rock field still separated us.
Brad made it to the billy first, and got a final shot into him. Before he did though, he asked if it was ok with me, not wanting the billy to suffer more, I quickly agreed. I was also about 75 - 100 yards behind him. A few seconds after his shot rang out, "are we proud of him, Brad?" I yelled out. "We sure are, buddy, we sure are!"
He had everything Brad and I had talked about. He was an older goat, with a coat that had a yellow-ish hue, and a big body. Everything else, would fall into place.
We took pictures and quickly got to work. Brad took the hind quarters (de-boned) and backstraps, I took the cape and head. Down we went, the same route we went up, because it would be the safest if nightfall caught up to us. After several breaks, we made it to the waterfall. We would start our last descent here, then it be walking back to camp and crossing the creek. Charlie headed to our side of the valley after NoDakfarmin had punched his tag a few days prior, and made it just in time to meet us about 15 minutes from camp. He helped me with my pack and we all made it to camp! Tired, but extremely happy that I had punched my tag.
We had decided that Friday would be a rest day and that Saturday would be the day we made the 12 mile trek back to "Glacier" Camp. We got word, however, that the float plane was not available on Sunday and only available Saturday afternoon. Plans changed, and the decision to head back to "Glacier" Camp (or at least half way there) on Friday night was made. As luck would have it, half way there, the crossing was too dangerous and we decided to wait it out. It was midnight, so we started a fire. Several hours later and the river was still too high. We ended up staying up all night watching the water levels and feeding the camp fire to keep us warm. Huddled around it in our puffy clothes and rain gear, we spent the night under the stars. Morning took forever, but eventually showed its face. The water level was safe now, we gathered our gear and off we went! Made it to camp a few hours later, and started preparing for the float plane to arrive. We cooked up some of the backstrap and before I knew it, I was packing up the float plane and getting a safety briefing. Back to Whitehorse.
This was without a doubt, the most physically demanding hunt I have been on, but getting the goat was conversely, extremely gratifying. It was a great experience for a first backpack hunt. Logistics were pretty seamless, and the outfitter was great at responding to my text messages. I dont know if I'll do another mountain goat hunt, but I sure enjoyed this one!
Like my fellow Rokslider, NoDakfarmin, I too booked through WTA/EOA. Congrats to him for getting it done in a couple of days! Was really pumped to get an InReach message that he had gotten his goat!
I'll start with my pack list -
x2 - 145 Merino long sleeve zip tees
x3 - Smartwool socks
x2 - Icebreaker Merino underwear
x1 - Icebreaker Merino long underwear
Patagonia Qandry Pant
Kuiu Guide Vest
Sitka Kelvin Pants
Sitka Cloudburst Pants
Sitka Cloudburst Jacket
Sitka Aerolite Jacket
Sitka Kelvin Lite Hoody
Fleece Gloves
Kuiu Yukon Gloves
Kuiu Puffy Gloves
North Face Headband
Kuiu Cap
LL Bean 35* Bag
Sleeping Pad + Inflation Pump
Mountain Star 2P Tent
Small Towel
Binos + Harness
Slik Tripod + Outdoorsman's Pan Head
Leica APO Spotter
Sony Camera
InReach
Kill Kit + Toiletries
Started in Houston and flew to Vancouver, had a set back with customs and ended up missing my connection to Whitehorse. Luckily, the lady at Air Canada was able to reschedule my flight for a later time and I ended up arriving in Whitehorse at midnight. Luckily, rifle and ammo arrived.
The next day, NoDakFarmin and I met at the hotel lobby and were picked up and taken to the lake so we could fly out to Telegraph Creek. We loaded up, briefed on safety, and off we went! Arrived in Telegraph an hour later, dropped off a sheep hunter, picked up a guide, and taken to "Glacier" code name for the lake, and area we would be hunting.
NoDakfarmin and I shared a tent at "Glacier" Camp, got to know the guides Brad, Timber, and Charlie. We re-packed for the following day, which is when we would go our respective ways. Morning came early and with waders on, off we went, NoDakfarmin went with Timber and Charlie, I followed Brad.
The goal was to reach spike camp, approximately 12 miles from "Glacier" Camp. While the terrain was relatively flat, it was littered with rocks, sand, and numerous creek crossings - some where the water was waist deep. About a third of the way there I fell into a small section of quicksand, and had river water rush into my waders. No harm, no foul, but decided it might be a good time to take my pants off as the sweat had soaked into them. A little while later, a ring of fire was forming around my calves - or the part where the wader boot and pant connect - sand had gotten there and started rubbing. I was miserable, the rubbing was unbearable. We came upon a section of sand and I dropped my pack, trekking poles, and undid my waders and laid there contemplating many life decisions, however, to my surprise, Brad came up and checked on me, camp was only 500 yards away. I later told him I might have been a little harder on myself than perhaps I should have.
We set up camp, pitched my tent, set up my sleep system and tried to make the space as cozy as possible. We glassed the rest of the afternoon and spotted several billies at different peaks around us.
The next morning, after oatmeal and hot chocolate, we hiked 2 miles upstream (in our waders) and then another 30 minutes over rock flats to a big rock we would glass the "gettable" shale field at the end of the valley. We only spent a few hours here before Brad made the call to head back early, the river had started to swell and he was concerned we would not be able to make it back. A few hours later, and a few new hot spots, made it back to camp. I dipped my feet in the river, let them dry in the sun and Leuko taped them. We glassed the rest of the afternoon from camp, but didnt see anything worth pursuing.
Morning came, and doubled up on the socks, we made our way back to the glassing rock. We arrived and quickly identified goats on the shale field. We looked at one with a big-ish body and decided we should try to get a closer look, in case he was a shooter. We gained elevation, and started making the hike to a flat rock on a boulder field adjacent to the shale where the billy was. Along the way, we found a small waterfall that would serve as our water fountain and point where we would start gaining elevation. Several hours later, we made it to the "flat rock", and put eyes on this goat.. to our surprise, its horns were shaped like a females, so we both concluded it was a nanny. Sun bearing down on us we moved around this rock like lizards chasing the shade. The view was great, and managed to sneak a snack of sardines, trail mix, and half a pop tart while we were there. We alternated watching the nanny and on my watch "she" finally got up and turned around, presenting us with a proper set of balls! I quickly called Brad over and to both or our surprises the "nanny" was a HE! We nicknamed it Nanny-boy. Brad asked if I wanted to shoot this Nanny-boy, I politely declined. He was glad we passed on it too. Back we went. Made it home late, and soaked in sweat but quickly got into my down and managed to get warm.
Its now Thursday, and the shale field now held four goats, two had big bodies on them and Brad said they both were worth getting close. Back up the creek we went, this time, we switched into our hiking boots from waders as soon as we made it passed the last crossing. We moved a little faster to the glassing rock. Once there, these two big bodied goats had laid down and were both in "gettable" position. We retraced our steps from the previous day, but this time chose a rock about 150 yards right of the flat rock we had spent the previous day at. We made it to the point, and after a stealthy hike, we were able to set up his backpack and my rifle for a shot. We ranged one billy at 515 yards, it was napping. As we contemplated getting a little closer, we noticed Nanny-boy had us pinned down dead to rights about 400 yards above us. There was no way we could move without Nanny-boy blowing our cover. We waited.
Suddenly, a white blurry blob appeared from behind the bedded billy, this one with a distinctly larger body. I turned to Brad, and he already had eyes on him, "hes walking this way, lets be patient." I agreed, lets see how close this guy can get. Minutes, felt like hours and before long, he was at 580 yards, then 575, then 550, then back at 575. Knowing it would take us about 2 hours to get off the mountain, time was of the essence to making a determination on whether we would shoot this billy or not.
The billy got broadside, and my first shot rang out. "Again!" shouted Brad, two more rounds, both missed shots. During this, the billy ran towards us and onto a rock ledge, Brad ranged him at 500, the goat was hurting. I fired another, hit his spine. He dropped. I was completely relieved, but he was still alive. He rolled once, kept kicking, rolled again, this time down an ice patch, much closer to us now, but a large shale and rock field still separated us.
Brad made it to the billy first, and got a final shot into him. Before he did though, he asked if it was ok with me, not wanting the billy to suffer more, I quickly agreed. I was also about 75 - 100 yards behind him. A few seconds after his shot rang out, "are we proud of him, Brad?" I yelled out. "We sure are, buddy, we sure are!"
He had everything Brad and I had talked about. He was an older goat, with a coat that had a yellow-ish hue, and a big body. Everything else, would fall into place.
We took pictures and quickly got to work. Brad took the hind quarters (de-boned) and backstraps, I took the cape and head. Down we went, the same route we went up, because it would be the safest if nightfall caught up to us. After several breaks, we made it to the waterfall. We would start our last descent here, then it be walking back to camp and crossing the creek. Charlie headed to our side of the valley after NoDakfarmin had punched his tag a few days prior, and made it just in time to meet us about 15 minutes from camp. He helped me with my pack and we all made it to camp! Tired, but extremely happy that I had punched my tag.
We had decided that Friday would be a rest day and that Saturday would be the day we made the 12 mile trek back to "Glacier" Camp. We got word, however, that the float plane was not available on Sunday and only available Saturday afternoon. Plans changed, and the decision to head back to "Glacier" Camp (or at least half way there) on Friday night was made. As luck would have it, half way there, the crossing was too dangerous and we decided to wait it out. It was midnight, so we started a fire. Several hours later and the river was still too high. We ended up staying up all night watching the water levels and feeding the camp fire to keep us warm. Huddled around it in our puffy clothes and rain gear, we spent the night under the stars. Morning took forever, but eventually showed its face. The water level was safe now, we gathered our gear and off we went! Made it to camp a few hours later, and started preparing for the float plane to arrive. We cooked up some of the backstrap and before I knew it, I was packing up the float plane and getting a safety briefing. Back to Whitehorse.
This was without a doubt, the most physically demanding hunt I have been on, but getting the goat was conversely, extremely gratifying. It was a great experience for a first backpack hunt. Logistics were pretty seamless, and the outfitter was great at responding to my text messages. I dont know if I'll do another mountain goat hunt, but I sure enjoyed this one!
